It’s the slow creak of a door, the hesitant twist of a knob. The sound winds its way through the kitchen, interrupting your dinner preparations. You frown, glancing down to find the source, wondering what could make hinges wince. The answer startles you — your child is settled on the floor, opening cabinets and reaching toward the cleaning supplies. Chemicals are suddenly sought, their properties understood as new.

You’re already running, scooping your toddler up before he can grasp the first bottle and hurrying him away.

Children are defined by their curiosity. They distinguish the world through touch, learning all facets with their paint-stained fingers. It’s essential therefore that parents anticipate this and respond by storing chemicals responsibly.

The common precaution with cleaning supplies is to simply tuck them beneath the sink. A closed door is assumed to be enough of a deterrent. It isn’t, however. Instead it will serve only as a temptation, with children forever toddling toward it (and eventually even undoing the lock that’s wrapped around the knob). This is not safe.

It’s necessary instead to place chemicals on high shelves. All should be stored in the top cupboards, where children cannot reach them. This is the only preventive measure that is certain to work, with height acting as a barrier that can’t be overcome (be certain that youths can’t scramble onto counters. Avoid any step-ladders or easily scaled chairs in the kitchen). A safety lock is also recommended to complete the precaution.

Chemicals are understood as dangerous — to you. Children, however, will need time to recognize this. All supplies must therefore be stored properly until the lesson is learned.