The statistics for household childhood injuries are staggering. Over 3.4 million children experience accidental injury in the home each year. While there is no way to guarantee child safety at home, there are certainly many things you can do to help PREVENT ACCIDENTS and INJURIES. Here are some tips for childproofing your home:
- Use safety latches and locks for cabinets and drawers in kitchens, bathrooms, and other areas to help prevent poisonings and other injuries. Keep dangerous items such as medicines, household cleaners, lighters, knives etc. locked up. Even things with “child resistant” packaging should be kept in areas that children cannot access. CHILD RESISTANT DOES NOT MEAN CHILD PROOF.
- Safety gates can be used to prevent falls downstairs and to keep children out of areas with possible dangers. When installing a gate at the top of stairs, make sure that it is bolted to the wall. Make sure you purchase gates that meet SAFETY STANDARDS.
- To avoid burns, install anti-scald devices on your showers and faucet heads.
- Make sure you have smoke alarms on every level of your home. It is important to CHECK THEM FREQUENTLY to be sure they are working properly. Change the batteries at least once a year. Many people change the batteries twice a year when the time changes in the fall and spring. Carbon monoxide alarms should be used in your home as well.
- Corner and edge bumpers on tables and fireplace hearths will help prevent injuries if a child falls against them.
- Children are very curious, and it would be no surprise to find them trying to stick things into plug outlets. Prevent electrical shock by placing outlet covers in outlets that you use. Make sure they fit snugly and are not easy for a child to remove. They should also be large enough that they will not be a choking hazard should a child get one out. If there is an outlet that you know you will not be using, covert it with an outlet plate.
- Make sure that your window coverings are safe for your children. Cordless window coverings are best, but you can also follow tips for safety if you have window coverings with cords.
- Large pieces of furniture and appliances can tip over and crush a child. Make them secure by anchoring them to the floor and/or attaching them to the wall.
- If you have a pool or spa, it is VITAL that you have it surrounded by a fence that is at least 4 feet tall and includes a self-closing, self-latching gate. Doors that lead out to the pool or spa should have alarms on them to indicate if someone has opened them. A pool alarm adds another layer of protection.
- Today people spend a lot of extra time in the kitchen preparing special meals and baking sweets to share. Young children want to help…and they should. It can be a fun experience for the whole family! But be aware of potential hazards that can happen when you are busy in the kitchen.
Again, while childproofing your home will not guarantee safety, it will go a long way toward protecting your children from injuries or worse. The PEACE OF MIND you will have knowing you have done everything you can to protect your children will be well worth the effort and time put into making sure your home is as safe as possible.
If you are thinking about buying or selling a home in the New River Valley area, contact professional, experienced Realtor Desi Sowers and let her assist you with all your real estate needs. Give her a call today at 540-320-1328!