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I don't think that we can talk about home safety enough on this blog. Many of the injuries that people sustain in and around their homes are both serious and preventable, so I think it's important to remind everyone of some basic guidelines every once in a while.

Window falls: Young children are naturally curious and can accidentally fall from a window, especially if your furniture provides an easy climb.

Solution: Purchase and install window guards, which cost less than $30 each.

Window treatment cords: Strangulation can occur if young children can reach and pull on blind and curtain cords.

Solution: Be sure to tie or arrange cords out of reach, in addition to moving furniture so that your children can't climb to grab onto these cords.

Power cords: Electrical burns, strangulation and tripping are all common injuries.

Solution: Try unplugging items used less frequently or moving cords from high-traffic areas. Also, by securing necessary cords, you can prevent tripping or a dangling cord.

Appliance and furniture tip-overs: This can occur when kids pull the electrical cords of appliances like televisions. Dressers are also prone to tip over since they aren't usually secured against a wall.

Solution: Wall mounting kits can secure up to 400 lbs of weight.

Gym equipment: Strangulation from cords, burns from treadmill belts, and injuries from improper use are all possible dangers of gym equipment.

Solution: Be sure to constantly supervise your children around gym equipment. A separate room with a lock is best so that young kids are never in a room alone with equipment meant for adults.

Toy/product recalls: Just because a toy is expected to be safe and child-friendly doesn't mean they are. Lead levels, loose parts, and manufacturing defects can all lead to unsafe children's products.

Solution: Routinely check with the Consumer Product Safety Commission regularly to become familiar with these unsafe products and toys.

Falls: Children and seniors are particularly vulnerable to falls.

Solution: Install grab bars in the tub or shower. Also, keep stairs well-lit and free of clutter and install gates at the top and bottom of stairways. Always use a ladder, not furniture, to reach high areas.