Wendy Betts

CHILDPROOFING TIPS FOR YOUR HOME

 

To make your home a safe haven for your children – and you – learn to spot and eliminate hazards throughout the house. 

 

SAFETY MEASURES FOR EVERY ROOM

·          Install child-resistant covers on all electrical outlets.

·          Keep dangerous chemicals out of children’s reach

·          For strings and ribbons, follow the six inch rule.

·          Always use a safety belt on your baby when she is sitting in the bouncy seat or swing.

·          Shorten curtain and blind cords.

·          Place furniture well away from windows.

·          Use corner bumper gaurs on sharp furniture edges and fireplace hearth.

·          Place houseplants out of children’s reach

·          Know the names of all of your houseplants in case one gets ingested!

·          Keep cigarettes, matches and lighters out of children’s reach.

·          Safeguard heating and gas systems against accidents.

·          Be sure that furnaces, fireplaces, radiators and gas appliances are properly vented.

·          Place screened barriers around fireplaces, space heaters and radiators.

·          Install Carbon Monoxide (CO) alarms outside of bedrooms to prevent CO poisoning.

·          Install and check smoke alarms outside of bedrooms and on every level of the home.

·          Remove plastic end caps on doorstops, or replace with a one-piece design to prevent choking

·          Consider placing plastic gaurs along the hinge side of frequently used interior doors to prevent the doors from pinching fingers.

·          Safety-proof windows and fire exits.

·          Make a fire evacuation plan and practice fire escape routes at least twice a year.

·          Keep firearms and ammunition safely locked away.

·          Secure unsteady furnishings

·          Avoid household water hazards.

·          Test homes built before 1978 for lead paint – especially in children’s rooms.

·          Learn First Aid and CPR!

 

HALLWAYS AND STAIRCASES

·          Be sure hallways are well lit

·          Avoid rugs that slip. 

·          Safety proof stairs.  Safety gate at both the top and bottom for toddlers.

·          If possible, install carpet on stairways to lessen the chance of falls.

 

KIDS ROOMS

·          Position your child’s crib away from all drapery, windows and electrical cords.

·          Be certain that the crib meets current national safety standards.

·          Make sure that the mattress fits snugly.

·          Be sure the bedding and crib sheet fit snugly.

·          If you use a crib bumper, make sure it is firm (not fluffy) with at least six ties to secure it tightly.

·          Remove mobiles or hanging toys as soon as your child can reach up and touch them.

·          Place infants under one year on their backs to sleep.

·          Never use an electric blanket or heating pad in the bed of an infant or small child.

·          Place night lights at least three feet away from the crib.

·          Check labels for appropriate age for toys.

·          Use side railings for children getting used to “big kid” beds.

·          If bedrooms are on the 2^nd or 3^rd stories, be sure to have a fire-escape ladder available.

 

BATHROOM

·          Put a lock on the medicine cabinet.

·          Prevent poisoning.  Lock away all vitamins and medicines.

·          Install toilet lid locks to prevent drowning accidents.

·          Lower the household water tank temperature to prevent scalds.

·          Always test the water before bathing your child.

·          Make sure bathtubs and showers are not slippery.

·          Use electrical appliances safely.  Install Ground Fault Interrupters. (GFI’s)

·          Never leave your small child unattended in the bathroom – even for a minute!

 

KITCHEN

·          Keep knives, plastic bags and ESPECIALLY cleaning supplies out of children’s reach

·          To avoid fires, never leave cooking food unattended.

·          If stove knobs are easily accessible to children, use protective covers to prevent kids from turning them.

·          When not in use, unplug electrical appliances.

·          Replace any frayed cords or wires.

·          Keep chairs and stools away from the counters and stove

·          Beware of foods that small children can choke on

·          Keep activated charcoal (helps absorb some poisons) and syrup of ipecac (used to induce vomiting) on hand in case of emergency.

 

YARD

·          Store tools, lawn care equipment and supplies in a locked shed or closet in the garage.

·          Avoid using the power mower and trimmers if small children are in the yard.

·          Keep the children and pets off of the lawn for at least 48 hours after application of fertilizers or pesticides.

·          Know what plants, trees and berries are in your garden in the event children ingest one that may be harmful.

·          When you barbeque outdoors, never leave kids unattended around the grill.

·          Store propane tanks safely.  Always turn off the valves when you are done using the bbq.