Ok parents, Halloween is almost here which means you will have a ton of fun making lots of silly and spooky memories with your children but you also need to take the extra steps to ensure that your children are safe during the holiday festivities.
The Costume- Make sure that your child is comfortable in their costume. Make sure they are wearing layers underneath it if it is cold outside and make sure that there is something reflective on it so that they can be seen in the dark by driving cars. If the costume has a cape, ensure that it is short enough so your child or another child walking behind them doesn't step on it and cause your child to fall.
Candy- In the eyes of your children the best part about the whole Halloween night of trick-or-treating is of course the candy. When you get back to your own home inspect the candy. If candy looks like it has been opened or tampered with, immediately throw it away. If your child is young dispose of hard candy that could make your child choke. It is best to give your child a few pieces of candy that night and then take the rest away and use it to reinforce good behavior or for an after dinner snack.
The Neighborhood- Only allow your child to go trick-or-treating with friends that you trust and in areas that you know are safe. The last thing you want is for your child to get lost in a neighborhood they are unfamiliar with on Halloween night.
Halloween can be a wonderful time for families to laugh, have fun and be spooky just make sure that your children are safe at all times.
Visit http://www.onestopshopforkids.com/kids-halloween.html for everything you need for babies and kids!
Author of A Humorous Guide to Being a First Time Mom and Bright and White Brushing Your Teeth Can Be Fun! Both books are available on Amazon.com and One Stop Shop for Kids! They make great baby shower and first birthday gifts!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jessica_Chamberlain
Monday, 26 October 2009
Online Security - Shielding the Children From Online Predators
It is of extreme importance for everyone to realize that when children are using the Internet, it's the adults' responsibility to keep them safe. Indeed, one the of the most important things that a parent can do these days is to beef up their home computers' online security to protect the children from threats. And when it comes to this tender age group, the most serious yet is online pedophilia.
How unfortunate that the very technology that helps humans grow in a multitude of ways is also the same technology that could be used for his destruction. Online pedophilia is a crime that is very rampant these days and mostly, it's because adults have become too complacent about their children. Most of them adults also barely realize that Internet threats are real and people do get hurt or harmed by them once they balloon out of proportion. Still, there seems to be very little awareness about these things.
If you are a parent who is genuinely concerned about the online safety of your child, take the time to research about sexual predation on the Internet. You will surely find some shocking truths about the rampancy of this crime. Some offenders actually go out of their way to know about the things that currently interest young people such as the latest music, fashion trends, hobbies and the like. While chatting with the kids, they will pretend that they are of the same age. And once rapport is built, the sickos will slowly begin to introduce sexual content into their conversations. On the other hand, some offenders can be more upfront about what they want. They will openly discuss about their intentions for chatting and may even make invitations for virtual sex.
Understanding this threat will need one to consider that people who are of this mindset do not choose their victims. Whatever the children's age, nationality or gender will not be a factor when it comes to the probability of being victimized. That's why parents should always be on guard against these online elements.
It is, in fact, essential for children's online activities to be kept a tab on consistently and that's because there's a great possibility that they will meet up with offenders offline. Then the dangers are simply greater. Even after communicating through the Internet, predator and prey can still keep in touch with the use of cellphones and even through emails. Thus, when monitoring the kids, a parent shouldn't only focus on what's on the computer because usually, the dangers become more serious when communication has begun offline.
For parents who are to busy to supervise their children personally with their online activities, a hidden camera positioned near the computer could be a worthy investment. Or the computer itself could be protected so that online predators will be kept at bay. Pedophilia sites harvest emails from the Internet each day, but when your IP address is hidden, you can't possibly end up on their list.
In other words, when you install an IP changing software, your child can surf anonymously, so he can be safe from predators while staying online.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brad_M_Smith
How unfortunate that the very technology that helps humans grow in a multitude of ways is also the same technology that could be used for his destruction. Online pedophilia is a crime that is very rampant these days and mostly, it's because adults have become too complacent about their children. Most of them adults also barely realize that Internet threats are real and people do get hurt or harmed by them once they balloon out of proportion. Still, there seems to be very little awareness about these things.
If you are a parent who is genuinely concerned about the online safety of your child, take the time to research about sexual predation on the Internet. You will surely find some shocking truths about the rampancy of this crime. Some offenders actually go out of their way to know about the things that currently interest young people such as the latest music, fashion trends, hobbies and the like. While chatting with the kids, they will pretend that they are of the same age. And once rapport is built, the sickos will slowly begin to introduce sexual content into their conversations. On the other hand, some offenders can be more upfront about what they want. They will openly discuss about their intentions for chatting and may even make invitations for virtual sex.
Understanding this threat will need one to consider that people who are of this mindset do not choose their victims. Whatever the children's age, nationality or gender will not be a factor when it comes to the probability of being victimized. That's why parents should always be on guard against these online elements.
It is, in fact, essential for children's online activities to be kept a tab on consistently and that's because there's a great possibility that they will meet up with offenders offline. Then the dangers are simply greater. Even after communicating through the Internet, predator and prey can still keep in touch with the use of cellphones and even through emails. Thus, when monitoring the kids, a parent shouldn't only focus on what's on the computer because usually, the dangers become more serious when communication has begun offline.
For parents who are to busy to supervise their children personally with their online activities, a hidden camera positioned near the computer could be a worthy investment. Or the computer itself could be protected so that online predators will be kept at bay. Pedophilia sites harvest emails from the Internet each day, but when your IP address is hidden, you can't possibly end up on their list.
In other words, when you install an IP changing software, your child can surf anonymously, so he can be safe from predators while staying online.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brad_M_Smith
5 Ideas For Safe Computer Use at Home
It used to be that one computer would take up a massive area and wouldn't fit in the normal household. Now most people have at least one computer in their house.. If your child has access to their own or a family computer it's important they know how to use it safely.
Children value their privacy and teenagers more so. Unfortunately, teenagers are not very good at putting safety before curiosity without strong parental guidance. As parents we do everything we can to protect our children and this has to include teaching them how to use the computer safely.
Are there any simple ways to protect your children when they are using the computer to access the internet? The following five tips will help your children be safer when on the internet and will make you feel happier about the time they spend online.
1. Talk to your children. As a means of protecting your children from the dangers of online predators, this is one of the best. To create an atmosphere of trust at home you must talk openly and honestly to your children. You need to explain what the dangers are to your children and then agree some safety precautions they will take. Occasionally your child will break the rules. Don't panic. Just remind them of why you have imposed your rules.
2. Keep computers where they can be seen by you. It is harder to monitor what they are seeing and doing when a child is using the computer behind bedroom doors. It's much easier for you to keep an eye on what they are doing if it's in a common room in the house. You can insist they keep the bedroom door open if you feel it's alright for your child to use the computer in their bedroom, and with teenagers this is very likely. This rule on its own is probably enough to deter most children from watching something they know they shouldn't.
3. It's easy to get software to install so that you can monitor and control what your children do on the computer. Almost all children know how to use a computer to access the internet now. You can stop them getting access to sites which have nudity or pornography by installing the software which is now easily available. You can also install software to monitor their time online and prevent the sending, and/or receiving, of explicit material and personal information.
4. Tell your children why they shouldn't send personal information to others. Sites such as those used for social networking, may often ask for personal details before your child can sign up to join. Online predators may have created a website so that they can get personal information from children and your child should be aware of this. Tell your children to check with you before they give out their address or name of school or other personal information on a web form.
5. Control email accounts. Email is an easy and common way for anonymous people to send pornographic images or messages. Block all but your chidrens' friends' email addresses to their address book. This is one way to prevent them receiving pornographic material.
The knowledge you can impart to your children about the dangers of being online, will have a great impact on their ability to protect themselves when they are offline too.
To get even more ideas on how to protect your children from online predators you can download a free copy of Online Predators FAQ from http://stoppingonlinepredators.info/main.html
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joseph_Green
Children value their privacy and teenagers more so. Unfortunately, teenagers are not very good at putting safety before curiosity without strong parental guidance. As parents we do everything we can to protect our children and this has to include teaching them how to use the computer safely.
Are there any simple ways to protect your children when they are using the computer to access the internet? The following five tips will help your children be safer when on the internet and will make you feel happier about the time they spend online.
1. Talk to your children. As a means of protecting your children from the dangers of online predators, this is one of the best. To create an atmosphere of trust at home you must talk openly and honestly to your children. You need to explain what the dangers are to your children and then agree some safety precautions they will take. Occasionally your child will break the rules. Don't panic. Just remind them of why you have imposed your rules.
2. Keep computers where they can be seen by you. It is harder to monitor what they are seeing and doing when a child is using the computer behind bedroom doors. It's much easier for you to keep an eye on what they are doing if it's in a common room in the house. You can insist they keep the bedroom door open if you feel it's alright for your child to use the computer in their bedroom, and with teenagers this is very likely. This rule on its own is probably enough to deter most children from watching something they know they shouldn't.
3. It's easy to get software to install so that you can monitor and control what your children do on the computer. Almost all children know how to use a computer to access the internet now. You can stop them getting access to sites which have nudity or pornography by installing the software which is now easily available. You can also install software to monitor their time online and prevent the sending, and/or receiving, of explicit material and personal information.
4. Tell your children why they shouldn't send personal information to others. Sites such as those used for social networking, may often ask for personal details before your child can sign up to join. Online predators may have created a website so that they can get personal information from children and your child should be aware of this. Tell your children to check with you before they give out their address or name of school or other personal information on a web form.
5. Control email accounts. Email is an easy and common way for anonymous people to send pornographic images or messages. Block all but your chidrens' friends' email addresses to their address book. This is one way to prevent them receiving pornographic material.
The knowledge you can impart to your children about the dangers of being online, will have a great impact on their ability to protect themselves when they are offline too.
To get even more ideas on how to protect your children from online predators you can download a free copy of Online Predators FAQ from http://stoppingonlinepredators.info/main.html
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joseph_Green
Child Safety - Dangers in Your Garage
Many of us are very good at making sure we keep the household poisons out of our children's reach, change our fire alarm batteries twice a year like we're supposed to, and maybe even have talked to our family members about a house fire escape plan. These are all great things but often we tend to overlook some other areas of danger in some not so obvious areas of the home. One particular area is the garage. Here are some of the potential dangers to consider:
• Chemicals and other poisons in the garage. The garage is packed full of potentially lethal chemicals that we need to keep out of our kids reach and to educate them about the dangers. These include cleaning chemicals, solvents, fuels for the lawnmower, etc. Keep these on higher level shelves to keep them out of reach.
• Garages typically serve as a storage area for equipment and tools. Many of these tools can pose risks to kids and this need to be managed appropriately. Take an inventory of what in your garage and relocate items that could pose a risk to these "little people".
• Automatic garage doors can be deadly if they're not operated with all the proper safety devices in place. Never ever allow your garage door to operate without the designed safety features fully functional. Better yet test your door to ensure it reverses when it hits and obstruction or that if will stop if something crosses its sensing beam.
• Another safety risk that needs to be thought through is the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Proper ventilation is a must. Vehicles and other combustion engines must not but operated in a garage without opening the garage door and ensuring there is adequate ventilation.
The safety of our children is important to all of us. By taking a look at the risks we have around the home we can ensure we can help our kids stay safe and sound.
Jason is an advocate for child safety around the home; Please visit his new website on finding kids battery cars and a kids electric scooter.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jason_Bolte
• Chemicals and other poisons in the garage. The garage is packed full of potentially lethal chemicals that we need to keep out of our kids reach and to educate them about the dangers. These include cleaning chemicals, solvents, fuels for the lawnmower, etc. Keep these on higher level shelves to keep them out of reach.
• Garages typically serve as a storage area for equipment and tools. Many of these tools can pose risks to kids and this need to be managed appropriately. Take an inventory of what in your garage and relocate items that could pose a risk to these "little people".
• Automatic garage doors can be deadly if they're not operated with all the proper safety devices in place. Never ever allow your garage door to operate without the designed safety features fully functional. Better yet test your door to ensure it reverses when it hits and obstruction or that if will stop if something crosses its sensing beam.
• Another safety risk that needs to be thought through is the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Proper ventilation is a must. Vehicles and other combustion engines must not but operated in a garage without opening the garage door and ensuring there is adequate ventilation.
The safety of our children is important to all of us. By taking a look at the risks we have around the home we can ensure we can help our kids stay safe and sound.
Jason is an advocate for child safety around the home; Please visit his new website on finding kids battery cars and a kids electric scooter.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jason_Bolte
Baby Safety Items - Baby Proof Your Home
Your child has quickly come to the age where staying in one place isn't fun. Your child may be rolling over, crawling, or walking and if you haven't done it already, you need baby safety items to baby proof the house. You may have glanced around the house and seen a dozen baby danger areas. You need to make serious changes to your home in order to prevent major injury to your baby.
It might help you to understand what your baby will be interested in by getting on the floor and crawling around. Sounds strange, but it is true that the world looks different to a child, and you need to get on their level.
Some of the things you will run into while you are crawling on the floor are sharp edges from coffee tables. So a good place to start baby proofing your home is to place padding on the edges of tables, low window sills, entertainment centers and any other non-movable piece of furniture.
