Signed, Linda
A: Dear Linda,
The old adage, “better safe than sorry,” has never been truer than when it comes to keeping our children safe. There are a few safety tips that I’m sure you’ve already heard, but they’re important enough to bear repeating:
• Secure window treatment cords so that little fingers
can’t get hold of them. Children have been known to
strangle themselves with those cords.
• Cover the floor with a material that’s soft, non-slippery and easy to clean,
• If your child is still in a crib, make sure they can’t raise or lower the railings and that the spaces between the slats are close enough together so that he can’t get his head stuck.
• Make sure there is an egress window accessible in case of fire.
• Install and maintain carbon monoxide and smoke
detectors. (Hard wired with battery back-up.)
• Install swivel outlet covers on all electrical receptacles.
• Install safety gates.
I’d like to offer 4 more tips you may not have heard of that will greatly increase the safety of any child’s room:
Electric: Install safety plugs in all receptacles. For added safety, wire all outlets to a GFI (Ground Fault Interrupter). Placing the master control in a room other than the child’s will ensure that “wandering fingers” stay away from the buttons!
Windows: Trimming the windows in your child’s room in “picture frame” style, with minimal sills, will reduce the chances of him being able to climb out. For even greater security, install motion detectors on the bedroom windows, which will alert you if someone is trying to exit or enter.
Lighting: We all know that toddlers, at some point, will pull on electrical cords and older children will toss a ball around in their room. Lamps and hanging fixtures make poor choices for lighting. To avoid temptation — and potential disaster — install recessed lighting instead. Putting the lights on a dimmer switch will also provide great versatility.
Doors: Installing pocket doors, which slide back into the wall, on the entrance and closets will prevent pinched fingers as well as a lot of bumps and bruises.
I commend you on your efforts to pre-plan for your child’s safety. Making safety a part of our lifestyle pays off ... congratulations!
Kaile Warren of Windham is CEO/Founder of the national handyman franchise Rent-A-Husband. Kaile is also a national home improvement expert for the CBS Early Show, HGTV and Parade Magazine. When not on the road or working he spends his time teaching his newly adopted white shepherd, Maintenance, how-to ... Send your questions for Kaile to editor@themaineswitch.com.