Children, of course, are curious by nature. Coffee tables turn into jungle gyms and couch cushions become a fort. While it’s not possible to completely childproof your home, you can take specific measures that will secure your house against basic injuries. Read these five tips for childproofing your home to keep your children safe and sound.

Reach for cover

Potentially dangerous items should be covered up from prying eyes that will want to investigate. You’ll want to put child-safe covers on light sockets. Additionally, childproof window guards keep children from opening windows, and safety netting on windows prevents accidental falls. You might even put shields on light fixtures to prevent little fingers from getting burnt.

It’s about the gear

Inspect your furniture, stairs, and household goods for potential dangers, and install protective devices if needed. For example, anchors prevent tipping appliances, like a TV or a microwave oven, from tipping. You can also use edge bumpers to cover sharp corners that may be a hazard for your child. Pool noodles are fantastic, inexpensive guards against sharp edges like coffee tables or hearth corners. Furthermore, you may need safety gates to keep toddlers off of stairs and from entering rooms with potential dangers.

Just out of reach

Place dangerous items in locked or childproof cabinets with safety latches to prevent poisonings and other injuries. You’ll want to pay special attention to small objects that could be choking hazards, dangerous chemicals, cleaning supplies, and medications. You should also lock away guns and other firearms. Plastic bags, matches, candles, and lighters should all be kept out of reach as well.

Check your alarms

Make sure you have working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms to alert you of potential dangers. Use smoke alarms on every level of your home and install CO alarms near sleeping areas. Check them once a month, replacing the batteries yearly, or consider using a 10-year battery.

Water safety measures

Be extra cautious when water is involved. Use layers of protection, including a gate around a pool or spa. The fence should be at least four feet tall with self-closing and self-latching gates. You may also consider a pool alarm as an extra layer of protection. Doors leading to the pool should have an alarm, or the pool should have a safety cover. Additionally, you should never leave a child unattended in a bathtub, swimming pool, or spa.

Even if you have children occasionally visit, like grandchildren, it’s a good idea to plan in advance to make your home safer. Even if your house seems safe to an adult, kids will always find errors in childproofing. So, think like a child and really investigate your home. We hope these five tips for childproofing your home will help you keep your kids safe all year round.