Babies love wires. Unfortunately, pulling wires are very dangerous. It is very important that you cover all wires and put them out of the baby's reach. This will ensure that they cannot pull items down on their head.
Your precious baby is learning new skills every day. They love to open cabinet doors because the handles are low enough for them to reach. The best thing to do is to place child safety locks on all doors with low handles.
Wall sockets are a major danger to your child. They will want to put something in the wall socket. The best thing to do to stop this is purchase wall sockets for every outlet in the house.
Follow this advice and get these baby safety items to keep your child safe and happy.
Find Out More
Click Here for Baby Safety Items Advice
Free Tips Information and Advice
http://babyhomesafetyadvice.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kendra_Dumont
It might help you to understand what your baby will be interested in by getting on the floor and crawling around. Sounds strange, but it is true that the world looks different to a child, and you need to get on their level.
Some of the things you will run into while you are crawling on the floor are sharp edges from coffee tables. So a good place to start baby proofing your home is to place padding on the edges of tables, low window sills, entertainment centers and any other non-movable piece of furniture.
Babies love wires. Unfortunately, pulling wires are very dangerous. It is very important that you cover all wires and put them out of the baby's reach. This will ensure that they cannot pull items down on their head.
Your precious baby is learning new skills every day. They love to open cabinet doors because the handles are low enough for them to reach. The best thing to do is to place child safety locks on all doors with low handles.
Wall sockets are a major danger to your child. They will want to put something in the wall socket. The best thing to do to stop this is purchase wall sockets for every outlet in the house.
Follow this advice and get these baby safety items to keep your child safe and happy.
Find Out More
Click Here for Baby Safety Items Advice
Free Tips Information and Advice
http://babyhomesafetyadvice.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kendra_Dumont
Nanny Background Check - A Necessity For the Safety of You and Your Family
Today it is not uncommon for both parents to work and employ a nanny to take care of the children and house. However you can not be too careful when inviting someone into your home when you are not there. Even though your nanny may have great references or has been hired through an agency, how much do you really know about this person and can he or she be trusted when you are away?
Many people who hire outside help will run a background check on their potential employees first, and it really is a good idea. Not only will it give you peace of mind but you will know for sure that this person is who they say they are. By running a criminal background check you can find out important details that you need to know. Here is just a sample of what you can find out.
Has your nanny been arrested for:
Burglary, theft or arson
DWI's or DUI's
Drugs
Child endangerment
Abuse or had a restraining order against them
Felonies or misdemeanors
Sexual abuse, molestation or rape (a sexual predator)
Another important factor to consider is the name that the nanny gives you. If they do have a criminal background and are trying to hide it, they may give you a fake name and details about their life. A background check can also clear this up as well.
Before hiring a nanny it is so important to do a criminal background check first. You are trusting a total stranger to be in your home and to be responsible for the welfare of your children. For the safety and well being of you and your family, a nanny background check is absolutely necessary.
For the Number 1 Recommended site for a nanny background check and public records information visit http://www.publicrecordsfast.com.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rick_Reynolds
Many people who hire outside help will run a background check on their potential employees first, and it really is a good idea. Not only will it give you peace of mind but you will know for sure that this person is who they say they are. By running a criminal background check you can find out important details that you need to know. Here is just a sample of what you can find out.
Has your nanny been arrested for:
Burglary, theft or arson
DWI's or DUI's
Drugs
Child endangerment
Abuse or had a restraining order against them
Felonies or misdemeanors
Sexual abuse, molestation or rape (a sexual predator)
Another important factor to consider is the name that the nanny gives you. If they do have a criminal background and are trying to hide it, they may give you a fake name and details about their life. A background check can also clear this up as well.
Before hiring a nanny it is so important to do a criminal background check first. You are trusting a total stranger to be in your home and to be responsible for the welfare of your children. For the safety and well being of you and your family, a nanny background check is absolutely necessary.
For the Number 1 Recommended site for a nanny background check and public records information visit http://www.publicrecordsfast.com.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rick_Reynolds
Child Safety Dangers in the Home - The Kitchen and Stairs
Although any house cannot be 100% child safe there are some simple precautions parents can take to reduce the risk of accident or injury of your children within the home. Here we look at some of the key dangers present within the kitchen and stairs areas of your home and what steps you can take to minimise the risks.
Stairs
One of the most common accidents in the home is young children falling downstairs. You can actively take steps to ensure that there are no loose floor coverings or trailing wires at the top of your stairs from which your child may trip and fall. If your staircase has stair spindles make sure that the gap between each spindle is no more than four inches. Childrens head can easily become stuck within gaps any bigger than this, therefore, if your spindles are wider than 4 inches take steps to protect these hazardous openings.
Make sure you have sufficient lighting over your stairs to prevent tripping on small objects which will remain unseen if there is insufficient light to illuminate your path. If your stairs lead to your front door ensure that it is secure and your child cannot reach the lock. If you have a low-lying lock mechanism which a child can reach, make sure it is locked with the key removed whilst at the same time ensuring the key is close by the door (yet out of reach) in case of any emergencies.
Kitchen
Without doubt one of the most potentially hazardous areas in the house to young children is the kitchen. Scalds, Burns and poisoning from cleaning products are the most common accidents to occur within our kitchens. To prevent unannounced access by your child into the kitchen area ensure you have a safety gate fitted to prevent your child entering without your knowledge. Ensure that knives and any other sharp objects are not within a child's reach and fit child safety catches to all floor level cupboards, drawers and fridges. To avoid burns and scalds, wherever possible cook on the rear burners of your oven or hob also ensuring that the panhandles are facing away from reach. Make sure that any household cleaning agents are secure in a cupboard where your child or toddler cannot reach and also ensure that tops of bottles are all correctly screwed on.
Taking just these few simple steps can help secure your home from danger thereby protecting the safety of you and your children from harm.
Jamie has been creatively writing articles for several years and maintains several websites. His latest Home Gym Machines website about fitness and gym equipment is worth a visit. Pop along to http://www.homegymmachinesshop.com/ and see what we have to offer.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jamie_Noone
Stairs
One of the most common accidents in the home is young children falling downstairs. You can actively take steps to ensure that there are no loose floor coverings or trailing wires at the top of your stairs from which your child may trip and fall. If your staircase has stair spindles make sure that the gap between each spindle is no more than four inches. Childrens head can easily become stuck within gaps any bigger than this, therefore, if your spindles are wider than 4 inches take steps to protect these hazardous openings.
Make sure you have sufficient lighting over your stairs to prevent tripping on small objects which will remain unseen if there is insufficient light to illuminate your path. If your stairs lead to your front door ensure that it is secure and your child cannot reach the lock. If you have a low-lying lock mechanism which a child can reach, make sure it is locked with the key removed whilst at the same time ensuring the key is close by the door (yet out of reach) in case of any emergencies.
Kitchen
Without doubt one of the most potentially hazardous areas in the house to young children is the kitchen. Scalds, Burns and poisoning from cleaning products are the most common accidents to occur within our kitchens. To prevent unannounced access by your child into the kitchen area ensure you have a safety gate fitted to prevent your child entering without your knowledge. Ensure that knives and any other sharp objects are not within a child's reach and fit child safety catches to all floor level cupboards, drawers and fridges. To avoid burns and scalds, wherever possible cook on the rear burners of your oven or hob also ensuring that the panhandles are facing away from reach. Make sure that any household cleaning agents are secure in a cupboard where your child or toddler cannot reach and also ensure that tops of bottles are all correctly screwed on.
Taking just these few simple steps can help secure your home from danger thereby protecting the safety of you and your children from harm.
Jamie has been creatively writing articles for several years and maintains several websites. His latest Home Gym Machines website about fitness and gym equipment is worth a visit. Pop along to http://www.homegymmachinesshop.com/ and see what we have to offer.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jamie_Noone
Babysitter Background Check - 5 Simple Tips For the Safety of Your Kid
In a failing economy more and more people are searching for jobs as nannies and babysitters. Some of these people don't have the experience necessary to work with your child . Others come from a shady background and their personal history is far from "spotless". That's why doing a babysitter background check is absolutely necessary . There are a few tips you can use when hiring a new babysitter:
1. Try to use a local nanny agency with good reputation to ensure that the candidates have some professional experience and can deal with emergency situations. Or look for a child care provider within your own circle of friends and family because of the higher level of trust you can have. Avoid online and newspaper ads or Craiglist because the screening is minimal and this could be risky
2. When doing your interviews clearly define what is expected of the babysitter and what are the specific duties of the position. Emphasize what are the things you are not going to compromise on and what is the minimum qualification required.
3. When a specific candidate meets your requirements and leaves you with good first impressions, it is time to do a babysitter background check. Use a formal employment application so that you can obtain all relevant information concerning the candidate: name, SSN, previous employers, references, previous addresses.
Most reputable agencies have minimum requirements for their candidates-minimum experience, proof of eligibility to work in the US, a current CPR and First Aid certification, a valid driver's license and reliable vehicle. And most of all a clean criminal record. The only problem however is that only about 50 % of the agencies go out of their way to do an in-depth background check and to verify all information provided. This still leaves the possibility of errors and unreliable people entering your households. That's why you should get the job done yourself
4. You can hire an agency to do that for you, though the prices are quite expensive. Or you can get the job done yourself by using an online background check website where all you need in order to access somebody's criminal records is his first and last name. They have millions of public and police records on file and provide instant reports
5. Once the background check is done and you've established that the candidate is clean( no arrests, felonies, misdemeanor, DUI, sex offense, driver's license suspension etc), then you can proceed further and put them under a trial period.
In times when more and more people are trying to be nannies for a living, a babysitter background check is absolutely necessary. Commit to making this a family policy no matter whether you are using a nanny agency or the service of family friends. Learn everything about the person you will let in your home.
Author: Irena Bocheva
http://complete-background-check.info/ Protecting the safety of your kids should be the number one priority of every parent. Click on the link above to learn more for this affordable and secure way to do an online background check.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Irena_Bocheva
1. Try to use a local nanny agency with good reputation to ensure that the candidates have some professional experience and can deal with emergency situations. Or look for a child care provider within your own circle of friends and family because of the higher level of trust you can have. Avoid online and newspaper ads or Craiglist because the screening is minimal and this could be risky
2. When doing your interviews clearly define what is expected of the babysitter and what are the specific duties of the position. Emphasize what are the things you are not going to compromise on and what is the minimum qualification required.
3. When a specific candidate meets your requirements and leaves you with good first impressions, it is time to do a babysitter background check. Use a formal employment application so that you can obtain all relevant information concerning the candidate: name, SSN, previous employers, references, previous addresses.
Most reputable agencies have minimum requirements for their candidates-minimum experience, proof of eligibility to work in the US, a current CPR and First Aid certification, a valid driver's license and reliable vehicle. And most of all a clean criminal record. The only problem however is that only about 50 % of the agencies go out of their way to do an in-depth background check and to verify all information provided. This still leaves the possibility of errors and unreliable people entering your households. That's why you should get the job done yourself
4. You can hire an agency to do that for you, though the prices are quite expensive. Or you can get the job done yourself by using an online background check website where all you need in order to access somebody's criminal records is his first and last name. They have millions of public and police records on file and provide instant reports
5. Once the background check is done and you've established that the candidate is clean( no arrests, felonies, misdemeanor, DUI, sex offense, driver's license suspension etc), then you can proceed further and put them under a trial period.
In times when more and more people are trying to be nannies for a living, a babysitter background check is absolutely necessary. Commit to making this a family policy no matter whether you are using a nanny agency or the service of family friends. Learn everything about the person you will let in your home.
Author: Irena Bocheva
http://complete-background-check.info/ Protecting the safety of your kids should be the number one priority of every parent. Click on the link above to learn more for this affordable and secure way to do an online background check.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Irena_Bocheva
10 Tips To Keep Your Little Ones Safer At Home
We all know there is nothing more important than our children's safety and wellbeing. Our children are precious and the last thing we want is anything to happen to them. But on an average day in Australia 5,000 children seriously injure themselves in the home, school and at play. Whilst it is impossible to make your home completely safe and injury free, there are steps we can take to lessen the risk and make our homes a safer place. All of us should know what to do in the case of an emergency and if a little one has an accident and hurts themselves. After all, it could be life threatening and you may have to save your child's life...
So what should we do? Here are 10 tips to help keep our little ones safe:
- Get down to your child's level and look around the home and yard from their perspective and remove any unsafe or hazardous situations.
- Ensure pools and spas are fully fenced and with well maintained, self closing gates.
- Regulate your hot water to a delivery temperature of 50 degrees to prevent burns and scalds.
- Fit child resistant catches and locking mechanisms to cupboards and drawers where dangers such as medicines, cleaning products, matches, sharp objects and potential choking hazards are stored.
- Set rules and always supervise your child.
- Make sure play areas are fenced off from the street and driveway and play equipment is well maintained and complies with Australian standards.
- Smoke alarms are installed and checked at least twice a year and a fire blanket / fire extinguisher is located near the kitchen.
- Children are always properly restrained in an appropriate and approved child restraint in the car, pram and high chair.
- Arrange for a consultant to conduct a home safety audit and provide suggestions and recommendations to reduce the likelihood of an accident or injury occurring in your home.
- Learn what to do in case of an emergency, accident or injury before it happens by attending a First Aid course specifically tailored for children.
