Bryant Homes has compiled a list of top tips to keep children safe in the home and garden this summer.

With 40 per cent of all childhood accidents occurring at home or in the garden, the national homebuilder believes that, by following some simple steps, the number of incidents could be significantly reduced.

Jason Newton, sales and marketing director for Bryant Homes North West, said: “Many of the accidents in our homes can be easily avoided, which is why we are committed to helping our customers improve the safety of their homes.

“Buying a new home could actually help reduce the number of accidents further with modern layouts and appliances and a blank canvas in which to highlight any potential dangers.

“All new homes have double glazed windows which are much safer than the single panes found in older properties.

“They are harder to break and more secure from intruders with locks fitted as standard. An additional advantage of buying a new home is the storage provided.

“Clutter is not only unattractive to look at but it is also dangerous for young toddlers who are prone to falling over it, and it can be a fire risk.

“Many Bryant Homes properties are built with fitted storage cupboards to tidy clutter away.”

Use this checklist to ensure your home is as hazard-free as possible.

Alarms – Make sure you have a working smoke alarm on each floor of your home, to provide warning if a fire starts.

Poisons and cleaning products – keep cleaning products, first aid items and medicines either in a locked cupboard or in a high place out of reach of children. Similarly, when buying these products, look for child-resistant tops.

Electrical appliances – cover unused electric sockets. Make sure electrical items are tidied away when not in use so that small hands can not pull them off high surfaces.

Window locks – as well as keeping people out, window locks are also helpful to keep little ones in. Make sure keys are kept out of sight to prevent temptation.

Running baths – always run the cold tap first and add hot water to the right temperature. Tap protectors can also be bought or fit a thermostatic mixing valve on your hot tap to prevent scalds.

Choking hazards – clear small items from counter tops and tables and keep items with small parts that could break off away from young children. Keep items such as sewing kits, stationery and coins in locked cupboards or out-of-reach cabinets.

Hanging objects – try to see things from a child’s point of view. Look for lamp cords or computer wires and tidy them away. Try to choose irons with short or flexed leads.

Sharp objects – ensure sharp objects such as knives and scissors are kept out of reach.

Stairs – particularly with small children, fit safety gates to both the top and the bottom of the stairs and make sure that steps are clear of debris to minimise potential trips and tumbles.

Gardens – keep garden tools and products such as weed killer tidied away and out of reach. Cover ponds with protective netting and never leave children alone to play near open water.

Bryant Homes in the north west encompasses approximately 20 developments, stretching from near Crewe in the south to Garstang in the north, including a range of large family homes.

For further information on the range of properties currently being offered by Bryant Homes across the north west, call01925 849500 or visit www.bryant.co.uk