Here is a list of preventive measures if you have a young child at home. It is grouped according to the dangers for easy referencing.

To preventing poisoning 

1. All medicines, cleaners, chemicals and pesticides are stored in child resistance containers and placed somewhere high or in a locked cabinet. Such chemicals can do bodily harm to a person.
2. Alcohol and tobacco are to be kept out of reach from young children.
3. All house and garden plant must be non-toxic. You should ask the florist whom you buy the plant from or check online. Young children especially babies like to put things in their mouths and they might chew on the leaves of plants. 

To Prevent Cuts or bruises

1. Edges of furniture are to be covered with corner protectors.
2. Scissors, knives and other sharp object or tool must be kept away from young children.
3. Keep glasses, china or any fragile item out of reach from young children. Lock them up in a cabinet using child safety latches or store them on the top shelf. Little children like to pull things and it would be nasty if a china vase crashes on a little kid.
4. Doors must never be made of glass. There are incidents where young children are playing and crash through glass doors while running. Using safety glass is all right but the best is just to change it to wooden door. Safety glass may not shatter but children can still bang into it if they cannot see it.
5. Avoid using long tablecloths. Young children may pull on the cloth and bring anything that is on the table crashing down on them. Secure any long ends and affix the cloth directly to the table.

To Avoid Burns or electrocution

1. Matches and lighters are kept away from children.
2. Smoke alarm is a must in a house. Constant checks must be carried out.
3. Electrical outlets must be covered. Young children like to stick their fingers in these holes.
4. Hot drinks and food must be kept away from children.
5. When cooking, put the handle of pans and pots away from you. This can prevent young children from reaching the handle and pulling the pan or pot down.
6. The stove control must be out of reach form young children. You can also put a plastic casing over the controls.
7. There must be a fire extinguisher.
8. Check the bathing water before a young child takes a bath. Young children’s skin is quite sensitive and is easily scalded.

To Prevent Choking and Suffocation

1. Small toy parts and other choking hazards must be kept out of young children’s reach.
2. Always cut big food into small pieces for consumption.
3. Cords or drapes of curtains are out of reach. Tying the cords can also work.
4. Keep your trash can outside or locked up. A young child might get inside it and it can cause suffocation.
5. Don’t use pillows in a baby’s crib as it can cause suffocation.
6. Take bibs and sweaters off a baby before putting him or her down for a nap.

To Prevent Drowning  

1. Children must be watched when in the tub.
2. Bathtub seat must not have suction cup.
3. A toilet-lid lock must be installed to prevent young children from falling inside.
4. Pails, baby baths and splash pools are always emptied after use.
5. An adult must always be an arm’s length from young children around water.

To prevent falls

1. Never leave a young child alone on high places such as a bed, table or sofa.
2. Loose rugs must have a non-slip backing
3. A baby walker is used only when an adult is around.
4. A baby walker is used only if an adult is around
5. Window hardware restricts opening to 10 cm
6. Furniture, step stools, and toy boxes are kept away from windows so young children will not climb on it to look out the window and risk falling over.
7. Bunk beds are used safely. Children under 6 are not allowed on the top bunk and there must be guardrails.
8. Young children are always supervised on decks and balconies.
9. To prevent anyone from slipping in the tub, buy a nonslip mat. These come in a variety of styles, and can add both fun and safety to bathtime.
10. Get window grills to prevent small children from climbing out.
11. Crib is used safely. Adjust the mattress height such that the baby cannot climb out.

A research found out that home injuries can result in nearly 20,000 fatalities annually on average, these injuries can cost society up to $387 billion each year.

Reference(s):

Pregnancy.net. Retrieved May 12, 2008, from INSTRUCTIVE: Child Proofing your home baby Web site: http://www.pregnancy-info.net/newprgnancyarticle7.html