For further information about how to organise a 4 hour First Aid for Kids awareness session in the comfort of your home go to http://www.parentsfirstaid.com.au
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Susie_Ivison
So what should we do? Here are 10 tips to help keep our little ones safe:
- Get down to your child's level and look around the home and yard from their perspective and remove any unsafe or hazardous situations.
- Ensure pools and spas are fully fenced and with well maintained, self closing gates.
- Regulate your hot water to a delivery temperature of 50 degrees to prevent burns and scalds.
- Fit child resistant catches and locking mechanisms to cupboards and drawers where dangers such as medicines, cleaning products, matches, sharp objects and potential choking hazards are stored.
- Set rules and always supervise your child.
- Make sure play areas are fenced off from the street and driveway and play equipment is well maintained and complies with Australian standards.
- Smoke alarms are installed and checked at least twice a year and a fire blanket / fire extinguisher is located near the kitchen.
- Children are always properly restrained in an appropriate and approved child restraint in the car, pram and high chair.
- Arrange for a consultant to conduct a home safety audit and provide suggestions and recommendations to reduce the likelihood of an accident or injury occurring in your home.
- Learn what to do in case of an emergency, accident or injury before it happens by attending a First Aid course specifically tailored for children.
For further information about how to organise a 4 hour First Aid for Kids awareness session in the comfort of your home go to http://www.parentsfirstaid.com.au
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Susie_Ivison
How to Keep Your Bathroom Safe
When you think of your bathroom you probably think of it as a place of relaxation or relief. A retreat you go to in your home when you need to unwind. This serene place can also pose a lot of danger to your children so you need to take extra precautions to keep it safe.
Things to think about:
Make sure never to leave your child unattended in the bathroom for any reason.
Lock the toilet seat. This may sound silly but a small child can lean over the toilet and fall in and drown in the small amount of water in the toilet bowl.
Make sure you always test bath water to make sure that it will not burn your child. Never leave water in a tub because a child can fall in and drown if unsupervised.
Put your toilet bowl cleaner, plunger and toilet bowl brush up and out of sight. A small child could try to put those items in their mouth which is covered in germs and bacteria.
Lock all medicines, cleaning supplies, lotions, shampoos and soaps behind cabinet doors to ensure your child is not poisoned. If your child does happen to ingest some of these products call Poison Control immediately at 1-800-222-1222.
If you have tile or vinyl keep it clean and dry so your child doesn't slip and hit their head on the floor, tub or toilet.
Make sure to never have electrical appliances within reach of small children because they can get electrocuted if the drop them in water.
Make sure to cover all exposed outlets in the wall.
Put an anti-slip mat in the tub so you child doesn't slip and fall while taking a shower or slip under water while taking a bath.
These steps can keep both you and your child safe in your homes bathroom.
Visit http://www.onestopshopforkids.com/kidssafety.html for everything you need to keep your babies and kids safe!
Author of A Humorous Guide to Being a First Time Mom and Bright and White Brushing Your Teeth Can Be Fun! Both books are available on Amazon.com and One Stop Shop for Kids! They make great baby shower and first birthday gifts!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jessica_Chamberlain
Things to think about:
Make sure never to leave your child unattended in the bathroom for any reason.
Lock the toilet seat. This may sound silly but a small child can lean over the toilet and fall in and drown in the small amount of water in the toilet bowl.
Make sure you always test bath water to make sure that it will not burn your child. Never leave water in a tub because a child can fall in and drown if unsupervised.
Put your toilet bowl cleaner, plunger and toilet bowl brush up and out of sight. A small child could try to put those items in their mouth which is covered in germs and bacteria.
Lock all medicines, cleaning supplies, lotions, shampoos and soaps behind cabinet doors to ensure your child is not poisoned. If your child does happen to ingest some of these products call Poison Control immediately at 1-800-222-1222.
If you have tile or vinyl keep it clean and dry so your child doesn't slip and hit their head on the floor, tub or toilet.
Make sure to never have electrical appliances within reach of small children because they can get electrocuted if the drop them in water.
Make sure to cover all exposed outlets in the wall.
Put an anti-slip mat in the tub so you child doesn't slip and fall while taking a shower or slip under water while taking a bath.
These steps can keep both you and your child safe in your homes bathroom.
Visit http://www.onestopshopforkids.com/kidssafety.html for everything you need to keep your babies and kids safe!
Author of A Humorous Guide to Being a First Time Mom and Bright and White Brushing Your Teeth Can Be Fun! Both books are available on Amazon.com and One Stop Shop for Kids! They make great baby shower and first birthday gifts!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jessica_Chamberlain
How to Keep Your Children From Accidental Poisonings
A casual stroll through a typical home may seem fairly innocuous at first until you start looking around. What do you see? Nothing? What does your toddler see? I can guarantee you that your child sees his world differently than you see yours.
How do you explore your environment? Your environment has already been explored? OK.
What do you do when you think you feel hungry? You go to the refrigerator right? What do you do with what you find in the refrigerator? Let me guess, you put it into your mouth am I correct? Why? Because you know that what you put into your mouth from your refrigerator is going to satisfy your hunger (or satisfy your need to put something into your mouth).
But are you really hungry? Could your perceived need to make your way to the refrigerator be actually uncovering a hidden oral fixation? Nah! Wait a minute! You have learned as an adult that if you need to put something into your mouth for whatever reason, you go to the refrigerator or the pantry. Unfortunately, your youngster has not learned that yet.
When your child decides he needs to put something into his mouth where does he go?
Well not being as big as you, that cabinet underneath the sink looks doable. Let's see, Drano, mouse poison, Brillo Pads, bug spray, hmmmm. Might not taste good but doesn't take much.
Ok, so you've got those doors locked. Great! But don't stop there. He's gone. He's headed off to your bathroom in search of the prescription drugs you left on the vanity. You left them on your night stand this time? He'll find them.
On his way out to your garage to fill up on your paint thinner, gasoline, antifreeze, and the beer you keep in the garage fridge (just kidding about the beer), he munched on some of your poisonous houseplants. Whew, busy little fella!
First of all realize that the above scenario is a bit of an embellishment but hopefully helps you to realize that kids like to put things into their mouths. It is our jobs as adults to make sure that what our kids put into their mouths don't kill them. Not kidding here.
Accidental home poisonings are no joke. The American Association of Poison Control Centers estimates that before age 5, "one in five children will be exposed to a potential poison." Recently, that came to 1.2 million children. They go on further to state that 70% of these poisonings could have been prevented.
You can be the best parent in the world and your child will still find something to put into his mouth. It is one of the biggest fears that parents of young children face today. Vigilance here is the word of the day and a willingness to see your environment as your child does.
At this point you might be expecting some advice on how to keep Johnny away from the rhododendron. The best thing we can do for you at this point is to provide you with info on how to contact the American Association of Poison Control Centers.
Simply enter "American Association of Poison Control Centers" into your search engine. This site is loaded with info on how to keep your children safe from accidental poisoning and what to do if an accidental poisoning does happen. It is also a good idea to keep their number handy someplace like on the fridge. The one in your kitchen, not the one in the garage that you keep your beer in.
Debbie Parkinson is a free lance writer researching and writing on various topics. Debbie's passions are health and pets. If you love physical fitness training outdoors as I do, learn more about these super cool training aids, the Garmin GPS Watch and the Garmin Forerunner Watch.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Debbie_Parkinson
How do you explore your environment? Your environment has already been explored? OK.
What do you do when you think you feel hungry? You go to the refrigerator right? What do you do with what you find in the refrigerator? Let me guess, you put it into your mouth am I correct? Why? Because you know that what you put into your mouth from your refrigerator is going to satisfy your hunger (or satisfy your need to put something into your mouth).
But are you really hungry? Could your perceived need to make your way to the refrigerator be actually uncovering a hidden oral fixation? Nah! Wait a minute! You have learned as an adult that if you need to put something into your mouth for whatever reason, you go to the refrigerator or the pantry. Unfortunately, your youngster has not learned that yet.
When your child decides he needs to put something into his mouth where does he go?
Well not being as big as you, that cabinet underneath the sink looks doable. Let's see, Drano, mouse poison, Brillo Pads, bug spray, hmmmm. Might not taste good but doesn't take much.
Ok, so you've got those doors locked. Great! But don't stop there. He's gone. He's headed off to your bathroom in search of the prescription drugs you left on the vanity. You left them on your night stand this time? He'll find them.
On his way out to your garage to fill up on your paint thinner, gasoline, antifreeze, and the beer you keep in the garage fridge (just kidding about the beer), he munched on some of your poisonous houseplants. Whew, busy little fella!
First of all realize that the above scenario is a bit of an embellishment but hopefully helps you to realize that kids like to put things into their mouths. It is our jobs as adults to make sure that what our kids put into their mouths don't kill them. Not kidding here.
Accidental home poisonings are no joke. The American Association of Poison Control Centers estimates that before age 5, "one in five children will be exposed to a potential poison." Recently, that came to 1.2 million children. They go on further to state that 70% of these poisonings could have been prevented.
You can be the best parent in the world and your child will still find something to put into his mouth. It is one of the biggest fears that parents of young children face today. Vigilance here is the word of the day and a willingness to see your environment as your child does.
At this point you might be expecting some advice on how to keep Johnny away from the rhododendron. The best thing we can do for you at this point is to provide you with info on how to contact the American Association of Poison Control Centers.
Simply enter "American Association of Poison Control Centers" into your search engine. This site is loaded with info on how to keep your children safe from accidental poisoning and what to do if an accidental poisoning does happen. It is also a good idea to keep their number handy someplace like on the fridge. The one in your kitchen, not the one in the garage that you keep your beer in.
Debbie Parkinson is a free lance writer researching and writing on various topics. Debbie's passions are health and pets. If you love physical fitness training outdoors as I do, learn more about these super cool training aids, the Garmin GPS Watch and the Garmin Forerunner Watch.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Debbie_Parkinson
Child Safety Dangers in the Home - The Bathroom and Living Room
Although any house cannot be 100% child safe there are some simple precautions parents can take to reduce the risk of accident or injury of your infant children within the home. Here we look at some of the key dangers present within the common bathroom and living room environments along with what steps you can take to minimise the risks.
Living Room
The living room is arguably one of the most problematic areas within the home to fully protect your child from. Given people's living rooms are ordinarily the hub of the house and constantly used and items moved, you need to constantly remain vigilant of the dangers. One of the best ways to spot dangers in your living room is to get down to your child height and survey the area.
One of the most common incidents which occur in living rooms are burns resulting from fire. To help prevent and alert you of this, install smoke detector alarms in key areas of your home whilst also installing circuit breakers and fitting any fires with protective guards. If you have electrical plug sockets which are not in use, it would be wise to purchase some plastic plug covers which prevent little fingers or foreign objects from being input into the sockets. Ensure you unplug any electrical fires during hot periods when they are not required for extended periods. Always choose furniture which is made from fire retardant foam and upholstery and ensure that matches and lighter mechanisms are well out of children's reach
Bathroom
Several commonly documented accidents occurring in the bathroom derive from scalds resulting from hot water, poisoning and falls in the bath or shower. To reduce these risks make a point of placing all medicines and other dangerous and sharp objects in a locked cabinet away from a child's reach. Plastic, enamel and cast-iron bath tubs are a significant fall risk and the purchase of a suction non-slip bath mat will serve to reduce the risk of your child slipping over in the bath or shower. For hygienic reasons it is also a good idea to secure the toilet seat. Take note of any low-level windows which a child may be able to access and ensure they are locked. When running a bath for your child always ensure that you add hot water to cold water and always check the temperature yourself before placing your child into the bath.
Finally, ensure that any keys or locks cannot be accessed by your child to prevent them from locking themselves in the room.
Taking just these few simple steps can help to secure your home from danger thereby protecting the safety of you and your children from injury.
Jamie has been writing articles for the web for many years now and runs several websites. His latest Whole House Water Filtration System website about the benefits of buying and installing home water filters is worth a visit. Pop round to http://www.wholehousewaterfiltrationsystem.org/ and see what we have to offer.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jamie_Noone
Living Room
The living room is arguably one of the most problematic areas within the home to fully protect your child from. Given people's living rooms are ordinarily the hub of the house and constantly used and items moved, you need to constantly remain vigilant of the dangers. One of the best ways to spot dangers in your living room is to get down to your child height and survey the area.
One of the most common incidents which occur in living rooms are burns resulting from fire. To help prevent and alert you of this, install smoke detector alarms in key areas of your home whilst also installing circuit breakers and fitting any fires with protective guards. If you have electrical plug sockets which are not in use, it would be wise to purchase some plastic plug covers which prevent little fingers or foreign objects from being input into the sockets. Ensure you unplug any electrical fires during hot periods when they are not required for extended periods. Always choose furniture which is made from fire retardant foam and upholstery and ensure that matches and lighter mechanisms are well out of children's reach
Bathroom
Several commonly documented accidents occurring in the bathroom derive from scalds resulting from hot water, poisoning and falls in the bath or shower. To reduce these risks make a point of placing all medicines and other dangerous and sharp objects in a locked cabinet away from a child's reach. Plastic, enamel and cast-iron bath tubs are a significant fall risk and the purchase of a suction non-slip bath mat will serve to reduce the risk of your child slipping over in the bath or shower. For hygienic reasons it is also a good idea to secure the toilet seat. Take note of any low-level windows which a child may be able to access and ensure they are locked. When running a bath for your child always ensure that you add hot water to cold water and always check the temperature yourself before placing your child into the bath.
