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It pays in many ways to make safety checks a part of your
routine, from the daily sweeps of the program to make sure everything is safety
stored away, to the fire drills that keep children and staff alike aware of the
steps to take in an emergency.
Fire Safety
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Monthly checks that smoke detectors are in working order |
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All exits clear at all times |
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Quick-opening locks on windows |
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Monthly fire safety drills, and "stop, drop, and
roll" drills with all staff and children |
Electrical Safety
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Electrical outlets have clear, childproof covers |
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Electrical appliances free of loose plugs, fraying cords,
or bare wires |
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Wires and extension cords do not run under rugs or
carpeting or across floor in traffic areas |
Kitchen Safety
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Children supervised closely in the kitchen |
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Extreme care used if heating baby bottles in
microwave: content can be alternately scalding and cool, and should be
shaken well and tested before
given to baby |
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Household cleaners, abrasives, products, and toxins
kept in original, clearly marked containers, and kept locked out of
children's sight and reach |
Bathroom Safety
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Hot water heater set below 120 degrees Fahrenheit to
prevent scalding |
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Medications and other hazardous items kept in locked
cabinets out of children's reach |
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Young children supervised in the bathroom; toilets
have lid locks if children are three or younger |
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Sturdy non-tip stepstool provided if the toilet or
sink is high |
Classrooms/Child Care Areas
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Electrical outlets covered with clear, childproof
plastic covers |
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Radiators covered with secure radiator covers |
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Toys have no sharp edges, and are not a choking
hazard |
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Safety gates (not accordion-style) installed at the
top and bottom of stairs |
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Houseplants kept out of children's reach; plants are
not poisonous |
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Curtain cords, Venetian blind cords, etc., fastened
up out of children's reach |
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Jumpers or swings used instead of walkers |
Pet Safety
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Children taught to keep faces away from pets'
mouths, beaks, or claws, and to
wash hands after handling or playing with pets |
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Many reptiles carry salmonella (a dangerous
bacteria) and are inappropriate pets for children |
Window Safety
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Window guards or stops installed in all rooms where
young children spend time |
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Windows opened from the top, not the bottom |
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Furniture kept away from windows to discourage
climbing near windows |
Water Safety
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Children never left alone near a wading pool,
bathtub, or other body of water |
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Children under three never left alone, even near a
bucket of water or a toilet |
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Adults keep constant eye on children playing in or
around water: drowning can occur in less than two minutes |
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Wading pools emptied after each use |
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Five-foot fence with a locking gate encircles pool;
gate kept locked at all times |
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