CHILDPROOFING YOUR HOME
By Amy Gordon

Do not let electrical cords dangle out in the open.

Always use UL listed electrical outlet caps.

When electrical appliances are not in use, unplug them and store them away out of reach.

Pick up unused toys.

Any plants, plastic bags, candy, coins and hot drinks on high counters, tables or surfaces

Prescriptions, cleaning products, and chemicals should always be in secured cabinets.

Stairs should always have safety gates in place.

Electrical products such as space heaters and radios should always be kept away from bathtubs and sinks.

Poisons such as medications and cleaning products should be secured and kept away from children and pets.

If there is not already one, you should make sure that there are ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets installed in the bathroom, kitchen, laundry room and workshop.

Portable and small appliances and their cords should always be out of reach of children and should be kept a safe distance away from the sink.

All countertop and portable appliances should be kept unplugged when not in use.

Do not attempt to repair a damaged appliance; consult a qualified technician.

Working UL listed smoke detectors should be fully charged and UL listed fire extinguishers should be strategically placed in the kitchen, garage and workshop.

UL listed smoke detectors and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms should be placed outside every sleeping area and near fuel-burning appliances.

Halogen torchiere lamps should be placed in locations where they cannot be tipped over by children, pets, or a strong draft from an open window. Torchiere lamps should be placed where curtains or other combustible materials cannot come in contact.

Crib mattresses should fit snugly in the crib frame and the mattress support should not easily pull away from the corner posts. This will help prevent your infant from becoming trapped between the crib frame and mattress.

Crib slats should be no more than 2 3/8 inches apart. Corner posts should not extend more than 1/16 of an inch above the end panels (unless the corner posts extend at least 16 inches high for a canopy). The headboard and footboards should not contain cutout areas. A tape measure is an excellent tool to discover any hazardous areas that could potentially trap an infant.

Outlet plug covers will prevent children from putting objects in outlets.

An electrical cord should never be run under a rug or carpet or draped over a hot surface such as a radiator or a space heater.

Check lamps and fixtures to ensure that the manufacturers recommended light bulb wattage or less is in the fixture.

When extension cords are not in use, always unplug them. Never use an extension cord that is cut or damaged.