Finally, ensure that any keys or locks cannot be accessed by your child to prevent them from locking themselves in the room.
Taking just these few simple steps can help to secure your home from danger thereby protecting the safety of you and your children from injury.
Jamie has been writing articles for the web for many years now and runs several websites. His latest Whole House Water Filtration System website about the benefits of buying and installing home water filters is worth a visit. Pop round to http://www.wholehousewaterfiltrationsystem.org/ and see what we have to offer.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jamie_Noone
Child Safety Dangers in the Home and Garden
Although any house cannot be 100% child safe there are some straight forward steps parents can take to lessen the risk of accident or injury to you and your children within the home environment. Here we look at some of the key dangers present within the nursery and garden areas of your home and what steps you can take to minimise the risks.
Nursery
For obvious reasons, the nursery is a room in your home that your child will spend a considerable amount of his or her time in. As a consequence, you will therefore need to be extremely vigilant about any dangers posed which additionally will be required to be assessed and monitored on a regular basis. Take into account the development of your child when monitoring the safety of his or her environment and remember that risks which were not posed a few months ago may well be more relevant as your child develops.
Insure that your babies cot and indeed the mattress adhere to the required safety standards and that the mattress is securely fitted to the base of the cot. Should your child sleep in a bed make sure you have a suitable bed rail in place whilst at the same time ensuring that a secure stair gate is fitted at the top of your stairs. Install a suitable dimming light to provide you with sufficient light to walk safely at night whilst at the same time providing comfort and reassurance to your child. Setup a thermometer in the nursery to provide you with an accurate room temperature ensuring that it doesn't get too hot or too cold. The optimum temperature for a baby's nursery should be around 18°C or 65°.
Outside in the garden
A significant proportion of accidents occur outside the home with the garden absorbing a large proportion of these accidents. Always remain vigilant if your child is outside in the garden and never leave them unattended. Ensure that all garden implements, chemicals and tools are securely locked away. Make sure garden sheds and garages doors are securely locked and if you have a gate leading out of your property make sure it has a secure lock which cannot be accessed by your child. If your child has play equipment outside in the garden always make sure he or she has an appropriate base to fall on should they require it. If you have a pond or water feature make sure they are securely covered up and a child cannot come to harm even if he or she should fall onto the covering.
Taking just these few simple steps can help to secure your home and garden from dangers thereby protecting the safety of your children from injury.
Jamie has been writing articles for the web for many years now and runs several websites. His latest Whole House Water Filtration System website around the benefits of buying and installing home water filters is worth a visit. Pop round to http://www.wholehousewaterfiltrationsystem.org/ and see what we have to offer.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jamie_Noone
Nursery
For obvious reasons, the nursery is a room in your home that your child will spend a considerable amount of his or her time in. As a consequence, you will therefore need to be extremely vigilant about any dangers posed which additionally will be required to be assessed and monitored on a regular basis. Take into account the development of your child when monitoring the safety of his or her environment and remember that risks which were not posed a few months ago may well be more relevant as your child develops.
Insure that your babies cot and indeed the mattress adhere to the required safety standards and that the mattress is securely fitted to the base of the cot. Should your child sleep in a bed make sure you have a suitable bed rail in place whilst at the same time ensuring that a secure stair gate is fitted at the top of your stairs. Install a suitable dimming light to provide you with sufficient light to walk safely at night whilst at the same time providing comfort and reassurance to your child. Setup a thermometer in the nursery to provide you with an accurate room temperature ensuring that it doesn't get too hot or too cold. The optimum temperature for a baby's nursery should be around 18°C or 65°.
Outside in the garden
A significant proportion of accidents occur outside the home with the garden absorbing a large proportion of these accidents. Always remain vigilant if your child is outside in the garden and never leave them unattended. Ensure that all garden implements, chemicals and tools are securely locked away. Make sure garden sheds and garages doors are securely locked and if you have a gate leading out of your property make sure it has a secure lock which cannot be accessed by your child. If your child has play equipment outside in the garden always make sure he or she has an appropriate base to fall on should they require it. If you have a pond or water feature make sure they are securely covered up and a child cannot come to harm even if he or she should fall onto the covering.
Taking just these few simple steps can help to secure your home and garden from dangers thereby protecting the safety of your children from injury.
Jamie has been writing articles for the web for many years now and runs several websites. His latest Whole House Water Filtration System website around the benefits of buying and installing home water filters is worth a visit. Pop round to http://www.wholehousewaterfiltrationsystem.org/ and see what we have to offer.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jamie_Noone
Fire Safety For Your Home
A fire in our home is something that we do not want to think about, but we must plan for. We want our family members to be prepared should something like a fire in the home happen. Here are few tips for making your fire safety plan at home.
1. Map out an escape route
Draw the floor plan of your home. Show at least two exits from each room. For example, a window and a door. Go over this with your child often. Post it for your family to see. It is also a good idea to let any overnight guest know your escape plan. Your friends and relatives should have an escape route before your children spend the night.
2. Check Emergency Exists
Check doors and windows to make sure they open easily. A safety ladder should be stored in one of the kid's rooms. Store it in a place that can be reached easily. Have children practice using the safety ladder only when an adult is present.
3. Teach the basics
Teach children how to crawl on hands and knees to avoid smoke. Show children how to wet a towel, cloth or shirt and put over nose and mouth. Teach children how to look for smoke under a door before opening it. Teach stop, drop and roll in case their clothes catch fire. Also make sure they know not to hid from firefighters.
4. Practice, Practice, Practice
Set up a fire drill with your family at least twice a year. It is a good idea to plan one during the day and one during the night. Make sure to warn children in advance of the practice drill. Set off smoke alarms so everyone can be familiar with the sound.
5. Designate
It is a good idea to decide in advance which parent is responsible for a baby, toddler or someone with a disability that would require special help. Know who will go to that room and be responsible carrying them outside in the event of an emergency.
6. Meeting Spot
Decide on a meeting spot outside of your home. Make sure each member of your family knows where to meet. Children should understand to go to this spot and wait for help.
Begin an emergency plan for your family today. Be smart and stay safe.
Leather women's jackets paired with zebra print shoes are the latest thing hitting the runway. Both of these items can be shopped for and bought online from the convenience of your own home.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Josh_Bryant
1. Map out an escape route
Draw the floor plan of your home. Show at least two exits from each room. For example, a window and a door. Go over this with your child often. Post it for your family to see. It is also a good idea to let any overnight guest know your escape plan. Your friends and relatives should have an escape route before your children spend the night.
2. Check Emergency Exists
Check doors and windows to make sure they open easily. A safety ladder should be stored in one of the kid's rooms. Store it in a place that can be reached easily. Have children practice using the safety ladder only when an adult is present.
3. Teach the basics
Teach children how to crawl on hands and knees to avoid smoke. Show children how to wet a towel, cloth or shirt and put over nose and mouth. Teach children how to look for smoke under a door before opening it. Teach stop, drop and roll in case their clothes catch fire. Also make sure they know not to hid from firefighters.
4. Practice, Practice, Practice
Set up a fire drill with your family at least twice a year. It is a good idea to plan one during the day and one during the night. Make sure to warn children in advance of the practice drill. Set off smoke alarms so everyone can be familiar with the sound.
5. Designate
It is a good idea to decide in advance which parent is responsible for a baby, toddler or someone with a disability that would require special help. Know who will go to that room and be responsible carrying them outside in the event of an emergency.
6. Meeting Spot
Decide on a meeting spot outside of your home. Make sure each member of your family knows where to meet. Children should understand to go to this spot and wait for help.
Begin an emergency plan for your family today. Be smart and stay safe.
Leather women's jackets paired with zebra print shoes are the latest thing hitting the runway. Both of these items can be shopped for and bought online from the convenience of your own home.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Josh_Bryant
Top 5 Tips in Setting Up Your Baby's Nursery
It is an exciting time to prepare your baby's nursery but knowing the right time is also important. Some parents may choose to have it done while the mother has just received the good news that she's pregnant. Other parents prefer to set up the baby's nursery together with the construction and interior design of their homes.
Normally if you plan and set-up the nursery in advance, neutral colors are incorporated to ensure that the room will fit the baby's gender. White, beige and cream are the most common color schemes for a neutral room. A few updating once the baby's gender is determined can be done to make sure that the room is comfy and appropriate.
Once you've determined the gender of your baby, it's ideal to plan the completion of the interiors and purchase other necessities for the nursery.
Here are top 5 tips in setting-up your baby's nursery for its completion to make it baby-ready:
1. If you haven't selected the right furniture yet for your little one, make sure that you prioritize the bigger furniture pieces first and foremost. These pieces are normally moderately-priced to expensive, so make sure that you have the budget or prioritize in spending your budget for the more important pieces. The baby's crib is the most important as of this time because it is the place for baby's rest and relaxation.
A changing table is also important and these days it is incorporated with a dresser to keep all of your baby's clothes and stuff in.
Make sure that you have a bed for mom or for any adult in the house who will be assigned to stay with the baby each night. Younger infants should not be left alone in a nursery unless you have a baby camera or monitoring device inside. It is a safety precaution nowadays, so you might as well invest on those too.
2. Other baby-friendly necessities such as bedding materials, bedding sets, toys and activity sets should be examined first before you buy them.
Make sure that the materials are safe and non-toxic for your baby. If he/she is vulnerable to allergens, make sure that the material of her beddings is hypoallergenic.
3. You may want to plan and purchase for furniture that can be used for a long period of time. Dressers and a bed you are planning to buy should be made of tough materials to ensure that your baby can use them for years. These are bigger pieces of furniture so invest on them wisely.
4. The decor of your baby's nursery can be based on a theme such as a cartoon character, flora and fauna themes, or a generic theme that can be updated as the child grows older.
As mentioned earlier, if you plan ahead and included the nursery in the overall interior design of your home, a neutral palette can be used. Complementary design can be used via incorporating furniture, curtains and other stuff that can add life and fun to your baby's nursery.
Upgrading some paint job is also advisable just make sure to do this while the baby is still unborn and once you've determine its gender. Make sure to use non-toxic and odorless paint.
5. Once all the upgrading and furniture are ready, you can arrange the interiors of the nursery to make it baby-friendly and safe for everyone. It is ideal to keep the nursery free from clutter and too much unnecessary furniture and accessories. It is important that you can move around freely and that there is ample space. As much as possible, do not overcrowd the nursery with too much toys and things that the baby won't enjoy at this time.
Planning for a baby's nursery is a fun idea. The key is to keep it safe, simple and spacious for everyone. Only buy the necessary furniture and when you do, make sure to check each piece for safety and sturdiness to keep your baby happy and safe at all times.
Harrison Fray is an experienced and expert home decor planner who specializes in kids bedding and kids room decor buying. His advice can help you to buy toddler bedding cheaply but with unique style. Harrison also gives great advice on Olive Kids girls bedding. Drop by Kids Toddler Boutique and see what Harrison recommends.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Harrison_Fray
Normally if you plan and set-up the nursery in advance, neutral colors are incorporated to ensure that the room will fit the baby's gender. White, beige and cream are the most common color schemes for a neutral room. A few updating once the baby's gender is determined can be done to make sure that the room is comfy and appropriate.
Once you've determined the gender of your baby, it's ideal to plan the completion of the interiors and purchase other necessities for the nursery.
Here are top 5 tips in setting-up your baby's nursery for its completion to make it baby-ready:
1. If you haven't selected the right furniture yet for your little one, make sure that you prioritize the bigger furniture pieces first and foremost. These pieces are normally moderately-priced to expensive, so make sure that you have the budget or prioritize in spending your budget for the more important pieces. The baby's crib is the most important as of this time because it is the place for baby's rest and relaxation.
A changing table is also important and these days it is incorporated with a dresser to keep all of your baby's clothes and stuff in.
Make sure that you have a bed for mom or for any adult in the house who will be assigned to stay with the baby each night. Younger infants should not be left alone in a nursery unless you have a baby camera or monitoring device inside. It is a safety precaution nowadays, so you might as well invest on those too.
2. Other baby-friendly necessities such as bedding materials, bedding sets, toys and activity sets should be examined first before you buy them.
Make sure that the materials are safe and non-toxic for your baby. If he/she is vulnerable to allergens, make sure that the material of her beddings is hypoallergenic.
3. You may want to plan and purchase for furniture that can be used for a long period of time. Dressers and a bed you are planning to buy should be made of tough materials to ensure that your baby can use them for years. These are bigger pieces of furniture so invest on them wisely.
4. The decor of your baby's nursery can be based on a theme such as a cartoon character, flora and fauna themes, or a generic theme that can be updated as the child grows older.
As mentioned earlier, if you plan ahead and included the nursery in the overall interior design of your home, a neutral palette can be used. Complementary design can be used via incorporating furniture, curtains and other stuff that can add life and fun to your baby's nursery.
Upgrading some paint job is also advisable just make sure to do this while the baby is still unborn and once you've determine its gender. Make sure to use non-toxic and odorless paint.
