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HOUSEHOLD CHILD SAFETY CHECK-LIST

Born to Love offers these tips on making your home safer for your little one(s). Print it off and take a walk through your house.

LIVING ROOM:

[ ] Unused Electric Outlets: Shield them from baby's curious fingers with Safety Plugs, Safe Sockets, Shock Preventors, Switch Locks and/or Shockblockers.
[ ] Long Electrical Cords: Can trip people. Keep cords as short as possible. Long cords should be made safer with Cord Shorteners and/or Cord Holders.
[ ] All Electrical Cords: Must be kept well hidden and away from traveled areas, doorways or passageways. Use Cord Holders to fasten against the wall.
[ ] Furniture: Especially small pieces, should be arranged with baby's safety in mind.
[ ] Worn Rugs or Frayed Carpet Edges: Need to be repaired. Curling edges should be fastened down with carpet tape or Velcro(R) Buttons.
[ ] All Small Rugs: Require non-skid backings
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[ ] Glass Doors: Apply decals or decorations to make them easy to see, so family and guests will not mistake them for open doors. Use Sliding Door locks to keep you child safely inside.
[ ] Window Blinds: Keep dangerous dangling window blind cords out of reach with Cord Wind-Ups.
[ ] Windows: Keep your children safely inside, or from hurting fingers from falling windows with Window Locks
[ ] VCR: Child-proof your VCR with a VCR Lock or Guard.
[ ] Sharp Edges on Furniture: Should be covered with Corner Cushions.
[ ] Cabinets: Secure them with Velcro(R) Quik Locks, or Cabinet and Door Locks.
[ ] Toys, Books and Magazines: Keep them picked up.

STAIRWAYS:

[ ] Lights: Stairs should be kept well lighted with switches at both top and bottom. Use a Light Switch Extender to make it easy for your child to reach.
[ ] Sturdy Handrails: A must for all steps and stairs.
[ ] Treads, Risers and Carpeting: Keep in good repair. No torn coverings or nails sticking out to jab a foot.
[ ] Storage: Nothing should be stored on the stairways, even temporarily. AVOID CLUTTER of any kind on stairs.

BEDROOMS:

[ ] A Lamp: Should be placed well within reach of the parent's bed. Place out of reach in a baby's bedroom.
[ ] Clothing and Shoes: Hang up clothing and keep shoes on a shoe rack - not beside the bed.
[ ] Night Lights: Place an Auto-Sensor Night Light in rooms of children or elderly.
[ ] Toys, Games and Books: Should be kept in their proper places.
[ ] Exits and Passageways: Must be kept clear of furniture, boxes or other obstructions.
[ ] Rugs: Require non-skid backings.
[ ] Electrical Outlets: Cover all outlets with Safety Plugs, Safe Socket, shock preventors, Switch Locks and/or Shockblockers.
[ ] Diaper Pails: Use a locking diaper pail. Do not soak diapers in liquid, in baby's room.

BATHROOMS:

[ ] Electrical Appliances: While bathing or washing in the skin, keep plugged-in electrical appliances away from you and the water.
[ ] Electrical Appliances: Place Plug Locks on the plugs of all loose plugs to prevent child from using.
[ ] Tubs and Showers: Safer with non-skid mats and abrasive strips.
[ ] Handrails: Should be installed in the wall over the tub.
[ ] Tub Knobs: Protect child from bumps or turning on hot water with Tub Knob Covers.
[ ] Bath Toys: Place toys in a Bath Toy Bag, attached to wall of tub.
[ ] Spills: Lotion and other liquid spills must be wiped up immediately.
[ ] Use non-slip rugs and mats.
[ ] Medicines: Should be clearly labeled. Always read labels.
[ ] Medicine: Must be kept out of children's reach in cabinets locked with Cabinet Latches..
[ ] Keep Bathroom Door closed.
[ ] Toilet Seat and Cover: Keep down and secure with Velcro(R) Quik Locks or Toilet Lock or Clamp.
[ ] Bathwater: Check temperature.
[ ] Bathtub Water Spout: Cover with a Sof'Spout or Safety Bear spout cover.
[ ] Never leave baby unattended in the bathroom.


KITCHEN:

[ ] Oven Door: Should be open before turning on gas to light it, if manually. Use an Oven Lock on the oven door and microwave to keep children out.
[ ] Dry Hands Well: Before operating any electrical appliance. Shorten electrical cords with Cord Short'ners.
[ ] Pan Handles: Turn handles away from front of stove, but not over another burner! Place a Stove Guard or Protector across front of stove.
[ ] Stove Knobs: Remove stove knobs and store out of child's reach, or cover with Stove Knob Protectors.
[ ] Potholders: Use them when necessary. Keep them dry, because wet ones get hot faster.
[ ] Steam: Shield yourself, removing pan lids by lifting the far side first.
[ ] Good, Even Lighting: At stove, sink and countertop, especially where you chop food, is a must.
[ ] Climbing: Use only safe step stool or utility ladders - never chairs.
[ ] Sharp Knives: Should have their own special racks or compartments. Use Cabinet and Door Latches.
[ ] Knives: NEVER place in soapy dishpan - wash separately.
[ ] Spills: Wipe them up immediately.
[ ] Large or Heavy Appliances: Store on low shelves; lighter items on higher shelves.
[ ] Household Cleaners, Disinfectants and Insecticides: Store in ORIGINAL CONTAINERS, in a locked cabinet away from children. Use bright poison labels. Better yet, buy less toxic alternatives.
[ ] WAXING: Buff wax thoroughly or use self-polishing or non-skid wax.
[ ] Oven and Boiler Pans: Keep clean and grease-free.
[ ] Kitchen Matches: Store in closed metal containers.
[ ] Refrigerators, Oven and Cabinets: Use Velcro(R) Quik Locks, Cabinet and Door Latches, Victor's Appliance Latch or Oven Locks.

