Child safety: Prevent falls

In the course of their daily adventures, children have plenty of opportunities to fall down. Toddlers may take a tumble during covert ascents to cookie-jar treasures. Teens may miscalculate the physics involved in rocketing up a flight of hardwood stairs in their socks. Some simple precautions can help reduce your child's risk:

• Beware of heights. Don't let young children play alone on fire escapes, high porches or balconies.
• Keep stairs clear. Clutter on the stairs increases the risk of tripping and falling.
• Install safety gates. Block a toddler's access to stairs with safety gates. If you're putting a safety gate at the top of a staircase, make sure to attach it to the wall.
• Keep windows locked. Young children can squeeze through a window opened as little as 5 inches. Screens aren't strong enough to keep children inside.
• Secure area rugs. Use foam carpet padding, double-side tape or a rubber pad under area rugs to keep them from sliding.
• Avoid extension cords. It's easy to trip on extension cords.
• Use tub mats. Rubber pads in bathtubs help prevent slipping.
• Fasten safety belts. Always strap children into highchairs and strollers.