5. Once all the upgrading and furniture are ready, you can arrange the interiors of the nursery to make it baby-friendly and safe for everyone. It is ideal to keep the nursery free from clutter and too much unnecessary furniture and accessories. It is important that you can move around freely and that there is ample space. As much as possible, do not overcrowd the nursery with too much toys and things that the baby won't enjoy at this time.
Planning for a baby's nursery is a fun idea. The key is to keep it safe, simple and spacious for everyone. Only buy the necessary furniture and when you do, make sure to check each piece for safety and sturdiness to keep your baby happy and safe at all times.
Harrison Fray is an experienced and expert home decor planner who specializes in kids bedding and kids room decor buying. His advice can help you to buy toddler bedding cheaply but with unique style. Harrison also gives great advice on Olive Kids girls bedding. Drop by Kids Toddler Boutique and see what Harrison recommends.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Harrison_Fray
Hotel - Motel Safety Tips
When choosing a motel or hotel, you should all ways ask the following questions:
(1) What type of on-site security do you have? (2) Are your rooms inside or outside rooms? (3) What type of security measures do you have in place for each room?
Guests who stay above the first floor greatly reduce their chances of being a victim of a crime from outside forces.
UPON ARRIVAL
Do a visual check of the layout in case of emergency. What kind of lighting has been installed in the parking lot, around the grounds, pool and rooms? Check your room to see what security measures have been installed.
Explain to the children what you are looking for so they understand the importance of it, and explain to them to never open the door (even if they think they are helping) before you approve it.
A chain type lock is one that does not provide sufficient security and gives the false sense that it is safe to open the door. (not a good device to use at home either) Peepholes are good and should be used before opening the door to see who is there.
There are two types of peepholes: one is called a 160 that just shows who is standing in front of it and the other is called a 180 that gives you a much wider view of who is standing in front of the door and beside it. A lot of motels and hotels are putting two peepholes in the door: one is placed lower for children (a very good safety feature). Deadbolts are a good safety device and should always be used. If you travel a lot and want extra security, a device called a doorjamb is sold at Lowe's for about $ 20.00. It fits under the doorknob and wedges between the floor and the doorknob or handle. It folds down and is easy to carry and can be used at home as well. Do not answer the door by just opening it.
First, find out who is there. If the person identifies himself as an employee call the front desk to confirm it.
Seventy percent of communication is non-verbal. In other words, if you show fear opening the door, it already gives the intruder the upper hand in the situation. Use peepholes first. Moving the curtain back and looking out the window is as bad as opening the door. A smooth talker that sees you are startled or frightened might be able to get you to open the door. The face to face gives him or her the advantage.
Motels or hotels just off the interstate are perfect targets for criminals of all kinds (theives, child predators and many others). Traveling families make the perfect victims, They are not familiar with the area and it will be harder to get them back to testify in court. Inside the room secrets When you enter the room, look under the counter where the sink is and against that wall usually where the two rooms join. You are looking for a camera or a peephole. Usually there is a crawl space for plumbing between rooms.
I have actually seen cases where an employee had punched a hole in the drywall under the counter to look into the room: it gives a perfect view of almost the whole room. If you should happen to discover this in your room, call law enforcement not the front desk, make sure a report is made, let law enforcement make the contact with the establishment and contact your attorney. Also find another place to stay. Guest that stay in an inside room are less likely to be the victim than ones that stays where the room opens to the parking lot. Remember that not all, if any, motels /hotels conduct background checks on all of their employees.
A device can be bought on eBay for about $ 49.00 that detects hidden cameras in rooms, tanning beds, changing rooms, etc. This is good investment. You have been told for years never leave valubles in your room when you go out, which includes going to the pool. Now you need to add to never leave your identification in a room when you are not there.
This leaves you with two choices:
(1) Carry it to the pool or other areas with you. (2) Lock it in the trunk of your vehicle.
I am not sure about trusting in-room safes, you would need to ask the mangers about the safety features, If possible make sure no one else has a key or combination to it. Never prop the door open to go to ice machine or your vehicle; it gives a thief a chance to obtain entry into your room. Make sure to keep the room key or room card with you at all times. If lost or misplaced, notify the front desk at once. The lodging industry has a liability and responsibility to keep its guest as safe as possible and most try very hard to do just that.
Most industries have what is called industry standards by which they set acceptable operating procedures. I have been asked often about the use of personal alarms in a hotel/motel room. If you use one, the goal would be to get the activated device outside of the room so others could hear it. Never let a child go any where with out an adult that you really trust. They are targets to criminals.
If you stay at a motel/hotel that does not have any of these security features, I would consider making the stay a very, very short one or continue on trying to find a motel/hotel with the adequate safety measures.
This article was written by: Stephen D. Green (Ret. S/A) Director Bulldog Investigations, LLC Agent of http://www.safehomeprogram.com and can be reached at steve@pioncall.com.
© Bulldog Investigations, LLC 2009 All rights reserved. Disclaimer: This article is not intended to be legal advise in anyway.And use of these methods will not guarantee safety.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Stephen_D_Green
(1) What type of on-site security do you have? (2) Are your rooms inside or outside rooms? (3) What type of security measures do you have in place for each room?
Guests who stay above the first floor greatly reduce their chances of being a victim of a crime from outside forces.
UPON ARRIVAL
Do a visual check of the layout in case of emergency. What kind of lighting has been installed in the parking lot, around the grounds, pool and rooms? Check your room to see what security measures have been installed.
Explain to the children what you are looking for so they understand the importance of it, and explain to them to never open the door (even if they think they are helping) before you approve it.
A chain type lock is one that does not provide sufficient security and gives the false sense that it is safe to open the door. (not a good device to use at home either) Peepholes are good and should be used before opening the door to see who is there.
There are two types of peepholes: one is called a 160 that just shows who is standing in front of it and the other is called a 180 that gives you a much wider view of who is standing in front of the door and beside it. A lot of motels and hotels are putting two peepholes in the door: one is placed lower for children (a very good safety feature). Deadbolts are a good safety device and should always be used. If you travel a lot and want extra security, a device called a doorjamb is sold at Lowe's for about $ 20.00. It fits under the doorknob and wedges between the floor and the doorknob or handle. It folds down and is easy to carry and can be used at home as well. Do not answer the door by just opening it.
First, find out who is there. If the person identifies himself as an employee call the front desk to confirm it.
Seventy percent of communication is non-verbal. In other words, if you show fear opening the door, it already gives the intruder the upper hand in the situation. Use peepholes first. Moving the curtain back and looking out the window is as bad as opening the door. A smooth talker that sees you are startled or frightened might be able to get you to open the door. The face to face gives him or her the advantage.
Motels or hotels just off the interstate are perfect targets for criminals of all kinds (theives, child predators and many others). Traveling families make the perfect victims, They are not familiar with the area and it will be harder to get them back to testify in court. Inside the room secrets When you enter the room, look under the counter where the sink is and against that wall usually where the two rooms join. You are looking for a camera or a peephole. Usually there is a crawl space for plumbing between rooms.
I have actually seen cases where an employee had punched a hole in the drywall under the counter to look into the room: it gives a perfect view of almost the whole room. If you should happen to discover this in your room, call law enforcement not the front desk, make sure a report is made, let law enforcement make the contact with the establishment and contact your attorney. Also find another place to stay. Guest that stay in an inside room are less likely to be the victim than ones that stays where the room opens to the parking lot. Remember that not all, if any, motels /hotels conduct background checks on all of their employees.
A device can be bought on eBay for about $ 49.00 that detects hidden cameras in rooms, tanning beds, changing rooms, etc. This is good investment. You have been told for years never leave valubles in your room when you go out, which includes going to the pool. Now you need to add to never leave your identification in a room when you are not there.
This leaves you with two choices:
(1) Carry it to the pool or other areas with you. (2) Lock it in the trunk of your vehicle.
I am not sure about trusting in-room safes, you would need to ask the mangers about the safety features, If possible make sure no one else has a key or combination to it. Never prop the door open to go to ice machine or your vehicle; it gives a thief a chance to obtain entry into your room. Make sure to keep the room key or room card with you at all times. If lost or misplaced, notify the front desk at once. The lodging industry has a liability and responsibility to keep its guest as safe as possible and most try very hard to do just that.
Most industries have what is called industry standards by which they set acceptable operating procedures. I have been asked often about the use of personal alarms in a hotel/motel room. If you use one, the goal would be to get the activated device outside of the room so others could hear it. Never let a child go any where with out an adult that you really trust. They are targets to criminals.
If you stay at a motel/hotel that does not have any of these security features, I would consider making the stay a very, very short one or continue on trying to find a motel/hotel with the adequate safety measures.
This article was written by: Stephen D. Green (Ret. S/A) Director Bulldog Investigations, LLC Agent of http://www.safehomeprogram.com and can be reached at steve@pioncall.com.
© Bulldog Investigations, LLC 2009 All rights reserved. Disclaimer: This article is not intended to be legal advise in anyway.And use of these methods will not guarantee safety.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Stephen_D_Green
Baby Safety Basics
Keeping our children safe is at the very top of any parent's "important" list. But sometimes it can seem like an overwhelming task because of all the things in the world that can harm them. Thankfully there are many ways you can practice baby safety without spending all your money or watching your child every second.
Many people are most concerned with household threats. This isn't because there are more in the home than there are other places, it is simply because in the house is where we have a tendency to let our guard down. We want our home to be as safe as possible for our children.
Most people are familiar with outlet plugs that keep kids from putting things into the socket, but there are some new and improved versions that have been out for awhile now. The old versions that were just plastic plugs were flawed in multiple ways. The first was that it was possible for kids to pull them out once they got a little older. The second was that if they were pulled out of the wall they could then present a choking hazard for small children.
Now there are styles of these outlet covers that cover both outlet and are all one piece. This means pieces cannot come off and become a hazard. Also, these new covers require the use of two hands to open, so only adults can access the outlet.
There are also a wide variety of safety-latches that you can get to keep your children out of various things around your house. You can get them to keep your child out of cabinets, the refrigerator, and other areas. This prevents them from getting into anything toxic or shutting themselves into a small space where they could suffocate.
Other important baby safety items are gates and fences that keep babies in or out of a specific area. The most well know of these is the baby gate. There are many different styles of these, so you can decide which is best for your home. Newer styles of baby gates require an adult to release them, but also offer one-handed operation.
These gates are most commonly bought for the purpose of keeping a child in or out of a room, or off the stairs. Stair safety gates are getting pretty advanced, keeping your child away from one of the most dangerous spots in the home. Many of them only swing away from the stairs, preventing the child from tumbling down them if they somehow unlatch the gate.
You can also get fences that can partition off large areas. This makes it easy to create a large play area for your child in a safe spot. You can provide them with plenty of toys and room to play but keep them contained in one place. This can be very convenient if you are going to be coming and going from an area a lot and want to make sure your child doesn't crawl away while you're briefly out of the room.
It is very easy to find a lot of great baby safety supplies for your home. They can give you peace of mind and keep your child that much safer every day.
Jennifer R. Scott has been writing for over ten years on a broad range of topics. She has a background that includes such diverse areas as environmentalism, cooking, animal care, and technology. If you would like more information on parenting, please visit Baby Safety, a site dedicated to parent tips and support.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jennifer_R_Scott
Many people are most concerned with household threats. This isn't because there are more in the home than there are other places, it is simply because in the house is where we have a tendency to let our guard down. We want our home to be as safe as possible for our children.
Most people are familiar with outlet plugs that keep kids from putting things into the socket, but there are some new and improved versions that have been out for awhile now. The old versions that were just plastic plugs were flawed in multiple ways. The first was that it was possible for kids to pull them out once they got a little older. The second was that if they were pulled out of the wall they could then present a choking hazard for small children.
Now there are styles of these outlet covers that cover both outlet and are all one piece. This means pieces cannot come off and become a hazard. Also, these new covers require the use of two hands to open, so only adults can access the outlet.
There are also a wide variety of safety-latches that you can get to keep your children out of various things around your house. You can get them to keep your child out of cabinets, the refrigerator, and other areas. This prevents them from getting into anything toxic or shutting themselves into a small space where they could suffocate.
Other important baby safety items are gates and fences that keep babies in or out of a specific area. The most well know of these is the baby gate. There are many different styles of these, so you can decide which is best for your home. Newer styles of baby gates require an adult to release them, but also offer one-handed operation.
These gates are most commonly bought for the purpose of keeping a child in or out of a room, or off the stairs. Stair safety gates are getting pretty advanced, keeping your child away from one of the most dangerous spots in the home. Many of them only swing away from the stairs, preventing the child from tumbling down them if they somehow unlatch the gate.
You can also get fences that can partition off large areas. This makes it easy to create a large play area for your child in a safe spot. You can provide them with plenty of toys and room to play but keep them contained in one place. This can be very convenient if you are going to be coming and going from an area a lot and want to make sure your child doesn't crawl away while you're briefly out of the room.
It is very easy to find a lot of great baby safety supplies for your home. They can give you peace of mind and keep your child that much safer every day.
