How to Childproof Your Home's Locks and Doors

Child Safety Starts at the Door

Young children are naturally curious and surprisingly capable of opening doors and gates. Every year, children wander outside unsupervised or access dangerous areas of the home. Proper door security is a critical component of childproofing your Utah home.

Door Knob Covers

Simple plastic door knob covers prevent toddlers from being able to grip and turn round knobs. These are inexpensive and widely available, making them the easiest first step for interior doors like bathrooms and garages.

Door Lever Lock Covers

Lever-style door handles are actually easier for children to open than round knobs. Install lever lock covers that require an adult to squeeze a specific mechanism before the lever can be depressed.

High-Mounted Deadbolts

For exterior doors, consider installing an additional deadbolt at adult-height (well above a child's reach). This is especially important for doors leading to pools, roads, or other hazards. Provo Locksmith UT can install a second deadbolt on any exterior door — call (385) 283-6134.

Gate Latches and Pool Fencing

Pool areas require a self-closing, self-latching gate with the latch mounted on the pool side — making it unreachable for a child standing outside the gate. This is required by Utah law for residential pools.

Sliding Door Guards

Sliding glass doors to patios, decks, and pools should have a locking pin and a secondary bar that prevents the door from being opened even if the primary lock is disengaged.

Window Stops

Install window stops that prevent windows from opening more than 4 inches — reducing the risk of falls without eliminating ventilation entirely.

Garage Door Safety

The garage is one of the most hazardous areas for children. Ensure the door auto-reverses properly when it detects an obstruction, and consider a garage door lock so children can't open it manually.