Since you can't keep a constant watch on your children, it's wise to childproof your home. Most accidents occur in the kitchen, so that's a good place to start. Begin by installing childproof latches on cabinet doors (figure A). The latches are attached to the inside of the door so they'll catch on the top of the door opening. You have to press the latch down to open the door. Some of these latches work better than others, so shop around. If you want to increase your cabinet security even more, consider magnetic latches, which use a magnetic key to unlock the latch (figure B). These latches are better for keeping older children out of cabinets. Electricity poses another hazard for children. They're naturally curious, and outlet holes may be tempting. Cover them with plastic plug-in outlet covers (figure C), which are very difficult to remove (even for adults). To prevent youngsters from falling down the stairs, install an accordion gate (figure D). Most gates are attached with screws. Just make sure you're attaching the gate to a sturdy surface. For additional protection, install safety netting over balusters to prevent children from squeezing through.
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