Home Safety

Families who visit The Safety Center’s replica of a house learn hands-on how to use home safety products correctly and how to prevent injuries. The Safety Center’s staff works with families who are referred to the center, to complete detailed home safety assessments to make sure homes are safe for children.

At the Home Safety Center in Lawrenceville, families may receive safety products, such as cabinet locks and choke tube testers, if the staff determines a need.

A generous gift from The Gismondi Family Foundation is making it possible for Children’s Hospital to take the Safety Center on the road. The Mobile Safety Center is a replica of the hospital safety center and will travel to various community sites to provide home safety education and resources. If you would like to invite the safety center to your site please contact the injury prevention department at 412-692-8229.

In the Car

Using a seat from a real car, families learn how to install all types of child passenger safety seats, including convertible models and boosters. The staff offers general tips for keeping kids safe in cars.

In the Kitchen

Here, families learn about fire, burn, and poison prevention, including:

• How to install and use safety devices on a stove, including knob covers and front locks 
• How to install latches on a variety of drawer and cabinet handles and knobs
• How to use a fire extinguisher
• The importance of a fire alarm
• How to prevent shock from electrical outlets and power strips
• How to prevent choking

In the Bathroom

A toilet, bathtub, and window help families learn about water, burn, and window safety, including:

• How to use toilet locks
• Which products keep children safe in the tub
• How to know if water is too hot for your child
• How to install window guards
• How to avoid dangers posed by and use products to protect children from curtains, blinds, and blind cords

On the Stairs

Families learn to install pressure-mounted baby gates at the bottom and hardware-mounted gates at the top of a set of stairs. They learn how to choose the proper gate for different locations in the house.

Other Safety Concerns

Families also can learn about:

• Wheels safety, including how to properly fit a bike helmet
• Crib safety, including general safe-sleep practices
• Gun safety, including how to use child prevention locks
• Furniture safety, including tip-over and cushioning protection

Location and Hours

The main Children's Safety Center is located on Floor 6 of the hospital in the Family Resource Center. It is open weekdays from noon to 4 p.m.

Who Can Visit

Hospital staff may refer families to The Safety Center. Families whose children are inpatients at the hospital and in need of injury prevention guidance will receive a prescription for a visit.

Walk-ins also are welcome; simply stop at the Welcome/Information Center on Floor 1 in the hospital's main lobby and request a pass to visit the Children's Safety Center on Floor 6.

Learn more about Safety Initiatives.

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