Caregiver's Safety Inspection Checklist

A comprehensive checklist to help ensure a safe environment before, during, and after watching a child.

For Emergencies

The emergency phone list has been filled out and is posted.
The first aid kit is properly stocked and stored away.
I know where the working flashlights, battery-operated radio and extra batteries are located.

Knives, hand tools, power tools, razor blades, scissors, guns, ammunition and other objects that can cause injury are stored in locked cabinets or locked storage areas.

Safety gates are installed at all open stairways when taking care of small children and infants.
Windows and balcony doors have childproof latches or window guards.
Balconies have protective barriers to prevent children from slipping through the bars.
The home is free of clutter on the floors, especially on or near stairways.

Potential poisons, like detergents, polishes, pesticides, car-care fluids, lighter fluids and lamp oils, are stored in locked cabinets and are out of reach of children.
Houseplants are kept out of reach.
Medicine is kept in a locked storage place that children can't reach.
Child-resistant packaging is closed or reclosed securely.

Safety covers are placed on all unused electrical outlets.
Loose cords are secured and out of the way. Multi-cord or octopus plugs are not used.
At least one approved smoke alarm is installed and operating on each level of the home.
Space heaters are placed out of reach of children and away from curtains.
Flammable liquids are securely stored in their original containers and away from heat.
Matches and lighters are stored out of reach of children.
Garbage and recycling materials are stored in covered containers.

Swimming pools and hot tubs are completely enclosed with a barrier, such as a locked fence, gate and cover.
Wading pools and bathtubs are emptied when not in use.
Toilet seats and lids are kept down when not in use.
Bathroom doors are kept closed at all times.
Buckets or other containers with standing water are securely covered or emptied of water.

Small objects are kept out of children's reach.
The toy box has ventilation holes. If there is a lid, it is a lightweight removable lid, a sliding door or panel or a hinged lid with a support to hold it open.
The crib mattress fits the side of the crib snugly and toys, blankets and pillows are removed from the crib.
Drape and blind cords are wound up and not dangling.