Taking Precautions

The law doesn't require owners to childproof their properties. But it expects people to be alert to potential dangers to children and to take reasonable steps to prevent harm to those too young to understand the danger.

Follow Local Laws

Local laws often regulate objects that are dangerous to inquisitive children. By far the strictest regulations apply to that increasingly common danger, the backyard swimming pool.

Use Good Judgment

The best way to avoid tragic accidents is to use good common sense. If something on your property fascinates neighborhood children, they can be expected to trespass and investigate it if given the chance. Lock it up, fence it or remove it. If an object is an accident waiting to happen -- a ladder propped against a roof or a machine left running -- never leave it unattended.