When you’ve got kids, “child proofing” is an essential step in making sure your home is safe. Use the steps below to help you get started.

In the living room:

• Cover electrical outlets.
• Fix lamp cords and lamps so they can't be pulled down.
• Make floor lamps tip-proof (for example, attach them to the floor or wall with brackets or anchors).
• Cover the controls on the television, stereo, and VCR.
• Cushion sharp corners on coffee and end tables and around the fireplace.
• Display breakable items out of your child’s reach.
• Keep books out of reach on high bookshelves (toddlers love to empty these and tear book covers).
• Move plants.

In the dining room:

• Push chairs up against the table so your child can’t climb on them.
• Put child locks on drawers and cabinets that hold breakable dishes.
• Push items to the center of the table.
• Fold tablecloth corners under and up so your child can’t grab them.

In the bathroom:

• Keep medicine, razors, pins, mouthwash, cosmetics, perfume, nail polish and remover, scissors, and other dangerous objects out of reach.
• Lock medicine cabinets or install a safety latch.
• Pad tub faucets.
• Place a non-skid mat in the bathtub.
• Use rugs with non-skid backings.
• Keep the toilet seat down and fastened with a toilet lock.
• Empty the bathtub after each use. Never leave children alone in the bathtub.
• Use plastic cups and soap dishes.
• Keep the bathroom door shut.

In the kitchen:

• Store knives out of reach.
• Unplug small appliances. Don't leave cords dangling.
• Store cleansers, solvents, bleaches, dishwasher detergent, and other poisons out of your child’s reach or in a cabinet that locks. Install a safety latch on cabinets that don’t lock.
• Cook on the back burners, and turn pot handles toward the back.
• Cover the stove knobs so your child can’t turn the burners or oven on.
• Store breakables, things your child can choke on, and other dangerous objects out of reach. Remember that toddlers can climb onto kitchen counters.
• Store plastic bags out of reach.
• Hold hot drinks where your baby can't grab them and keep them away from the edge of tables or counters.

Windows and doors:

• Keep sliding glass doors closed or keep the screens locked.
• Place stickers at toddler eye level on glass doors.
• Lock windows and be sure screens fit tightly.
• Shorten the cords on draperies and blinds to get them out of your child's reach.
• Use netting to enclose the rails on balconies or porches so your baby can't squeeze through.

Source: http://www.askdrsears.com/html/6/t060600.asp