Jennifer R. Scott has been writing for over ten years on a broad range of topics. She has a background that includes such diverse areas as environmentalism, cooking, animal care, and technology. If you would like more information on parenting, please visit Baby Safety, a site dedicated to parent tips and support.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jennifer_R_Scott
Choosing the Right Christmas Tree Stand
If you've ever experienced a decorated Christmas tree tipping over, you know just how messy, expensive, and damaging this situation can be. Moreover, an unsteady Christmas tree poses a real safety threat in your home, especially if you have pets or small children. This is why choosing the right stand for your Christmas tree is so very critical.
Millions of Americans display live Christmas trees in their homes each year, and many families never give a second thought to the tree stand they use. They simply pick out a stand at their local tree farm or hardware store, often choosing the least expensive option, and simply assume it will hold the tree without a problem. But the truth is, falling trees cause many fires, personal injuries, and property damage claims every year. Not only do your valuable ornaments break, but woodwork, walls, and flooring are often scratched, and floors and carpets are damaged from water that spills out of the tree's reservoir. Furthermore, if the tree falls on a pet or child, tragedy can occur. In any case, it's always a good idea to make sure that you have an appropriately sized tree stand for the Christmas tree you are displaying.
The first consideration when choosing a tree stand is always the height of your tree. Many families are now displaying taller trees than in years past, especially with the popularity of vaulted and elevated ceilings in newer homes. If you will be displaying a tree taller than 9 foot, you should definitely evaluate your stand to be sure it's designed to do the job.
The next consideration is the size of the tree's trunk. Obviously, the taller the tree you select, the larger the trunk will be. You want to be sure that the stand you choose has a wide enough neck and water reservoir to accommodate the diameter of your tree's trunk.
Last, but not least, you also want to consider the size of the tree stand's water reservoir. How many gallons of water does it hold? Remember that larger trees will drink more water each day, so having a tree stand with a big reservoir is advantageous, because you won't have to refill it as often. If you already have a tree stand and its reservoir isn't as big as you'd like it to be, one option is to purchase an automatic Christmas tree waterer. These devices are like an additional, external reservoir that sits beside the stand and funnels water into the tree stand reservoir as needed. The advantage of an automatic watering system is that it can cut back significantly on the frequency of watering the tree.
If you are shopping for tree stands and can't decide between two models, let material be your guide. Tree stands made of steel are always sturdier and longer lasting than those made of plastic. And when in doubt about the size of tree stand you need, always opt for the larger one. It's no problem to put a smaller tree into a large tree stand, but you can't put a large tree into a small stand. A good Christmas tree stand is an investment that you'll use for many years, so always err on the side of caution and buy one size larger than you think you might need. This way you know you'll be covered down the road. Remember, having the right size and style of tree stand is more than just a matter of convenience; it's also a matter of personal safety.
For free shipping on all Christmas tree stands, or more information on how to choose a Christmas tree stand that's right for you, visit the Christmas Tree Storage Shop at http://www.christmastreestoragebag.net/Christmas_Tree_Stand_s/46.htm
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ellen_Bell
Millions of Americans display live Christmas trees in their homes each year, and many families never give a second thought to the tree stand they use. They simply pick out a stand at their local tree farm or hardware store, often choosing the least expensive option, and simply assume it will hold the tree without a problem. But the truth is, falling trees cause many fires, personal injuries, and property damage claims every year. Not only do your valuable ornaments break, but woodwork, walls, and flooring are often scratched, and floors and carpets are damaged from water that spills out of the tree's reservoir. Furthermore, if the tree falls on a pet or child, tragedy can occur. In any case, it's always a good idea to make sure that you have an appropriately sized tree stand for the Christmas tree you are displaying.
The first consideration when choosing a tree stand is always the height of your tree. Many families are now displaying taller trees than in years past, especially with the popularity of vaulted and elevated ceilings in newer homes. If you will be displaying a tree taller than 9 foot, you should definitely evaluate your stand to be sure it's designed to do the job.
The next consideration is the size of the tree's trunk. Obviously, the taller the tree you select, the larger the trunk will be. You want to be sure that the stand you choose has a wide enough neck and water reservoir to accommodate the diameter of your tree's trunk.
Last, but not least, you also want to consider the size of the tree stand's water reservoir. How many gallons of water does it hold? Remember that larger trees will drink more water each day, so having a tree stand with a big reservoir is advantageous, because you won't have to refill it as often. If you already have a tree stand and its reservoir isn't as big as you'd like it to be, one option is to purchase an automatic Christmas tree waterer. These devices are like an additional, external reservoir that sits beside the stand and funnels water into the tree stand reservoir as needed. The advantage of an automatic watering system is that it can cut back significantly on the frequency of watering the tree.
If you are shopping for tree stands and can't decide between two models, let material be your guide. Tree stands made of steel are always sturdier and longer lasting than those made of plastic. And when in doubt about the size of tree stand you need, always opt for the larger one. It's no problem to put a smaller tree into a large tree stand, but you can't put a large tree into a small stand. A good Christmas tree stand is an investment that you'll use for many years, so always err on the side of caution and buy one size larger than you think you might need. This way you know you'll be covered down the road. Remember, having the right size and style of tree stand is more than just a matter of convenience; it's also a matter of personal safety.
For free shipping on all Christmas tree stands, or more information on how to choose a Christmas tree stand that's right for you, visit the Christmas Tree Storage Shop at http://www.christmastreestoragebag.net/Christmas_Tree_Stand_s/46.htm
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ellen_Bell
Safeguard Your Home by Taking These Simple Precautions Against Accidental Injury
Imagine the issues that would arise if companies did not prevent accidents by the use of safety rails and guardrails. High risk jobs such as window washers of high rise office buildings, construction workers on huge building sites, and traffic workers on busy highways would definitely be in grave danger. A prudent owner will make sure that his employees are protected from danger in every way possible. This includes proper safety precautions in the form of detailed instruction and also safety equipment such as helmets and body gear to prevent injury from job-related perils. Another way to protect workers is by carrying adequate insurance coverage on each person employed. This form of coverage is mandatory and ensures that anyone who suffers from a job related injury will get the medical attention that he needs and deserves.
Interestingly, most accidents occur in the home or in close vicinity to the home and often proper safety precautions are not followed. Because we all consider our home to be our safe haven we can sometimes neglect even the most simple things that can make our homes more protected. It is easy to take for granted that all home operations are working properly and that everyone inside is safe. Here are six easy safeguards we all can make to rest easier about the level of our home safety.
1. All cleaning supplies and anything poisonous to children or pets should be contained in a locked cabinet. There are accidental deaths every year due to these supplies being carelessly stored around the house and garage areas.
2. Electrical cords should always be checked to be sure they are not frayed but in good condition. Some people think that cords for appliances and lamps can be run underneath carpets and area rugs and this is a false assumption and can lead to a fire hazard.
3. All heavy furniture should be securely positioned so that young children are not at risk from pulling it over on them. Televisions especially are sometimes a real problem because they are not fastened to the stand they are sitting on and they can be accidentally pulled toward the child while he or she is in the process of turning it on to view.
4. Throw rugs are notorious for being the cause of slips and falls in the home. Older people especially are at risk of falling due to one of these rugs being used without a non-skid backing on it. Many serious injuries are caused because a throw rug or non-secured bathmat is thought to be a decorative touch but instead it becomes an accident risk.
5. Burns can be prevented by always tending to anything cooking on the stove and by the simple act of turning pot handles inward away from people walking by the stove. There have been many reported accidental burns reported from children pulling pans over on them and also from fires erupting from pots and pans on hot burners that people have turned on and walked away from. A fire alarm in good working order is essential in order to alert the homeowner when this occurs.
6. Window blinds with cord adjustments are also a source of many home accidents. Young children love to play with these cords and can be easily entangled in them causing a choking hazard. It is a good idea to keep the cords fastened securely out of the reach of young people so they are not tempted to play with them in an unsafe manner.
Connor Sullivan recently researched the cost of installing safety rails and other safety protection items for his company. He hired a company to install guardrails in his home.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Connor_R_Sullivan
Interestingly, most accidents occur in the home or in close vicinity to the home and often proper safety precautions are not followed. Because we all consider our home to be our safe haven we can sometimes neglect even the most simple things that can make our homes more protected. It is easy to take for granted that all home operations are working properly and that everyone inside is safe. Here are six easy safeguards we all can make to rest easier about the level of our home safety.
1. All cleaning supplies and anything poisonous to children or pets should be contained in a locked cabinet. There are accidental deaths every year due to these supplies being carelessly stored around the house and garage areas.
2. Electrical cords should always be checked to be sure they are not frayed but in good condition. Some people think that cords for appliances and lamps can be run underneath carpets and area rugs and this is a false assumption and can lead to a fire hazard.
3. All heavy furniture should be securely positioned so that young children are not at risk from pulling it over on them. Televisions especially are sometimes a real problem because they are not fastened to the stand they are sitting on and they can be accidentally pulled toward the child while he or she is in the process of turning it on to view.
4. Throw rugs are notorious for being the cause of slips and falls in the home. Older people especially are at risk of falling due to one of these rugs being used without a non-skid backing on it. Many serious injuries are caused because a throw rug or non-secured bathmat is thought to be a decorative touch but instead it becomes an accident risk.
5. Burns can be prevented by always tending to anything cooking on the stove and by the simple act of turning pot handles inward away from people walking by the stove. There have been many reported accidental burns reported from children pulling pans over on them and also from fires erupting from pots and pans on hot burners that people have turned on and walked away from. A fire alarm in good working order is essential in order to alert the homeowner when this occurs.
6. Window blinds with cord adjustments are also a source of many home accidents. Young children love to play with these cords and can be easily entangled in them causing a choking hazard. It is a good idea to keep the cords fastened securely out of the reach of young people so they are not tempted to play with them in an unsafe manner.
Connor Sullivan recently researched the cost of installing safety rails and other safety protection items for his company. He hired a company to install guardrails in his home.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Connor_R_Sullivan
Tips in Child Safety
Our children are the most vulnerable and precious beings in our lives and we'd do anything to protect them. It's not enough that we know what the dangers that surround us and our children, but it is very important for our children to know how to react in dangerous situations. Here are some guidelines for your children. When you are teaching these tips to your children, it is vital to say it in a non-threatening way. Make sure that they don't get too paranoid once you have told them these precautions, you just want them to be aware of danger signs but you don't want them to feel scared all the time. You can boost their confidence to trust their 'gut instincts' and just make sure that you and your child communicate with each other. You want your child to feel comfortable in sharing their fears with you always. If your child does say something to you, listen intensively and pay attention to their body language as well as how they say it. You should impose to your child that his or her body is never to be touched in a way that makes them feel uncomfortable, and that they should always go to you and tell if so, even if family members are involved.
Teach your child never to answer the door when he or she is alone, even if they know the person. Child kidnappers are usually someone the child recognizes already. Answering the front door is very important, for those children who spend some time at home alone. Even if the parent is home, the child should always come to their parent before answering the door.
Teach your child on how to answer the phone without revealing to the caller that they are home alone. Teach them how to answer appropriately by telling the caller that you are not available, take the message and end the call. Children should also learn never to give out any confidential or personal information over the phone.
Child proof kitchen. If you are cooking, make sure that pot handles are turned and they are not hanging over the side of the stove. A lot of children get into these accidents by touching the handles and burn themselves when they pull it down, or even just knocking it off by accident. Leaving knives or other sharp object where the children can reach them should never be done. Don't leave cupboard and drawers open because their fingers might get caught. Screen your home for a few minutes and look around for any dangers lurking that your children might be exposed to. You can do this on a monthly basis.
Teach your child how to dial 911. In case of any emergency, your child will know why it's important to call emergency numbers, and they would be able to answer to the questions the operator is asking.
Teach your child what to do in case they get lost. Keeping your eye on your child is very important but sometimes things can get beyond our control. Nowadays, children have cellular phones in cases of an emergency. Also by being taught how to call 911, they would be able to keep themselves safe for a few moments until you get to them. If you get separated in a mall, teach them how to get to the information desk or approach a security officer.
You can create a code like most families do. For instance, if your child is approached by someone and they don't know the code, your child won't go with them.
Stranger danger. Distinguishing a stranger can be quite confusing for your child, especially if the stranger talks to the parent of the child. We can never be too careful when it comes to strangers. Tell your child that the only time they are allowed to talk to a stranger is if he or she is in trouble and needs help. Also reiterate to your child that strangers look like everyone else and they don't look like wild monsters or weird creatures.
Don't put name tags on your child's clothing, bags or any information that the stranger could utilize to gain your child's trust.
Hannah Henry is a writer, a mother and is also very skillful in fishing. Her success relies on her Shimano Sustain Spinning Reel, among other Shimano Spinning Reels.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Hannah_Henry
Teach your child never to answer the door when he or she is alone, even if they know the person. Child kidnappers are usually someone the child recognizes already. Answering the front door is very important, for those children who spend some time at home alone. Even if the parent is home, the child should always come to their parent before answering the door.
Teach your child on how to answer the phone without revealing to the caller that they are home alone. Teach them how to answer appropriately by telling the caller that you are not available, take the message and end the call. Children should also learn never to give out any confidential or personal information over the phone.
Child proof kitchen. If you are cooking, make sure that pot handles are turned and they are not hanging over the side of the stove. A lot of children get into these accidents by touching the handles and burn themselves when they pull it down, or even just knocking it off by accident. Leaving knives or other sharp object where the children can reach them should never be done. Don't leave cupboard and drawers open because their fingers might get caught. Screen your home for a few minutes and look around for any dangers lurking that your children might be exposed to. You can do this on a monthly basis.
