Outdoors/Backyard/Pool Are all walkways and outdoor stairways well lit? Are all walkways clear of toys, objects, or anything blocking a clear path? Are all sidewalks and outdoor stairways free of concrete cracks or missing pieces? Are all garbage cans securely covered? Are all swing sets parts free from rust, splinters, and sharp edges? Are all parts on swing sets or other outdoor equipment securely fastened? Is the surface beneath the swing set soft enough (cushioned with material such as sand, mulch, wood chips, or approved rubber surfacing mats) to absorb the shock of a fall? Are all outdoor toys put away in a secure, dry place when not in use? Is there climb-proof fencing at least 5 feet (1.5 meters) high on all sides of the pool? Does the pool fence have a self-closing gate with a childproof lock? If the pool can be accessed through a door to the house, do you have a door alarm installed? Have all ladders been removed from an above-ground pool when not in use? Other Safety Issues Have you removed any poisonous houseplants? Do you have a no-smoking rule in your home to protect kids from secondhand smoke? Has your house been tested for lead, radon, asbestos, mercury, mold, and carbon monoxide? If there are guns in the home, are they kept in a locked cabinet with the key hidden and the ammunition locked separately? Do you always supervise your child around pets, especially dogs? Back to Articles Related Articles Household Safety Checklists Young kids love to explore their homes, but are unaware of the potential dangers. Learn how to protect them with our handy household safety checklists. Read More Household Safety: Preventing Drowning Water safety is important at any age, but especially if you have babies or toddlers. Here's how to reduce drowning risks. Read More Playground Safety Following these safety guidelines can make neighborhood playgrounds entertaining and safe for your kids. Read More Water Safety Kids need constant supervision around water - whether the water is in a bathtub, pool, the sea, or a water park. Here's how to keep them safe. Read More Childproofing and Preventing Household Accidents You might think of babies and toddlers when you hear the words "babyproofing" or "childproofing," but unintentional injury is the leading cause of death in kids 14 and under. Read More Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor. © 1995-2021 KidsHealth®. All rights reserved. Images provided by The Nemours Foundation, iStock, Getty Images, Veer, Shutterstock, and Clipart.com.