According to the National Safety Council, last year alone, over 26 million children were injured as a result of domestic accidents. These accidents ranged from minor cuts and scrapes to death from electrocution and drowning. Cabinet doors, electrical outlets, furniture with sharp corners and even toilets are just a few of the things in the home that are potentially harmful.

There are measures you can take to significantly reduce the risk that each of these poses, and make your home a safer place for the little ones that share it with you. Most homes can be completely child-proofed in a weekend and for less than $50.

Following are basics to make your home safe for children: Prevention The first step is making sure that all sharp or pointed objects, string, rope, electrical cords, medication and poisons are properly stored and out of reach of children.

Cabinet doors and drawers Cabinet doors and drawers are notorious for mashing fingers. What cabinets and drawers may contain is of equal or greater concern. Household cleaning products, medications and sharp objects are all potentially dangerous.

Child-proof cabinet latches are simple to install. By far the most popular is a two-piece flexible plastic type where a hook attaches to the inside face of the cabinet door or drawer and a catch to the inside of the cabinet. Each of the pieces is attached with a couple of screws provided by the manufacturer. When attaching the devices to oak or other hardwoods it's a good idea to drill small pilot holes which will prevent the wood from splitting.

Electrical Outlet Protector Electrical outlets pose one of the greatest safety hazards for curious little ones. There are a couple ways to deal with this problem. Removable plastic outlet caps are the most popular devices. They are two-pronged and compression-fitted into the outlet. They can be removed by an adult when the outlet is needed. Unfortunately, some kids learn how to pull them off.

An alternative to the plastic outlet caps is a spring-loaded replacement outlet cover. Here, the existing outlet cover is removed and replaced by a new outlet cover with retractable doors which, when in the open position, exposes only the outlet for insertion of a plug.

Another variation of the spring-loaded outlet cover is one in which the protective door twists until the holes in the plate and the outlet are in alignment. Installation simply involves the removal of the screw attaching the existing outlet cover and the replacement with a new longer screw packaged with the replacement cover.

Protective Corner Guards Furniture and countertops with sharp corners have been the cause of many head bumps. This kind of injury can easily be avoided with the installation of soft plastic or rubber protective corner guards. Often these guards come with a two-sided adhesive tape which makes for easy installation and prevents damage to the surface to which it is applied.

Toilet Lid Lock Many children have a fascination with water and one of the most easily available sources is a toilet. Toilets are the cause of many infant drownings. A toilet lid lock is a plastic device that clamps to the rim of the toilet bowl and has a latch which, when engaged, covers the toilet seat and cover, preventing either from being opened.

This list deals with only a few of the many measures that you can take to make your home safer for the little explorers in your family. Additional information can be obtained by writing the National Safety Council, 444 N. Michigan Avenue, Dept. P.R., Chicago, IL 60611