Teach your child how to dial 911. In case of any emergency, your child will know why it's important to call emergency numbers, and they would be able to answer to the questions the operator is asking.
Teach your child what to do in case they get lost. Keeping your eye on your child is very important but sometimes things can get beyond our control. Nowadays, children have cellular phones in cases of an emergency. Also by being taught how to call 911, they would be able to keep themselves safe for a few moments until you get to them. If you get separated in a mall, teach them how to get to the information desk or approach a security officer.
You can create a code like most families do. For instance, if your child is approached by someone and they don't know the code, your child won't go with them.
Stranger danger. Distinguishing a stranger can be quite confusing for your child, especially if the stranger talks to the parent of the child. We can never be too careful when it comes to strangers. Tell your child that the only time they are allowed to talk to a stranger is if he or she is in trouble and needs help. Also reiterate to your child that strangers look like everyone else and they don't look like wild monsters or weird creatures.
Don't put name tags on your child's clothing, bags or any information that the stranger could utilize to gain your child's trust.
Hannah Henry is a writer, a mother and is also very skillful in fishing. Her success relies on her Shimano Sustain Spinning Reel, among other Shimano Spinning Reels.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Hannah_Henry
How to Keep Your Children Safe During Halloween
Ok parents, Halloween is almost here which means you will have a ton of fun making lots of silly and spooky memories with your children but you also need to take the extra steps to ensure that your children are safe during the holiday festivities.
The Costume- Make sure that your child is comfortable in their costume. Make sure they are wearing layers underneath it if it is cold outside and make sure that there is something reflective on it so that they can be seen in the dark by driving cars. If the costume has a cape, ensure that it is short enough so your child or another child walking behind them doesn't step on it and cause your child to fall.
Candy- In the eyes of your children the best part about the whole Halloween night of trick-or-treating is of course the candy. When you get back to your own home inspect the candy. If candy looks like it has been opened or tampered with, immediately throw it away. If your child is young dispose of hard candy that could make your child choke. It is best to give your child a few pieces of candy that night and then take the rest away and use it to reinforce good behavior or for an after dinner snack.
The Neighborhood- Only allow your child to go trick-or-treating with friends that you trust and in areas that you know are safe. The last thing you want is for your child to get lost in a neighborhood they are unfamiliar with on Halloween night.
Halloween can be a wonderful time for families to laugh, have fun and be spooky just make sure that your children are safe at all times.
Visit http://www.onestopshopforkids.com/kids-halloween.html for everything you need for babies and kids!
Author of A Humorous Guide to Being a First Time Mom and Bright and White Brushing Your Teeth Can Be Fun! Both books are available on Amazon.com and One Stop Shop for Kids! They make great baby shower and first birthday gifts!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jessica_Chamberlain
The Costume- Make sure that your child is comfortable in their costume. Make sure they are wearing layers underneath it if it is cold outside and make sure that there is something reflective on it so that they can be seen in the dark by driving cars. If the costume has a cape, ensure that it is short enough so your child or another child walking behind them doesn't step on it and cause your child to fall.
Candy- In the eyes of your children the best part about the whole Halloween night of trick-or-treating is of course the candy. When you get back to your own home inspect the candy. If candy looks like it has been opened or tampered with, immediately throw it away. If your child is young dispose of hard candy that could make your child choke. It is best to give your child a few pieces of candy that night and then take the rest away and use it to reinforce good behavior or for an after dinner snack.
The Neighborhood- Only allow your child to go trick-or-treating with friends that you trust and in areas that you know are safe. The last thing you want is for your child to get lost in a neighborhood they are unfamiliar with on Halloween night.
Halloween can be a wonderful time for families to laugh, have fun and be spooky just make sure that your children are safe at all times.
Visit http://www.onestopshopforkids.com/kids-halloween.html for everything you need for babies and kids!
Author of A Humorous Guide to Being a First Time Mom and Bright and White Brushing Your Teeth Can Be Fun! Both books are available on Amazon.com and One Stop Shop for Kids! They make great baby shower and first birthday gifts!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jessica_Chamberlain
Wednesday, 21 October 2009
Child Safety - Parenting Essentials
Babyproof your home. Your baby's furniture should be sturdy and well balanced. We don't want high chairs or changing tables to tip over. Slats on the crib need to be close enough so a child's head cannot get stuck. Don't put pillows in the crib. They could smother an infant. Before you know it, time will fly and your infant will be a very curious toddler. All electrical outlets need to be covered to protect little fingers from nasty and dangerous shocks. Now is the time to remove any slippery little accent rugs that may be about. Put them away for now. Remove anything breakable, sharp or valuable from low shelves and tables and move them higher up. You will be glad you did. You can trust me on this.
Get references from baby sitters and nannies. Learn as much as you can about the person who will look after your child while you are not at home. Talk to previous employers and ask about their experiences with this individual. Post a list of phone numbers including yours (at work or where you will be), your doctor's and a close relative or friend's in the event that you cannot be reached. As a precaution it is a good idea to come home at times when you are not expected in order to see how the child and the nanny (or baby sitter) are getting along. If you have any serious concerns you may be interested in installing a hidden camera also called a nanny cam.
Take extra care in the bath. Never, ever leave an infant or toddler alone in the bath even for a few seconds. A child can drown in only 2 inches of water and very quickly. Always test the temperature of the water before putting the child in the tub.
Never lose sight of your child on outings. When outdoors, in shopping malls, amusements parks and playgrounds make sure that you can always see the child and the child can see you. Make sure the child knows this and always remind him/her when you do go out. It cannot be repeated too often. There are even gadgets available that the child can wear that will warn you if he/she has wandered off.
Make playtime a safe time. Never let the child play outside in front of the house if you are not there. It is always better for the child to play in back of the house where he/she cannot be seen by predators. Unfortunately, there are too may child molesters on the loose. There are numerous websites where you are able to look up child molesters in your neighborhood. Do it now! Always meet the parents of your children's friends especially if your children will be playing at their home.
Teach basic safety lessons to your children. From the time your children are toddlers be sure to teach them their name, address and phone number. Always make sure they have some form of ID with them that will not be easily viewed by strangers. Encourage them to walk to and from school with a group. Sanction and empower them to be aware of strangers and act appropriately and report anyone hanging around that does not belong. Remind them not to give personal information or photos over the internet to strangers or make dates with internet acquaintances. Tell them to delete and block anyone weird or unpleasant. If you are concerned about your child's internet activity there are keystroke loggers available that will let you see each and every keystroke.
Be alert and use common sense. Pay attention to your children and listen well to them. Hearing what they have to say will tell you a lot about them. As a parent you want nothing more than to provide a happy, healthy, safe and secure life for your offspring.
Anne Reade, a mom and grandmother, is the owner and operator of http://www.tobesafeandsound.com dedicated to offering safety and security products for the home. See her child safety products
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Anne_Reade
Get references from baby sitters and nannies. Learn as much as you can about the person who will look after your child while you are not at home. Talk to previous employers and ask about their experiences with this individual. Post a list of phone numbers including yours (at work or where you will be), your doctor's and a close relative or friend's in the event that you cannot be reached. As a precaution it is a good idea to come home at times when you are not expected in order to see how the child and the nanny (or baby sitter) are getting along. If you have any serious concerns you may be interested in installing a hidden camera also called a nanny cam.
Take extra care in the bath. Never, ever leave an infant or toddler alone in the bath even for a few seconds. A child can drown in only 2 inches of water and very quickly. Always test the temperature of the water before putting the child in the tub.
Never lose sight of your child on outings. When outdoors, in shopping malls, amusements parks and playgrounds make sure that you can always see the child and the child can see you. Make sure the child knows this and always remind him/her when you do go out. It cannot be repeated too often. There are even gadgets available that the child can wear that will warn you if he/she has wandered off.
Make playtime a safe time. Never let the child play outside in front of the house if you are not there. It is always better for the child to play in back of the house where he/she cannot be seen by predators. Unfortunately, there are too may child molesters on the loose. There are numerous websites where you are able to look up child molesters in your neighborhood. Do it now! Always meet the parents of your children's friends especially if your children will be playing at their home.
Teach basic safety lessons to your children. From the time your children are toddlers be sure to teach them their name, address and phone number. Always make sure they have some form of ID with them that will not be easily viewed by strangers. Encourage them to walk to and from school with a group. Sanction and empower them to be aware of strangers and act appropriately and report anyone hanging around that does not belong. Remind them not to give personal information or photos over the internet to strangers or make dates with internet acquaintances. Tell them to delete and block anyone weird or unpleasant. If you are concerned about your child's internet activity there are keystroke loggers available that will let you see each and every keystroke.
Be alert and use common sense. Pay attention to your children and listen well to them. Hearing what they have to say will tell you a lot about them. As a parent you want nothing more than to provide a happy, healthy, safe and secure life for your offspring.
Anne Reade, a mom and grandmother, is the owner and operator of http://www.tobesafeandsound.com dedicated to offering safety and security products for the home. See her child safety products
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Anne_Reade
How to Protect Your Child From Scalds and Burns
Each year over 2,000 children attend A & E with scalds or burns resulting from accidents in or around the home, the causes are varied but the biggest cause for children under 5 are scalds from hot drinks, whilst the most severe scalds are a result of children getting into hot bath water.
Burns and scalds can come from a variety of sources within the home, cigarettes, matches, fires, hair straighteners, pans of hot water etc. so parents need to be extremely vigilant in keeping their child away from such dangers and taking care not to leave items where a child could access them.
Always keep in mind that a child's skin is much more sensitive than an adults.
Here are tips to protect your child from getting burnt or scalded.
- do not let your child into the kitchen unless supervised, the use of safety gates could prevent a child from entering the kitchen when the parent is not present
- do not let pan handles hang over the edge of the cooker, always turn the handles away from the front of the cooker.
- never hold a hot drink and a child at the same time.
- when running a bath always run the cold water first, then add the hot water to achieve the desired temperature, you should always test the water prior to letting the child get into the bath.
- if possible fit thermostatic mixing valves to taps.
- keep hot drinks out of the reach of children.
- when having social activities outdoors make sure children are kept well away from fireworks and barbecues.
- in summer ensure your child is protected from the effects of the sun on it's skin.
Jack Biggs
Everyone has an interest in keeping their child safe, please click on these websites for more tips on what you can do to reduce the risk of accidents
http://hubpages.com/hub/Accidents-in-the-Home-12-Tips-to-Keep-Your-Child-Safe
http://accidentsinthehome.blogspot.com/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jack_Biggs
Burns and scalds can come from a variety of sources within the home, cigarettes, matches, fires, hair straighteners, pans of hot water etc. so parents need to be extremely vigilant in keeping their child away from such dangers and taking care not to leave items where a child could access them.
Always keep in mind that a child's skin is much more sensitive than an adults.
Here are tips to protect your child from getting burnt or scalded.
- do not let your child into the kitchen unless supervised, the use of safety gates could prevent a child from entering the kitchen when the parent is not present
- do not let pan handles hang over the edge of the cooker, always turn the handles away from the front of the cooker.
- never hold a hot drink and a child at the same time.
- when running a bath always run the cold water first, then add the hot water to achieve the desired temperature, you should always test the water prior to letting the child get into the bath.
- if possible fit thermostatic mixing valves to taps.
- keep hot drinks out of the reach of children.
- when having social activities outdoors make sure children are kept well away from fireworks and barbecues.
- in summer ensure your child is protected from the effects of the sun on it's skin.
Jack Biggs
Everyone has an interest in keeping their child safe, please click on these websites for more tips on what you can do to reduce the risk of accidents
http://hubpages.com/hub/Accidents-in-the-Home-12-Tips-to-Keep-Your-Child-Safe
http://accidentsinthehome.blogspot.com/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jack_Biggs
Child Safety, Curtains and Blinds 9 Tips to Keep Your Child Safe
Have you ever thought about the real danger to children which can be caused by curtains and blinds? Did you know that children around the world die every year from strangulation caused by the cords being too long and the children getting caught in the loops?
Its relatively easy and inexpensive to make your curtains and blinds safe for your children, lets start by checking all the curtains and blinds in your home and follow these tips:
1. Blinds and curtain cords should be kept well out of reach of children.
2. Shorten the cord but ensure the blind will still function correctly when adjusted.
3. Make sure that children can't reach the cords. Cords should be approximately 1.6 metres long
4. Replace cords with wands
5. Never put your child's bed, high chair, playpen or crib near a window or door where they can reach the cord and get caught up in the cord
6. Don't put anything a child can climb on,chairs, sofas tables near windows or where there are doors with curtains and blinds
7.Cords ending in a loop are a real danger and should be altered for maximum safety. To do this,cut he cord in half to get rid of the loop making sure the curtain or blind is still operational, then add tassels to make it look good and prevent it from fraying.
8. We do not recommend tying the cords together because this creates a new loop in which the child could become entangled.
9. Attach a cleat to the wall or widow frame and wrap the cord around the cleat.
Following these tips will ensure your child's safety.