GARAGE/WORKSHOP:

[ ] Good Air Circulation: Important, especially if working with solvents, paints, etc.
[ ] Paint Thinners and Solvents: Store in metal cans. Glass jars may shatter.
[ ] Versatile Lighting: Should provide ample illumination for all jobs.
[ ] Oily Rags: Store in tight metal containers to prevent spontaneous combustion.
[ ] Tools: Locked away out of children's reach.
[ ] Power Tools: Keep safety guards in place. Keep them disconnected, or lock the power switch. Place Plug locks on loose plugs, and Shockblockers over plugged-in plugs.
[ ] Tools: Should be properly grounded if they are not double insulated.
[ ] Garden Tools: Should be returned to storage racks.
[ ] While Operating a Car: Keep the garage door OPEN.
[ ] Before Backing Out: Check area behind the car. Install a Rear-View Magnifier on your back window of your car.
[ ] Use Cabinet and Door Latches on all doors and cabinets.
[ ] Small Items: Store in labeled jars.

BASEMENT/UTILITY ROOM

[ ] Gas and Water Lines: tag for quick identification.
[ ] Fuses and Circuit Breakers: Label them to show which outlets and fixtures they protect.
[ ] Washer and Dryer: Need to be electrically grounded.
[ ] Ironing Board: Use a metal ironing board, with a non-combustible pad.
[ ] Cleaning Fluids, Drain Openers, Ammonia and Similar Items: Lock away, out of child's reach. Better yet, buy only non-toxic alternatives.
[ ] Passageways and stairways: Keep clear and well-lit. Use Grip 'N Locks or Door Stoppers to keep doors from slamming on little fingers.
[ ] Door Stops: Replace those dangerous two-piece door stops with a one-piece construction Door Stops.
[ ] Bi-Fold Doors: Secure double-folding doors with a Bi-Fold Door Locks.
[ ] Lock doors: Keep children out of restricted areas with Door Knob Covers.
[ ] Lights and Switches: Should be positioned for easy access to avoid stumbling in the dark. Use Light Switch Extenders to make it easy for child to reach light switches.

OUTDOORS:

[ ] Children's Swings, Slides and Other Outdoor Play Equipment: Maintain in safe condition. Use sand, wood chips, or other soft material underneath to protect children.
[ ] Ladders: Should be in good condition. Loose rungs are dangerous.
[ ] Ladders: NEVER use the top rung. Better yet, have someone steady the ladder.
[ ] Clothesline: String it up well above head level.
[ ] Yard: Broken glass, nail-studded boards and other littler must be cleared away.
[ ] Walks and Driveways: Keep in good repair.

FIRE AND ELECTRICAL CHECK:

[ ] When Buying New Electrical Appliances: Be sure that wiring in kitchen and in other rooms is capable of delivering the extra current drawn by toasters, waffle irons, grills, hair dryers, heaters, etc. Place Plug Locks on loose plugs, Shockblockers over plugged-in plugs.
[ ] Replace cracked or frayed electrical power cords and extension cords.
[ ] Ample wall outlets: For all your lamps, etc. AVOID "octopus" connections.
[ ] Electrical Cords: Must be stored away from sharp objects which might cut them or cause a short circuit.
[ ] UL (Underwriters Laboratories) or AGA (American Gas Association) labels on appliances.
[ ] Fuses: Keep extras on hand.
[ ] Flashlights: Place several throughout the house, where they can be easily found whenever there is a power failure. Avoid using candles.
[ ] Electrical Outlets: Need Safety Plug covers, especially where children are present.
[ ] Smoke and Heat Detectors: Install on each floor with emergency lights over stairs and escape routes. Perform battery checks regularly.
[ ] Storage Areas: Keep free of all combustibles, such as liquids, papers, rags, etc.
[ ] Charcoal Lighter Fluid: Store in original container.
[ ] Kitchen Matches: Store in tightly closed metal container, in a locked cabinet.
[ ] Smokers: Large, deep ashtrays which must be kept out of children's reach. Better yet, only smoke outside. Best of all, QUIT!
[ ] Kitchen Towel Racks: Mount away from stove.
[ ] Space Heaters: Place them where they will not be tipped over, out of reach of children.
[ ] Fire Extinguishers: Have them inspected and recharged when necessary.
[ ] Fireplace: Use a screen to protect against flying sparks. Do not leave a fire unattended.
[ ] Fire Escape Plan In Case of Fire: Update and practice.
[ ] Use safety Plugs in ALL unused electrical outlets.
[ ] Pets: Never leave a child with a pet unattended. To leave baby's door open when sleeping, but pets out, install a screen door on baby's room and keep it shut.
[ ] Children: Place highly-visible Fire Rescue Decals in each child's window to mark it's location for fire-fighters, should fire strike.
We welcome your additions to this list of Safety Hints.
This article provided compliments of Born to Love. If you have any questions, please feel free to write or call. We'd be glad to help. In Canada & the U.S. Contact us at: Born to Love, 15 Silas Hill Drive , North York, Ontario M2J 2X8 (416)499-8309 Fax: (416)499-5606 E-mail: cc775@torfree.net

This article printed with permission from Canadian Parents Online



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