We all try to make our homes safe for children. Whether we are concerned for our children themselves, our grandchildren, or our great grandchildren, safety is the number one issue for our homes.

Search your home and gather together these items for a do-it-yourself home safety kit:

A ruler can be used to make certain that steps are all equal heights. This is also the tool you need to measure the spaces between crib slats and deck rails. Crib slats should be a maximum of 2 ½ inches apart, while deck rails should never be more than 4 inches apart.

Add to your kit a digital thermometer. This can be used under running hot water to test the temperature of your water. If is shows higher than 120 degrees, lower the thermostat for the water heater.

A toilet paper tube should be part of your kit. If an item can fit through it, it represents a choking hazard for a child under three.

A block of wood should also be added to your kit. Use a scrap of 2 x 4 lumber under your garage door to verify that the electric opener will reverse itself should a child be in danger.

Lead test kits are an easy way to verify if toys or paint could be tainted.

A radon test kit will show if your home contains radon which is a radioactive gas that can cause lung cancer.