Play safe when it comes to your kids. At Regency Knights Window Fashions we focus on all aspect of curtain and blind safety for your home. If you are looking at custom made curtains or blinds pay us a visit at http://www.regencyknightscanberra.com or better still call in and see us in Fyshwick or Mitchell showrooms we will be happy to help you in anyway we can.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Liz_Canney
Its relatively easy and inexpensive to make your curtains and blinds safe for your children, lets start by checking all the curtains and blinds in your home and follow these tips:
1. Blinds and curtain cords should be kept well out of reach of children.
2. Shorten the cord but ensure the blind will still function correctly when adjusted.
3. Make sure that children can't reach the cords. Cords should be approximately 1.6 metres long
4. Replace cords with wands
5. Never put your child's bed, high chair, playpen or crib near a window or door where they can reach the cord and get caught up in the cord
6. Don't put anything a child can climb on,chairs, sofas tables near windows or where there are doors with curtains and blinds
7.Cords ending in a loop are a real danger and should be altered for maximum safety. To do this,cut he cord in half to get rid of the loop making sure the curtain or blind is still operational, then add tassels to make it look good and prevent it from fraying.
8. We do not recommend tying the cords together because this creates a new loop in which the child could become entangled.
9. Attach a cleat to the wall or widow frame and wrap the cord around the cleat.
Following these tips will ensure your child's safety.
Play safe when it comes to your kids. At Regency Knights Window Fashions we focus on all aspect of curtain and blind safety for your home. If you are looking at custom made curtains or blinds pay us a visit at http://www.regencyknightscanberra.com or better still call in and see us in Fyshwick or Mitchell showrooms we will be happy to help you in anyway we can.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Liz_Canney
Child Safety in the Kitchen
When a child is hurt and crying, the pain is felt within the core of its mother's being. Literally. Her stomach tightens. She is short of breath. She is paralyzed with guilt for not being there to keep her baby safe in that split second. If inflicting the same wound to herself would take away her baby's pain, she would do it a hundred times over in a heartbeat. Her baby is a treasure to be kept safe from harm's way. Every precaution is taken to keep her baby safe from harm, from food to choosing a proper nanny to child-proofing the kitchen. Kitchens are the most dangerous area of the home. It has knives, cleaning chemicals and hot ovens. Moms are often busy cooking and moving around quickly so little ones often go unnoticed. They either get shuffled and bumped around or, even worse, start exploring cabinets and drawers. Here is one way to keep your baby safe in the kitchen.
Kitchens are not all designed the same way. Typically, they have 1 or 2 entryways, while others have a more open layout that reaches to the dining area. This method of training works well with all kitchens. There is only a slight difference with the more open layout. Begin by placing masking tape or colored ribbon on the floor of all entryways from wall to wall. Bring your child to the line. With the side of your palm, trace the line and say, "No passing." Repeat this a few times, giving good eye contact and making sure your child looks at what you are doing. You can also use your hand to create an invisible door by raising it up and down as if a door were there. When your child crosses the line say firmly, "No passing."
Repeat the hand motions along the line and in the air. If you use timeouts on your 2-year-old, you can give her a timeout. Wait a few seconds and praise her if she does not pass the line. It took her a lot of self-control not to pass the line. You will need to follow these steps until she gets the message. If your child does not follow the rules after a few tries, do not get discouraged. Just be consistent and be patient. Even a 6 month old can understand and obey what you want her to do. If your kitchen has an open layout, you can put tape on the no passing zones, 2 feet in front of the oven, refrigerator, and dishwasher or just a big box around the cooking area.
When your child has successfully not passed the tape line for a period of time, you still need the tape in place and still keep a close eye on her. Children like to test out the boundaries from time to time to make sure they are still there and also that they have not been missing out on any "fun". It is highly recommended that you still child proof your kitchen to keep her safe, especially the cabinets that have chemicals and dangerous objects in them.
Kimberly WilsonOwner of http://www.DiaperBagSpecials.comDesigner diaper bags at the lowest prices guaranteed!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kimberly_M_Wilson
Kitchens are not all designed the same way. Typically, they have 1 or 2 entryways, while others have a more open layout that reaches to the dining area. This method of training works well with all kitchens. There is only a slight difference with the more open layout. Begin by placing masking tape or colored ribbon on the floor of all entryways from wall to wall. Bring your child to the line. With the side of your palm, trace the line and say, "No passing." Repeat this a few times, giving good eye contact and making sure your child looks at what you are doing. You can also use your hand to create an invisible door by raising it up and down as if a door were there. When your child crosses the line say firmly, "No passing."
Repeat the hand motions along the line and in the air. If you use timeouts on your 2-year-old, you can give her a timeout. Wait a few seconds and praise her if she does not pass the line. It took her a lot of self-control not to pass the line. You will need to follow these steps until she gets the message. If your child does not follow the rules after a few tries, do not get discouraged. Just be consistent and be patient. Even a 6 month old can understand and obey what you want her to do. If your kitchen has an open layout, you can put tape on the no passing zones, 2 feet in front of the oven, refrigerator, and dishwasher or just a big box around the cooking area.
When your child has successfully not passed the tape line for a period of time, you still need the tape in place and still keep a close eye on her. Children like to test out the boundaries from time to time to make sure they are still there and also that they have not been missing out on any "fun". It is highly recommended that you still child proof your kitchen to keep her safe, especially the cabinets that have chemicals and dangerous objects in them.
Kimberly WilsonOwner of http://www.DiaperBagSpecials.comDesigner diaper bags at the lowest prices guaranteed!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kimberly_M_Wilson
Five Essential Steps For Child Safety Around the House
When you have young children in the house and are mapping out a home security plan for your family, you have to think well beyond your home alarm system. While a home alarm will keep your property on alert for trespassers, there are many other dangers around the house which threaten your children on a regular basis. Here are five essential steps to take to make your child's safety a top priority.
1. Identify the spots where trips and falls are a real possibility. For young children, put up guards at the top of stairs. Always keep staircases clutter-free and teach your kids to do the same. Remember that children love to climb, so keep beds and bookcases away from windows. For that matter, make sure windows are not capable of being opened by a youngster who doesn't know the danger that awaits. If you have a swing set in your yard, set up a soft landing spot if your child should fall.
2. Keep your children safe from burns. Never allow young children to be in the kitchen unsupervised, especially when you are cooking. If you are in the habit of pan-frying, know that hot oil can burn a child severely in an accident, so keep young ones away from the stove and heated oven. As your children grow older, watch over them until they are ready to handle cooking on their own. Also, if you are enjoying a hot coffee or tea, don't be careless around children, especially if you are holding a baby.
3. Control access to any poisonous substances. In the kitchen, where cleaning products are often left close to food products, keep chemicals well out of reach in a high cabinet. In the bathroom, medicine should be inaccessible and only be bought with child-proof packaging. For heavy duty products around the garage, like anti-freeze or gasoline, use a storage shed with a lock to discourage any experiments with these dangerous products. Remember that some toxins, like carbon monoxide, cannot be identified without a detector. Coordinate a carbon monoxide sensor with your home alarm system.
4. Be aware of fire hazards around the home. If there is a smoker in the house, make sure matches or lighters are not left lying around. Children can see these items as play things. Tell your kids not to leave toys around a heater or in the kitchen, where they can catch fire easily. Make sure the stove and oven are off-limits, as well as electrical sockets.
5. Keep weapons out of sight and under lock and key. If there is a firearm in the house, make sure your children will never have a chance to get to it. For household items that can be menacing, such as scissors or kitchen knives, leave them in drawers your children will not be able to reach.
Your home security plan is never complete without these child-proofing steps. Protect your children and your whole family with an ADT home alarm system. Featuring state-of-the-art technology and new carbon monoxide detectors, an ADT home alarm system is the greatest gift you can give your family.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Howie_DeWitt
1. Identify the spots where trips and falls are a real possibility. For young children, put up guards at the top of stairs. Always keep staircases clutter-free and teach your kids to do the same. Remember that children love to climb, so keep beds and bookcases away from windows. For that matter, make sure windows are not capable of being opened by a youngster who doesn't know the danger that awaits. If you have a swing set in your yard, set up a soft landing spot if your child should fall.
2. Keep your children safe from burns. Never allow young children to be in the kitchen unsupervised, especially when you are cooking. If you are in the habit of pan-frying, know that hot oil can burn a child severely in an accident, so keep young ones away from the stove and heated oven. As your children grow older, watch over them until they are ready to handle cooking on their own. Also, if you are enjoying a hot coffee or tea, don't be careless around children, especially if you are holding a baby.
3. Control access to any poisonous substances. In the kitchen, where cleaning products are often left close to food products, keep chemicals well out of reach in a high cabinet. In the bathroom, medicine should be inaccessible and only be bought with child-proof packaging. For heavy duty products around the garage, like anti-freeze or gasoline, use a storage shed with a lock to discourage any experiments with these dangerous products. Remember that some toxins, like carbon monoxide, cannot be identified without a detector. Coordinate a carbon monoxide sensor with your home alarm system.
4. Be aware of fire hazards around the home. If there is a smoker in the house, make sure matches or lighters are not left lying around. Children can see these items as play things. Tell your kids not to leave toys around a heater or in the kitchen, where they can catch fire easily. Make sure the stove and oven are off-limits, as well as electrical sockets.
5. Keep weapons out of sight and under lock and key. If there is a firearm in the house, make sure your children will never have a chance to get to it. For household items that can be menacing, such as scissors or kitchen knives, leave them in drawers your children will not be able to reach.
Your home security plan is never complete without these child-proofing steps. Protect your children and your whole family with an ADT home alarm system. Featuring state-of-the-art technology and new carbon monoxide detectors, an ADT home alarm system is the greatest gift you can give your family.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Howie_DeWitt
General Child Safety
Child Proofing Your Home A sometimes satirised yet common aspect of modern parenting is that we go to all sorts of measures all for the simple cause of keeping child safety as top priority. The truth is, while bundling them in bubble wrap and cotton wool is a bit extreme, there's no shame in taking the right precautions to ensure they're well protected - it's only natural instinct to look after them when they're at their most vulnerable.
Baby Monitoring Radios One of the most popular ways of keeping tabs on your baby without having to devote every waking second to them is through the wonders of technology, specifically through baby monitors. We at Olivers not only provide one-way radios, but also supply models with built-in thermometers to measure room and baby temperature.
However, it's often agreed that being able to listen to your child from another room is no substitute for making actual checks regularly, so don't rely on the monitor too much if in the rare event your or the baby's radio should power down or there's a problem that you wouldn't be able to hear through the intercom.
Summertime Baby Protection For the summer months, the muggy conditions can often cause as much discomfort for your baby as it does for everyone else in the house. If your child's room is experiencing problems in controlling the temperature, its worth investing in a humidifier to help everyone get a good night's sleep and keep your baby's body temperature in check.
Other items available regarding child safety are insect nets for cots, cribs and beds. Insect bites can often cause swelling for days afterwards, and can then start bleeding if scratched, leaving the wound open to infection. Clearly nets should be a necessity to your child's health if your house is in an area where insect life is rife and the pesky unwanted guests can find their way inside - have a look around to see what design would work best.
Childproof Gates & Locks Before buying into guards and rails, do a quick safety assessment of your house. Don't pass everything off as a risk to child safety - instead try and observe what arouses their curiosity and where they're most likely to go if given free roam. While locking close gates are often a vital safeguard for houses with a flight of stairs, there's also a variety of locks and guards for a number of purposes around the house, including a number of versatile cabinet locks to keep medicine cupboards shut tight.
Child Safety - Outdoor Equipment. For when you're out and about, it can only take a moment for you or your child to become distracted, and suddenly they're lost. Child harnesses may look restrictive, but it's generally agreed that a child's curiosity can still be satisfied, but with a gentle tug you know they won't be wandering off too far without you knowing.
Child car safety. In the car is obviously a time to make sure your child's seated and buckled up correctly. As well as a range of items to make sure their baby car Safety is top notch, we also have a range of shades and blinds to keep cool during the summer.
Also available for outdoor child safety is a range of swimming equipment to keep them happy in the pool, from water wings to full-sized inflatables, plus cossies and goggles to keep the skin healthy from over-exposure to the chlorinated waters.
Olivers Babycarehttp://www.olivers-baby-care.co.uk/ Olivers Babycare, complete online baby store has been in the nursery business since 1993 and only sell baby products they trust and think you'll love.For further information please visit Olivers Babycare.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Julie_Baughan
Baby Monitoring Radios One of the most popular ways of keeping tabs on your baby without having to devote every waking second to them is through the wonders of technology, specifically through baby monitors. We at Olivers not only provide one-way radios, but also supply models with built-in thermometers to measure room and baby temperature.
However, it's often agreed that being able to listen to your child from another room is no substitute for making actual checks regularly, so don't rely on the monitor too much if in the rare event your or the baby's radio should power down or there's a problem that you wouldn't be able to hear through the intercom.
Summertime Baby Protection For the summer months, the muggy conditions can often cause as much discomfort for your baby as it does for everyone else in the house. If your child's room is experiencing problems in controlling the temperature, its worth investing in a humidifier to help everyone get a good night's sleep and keep your baby's body temperature in check.
Other items available regarding child safety are insect nets for cots, cribs and beds. Insect bites can often cause swelling for days afterwards, and can then start bleeding if scratched, leaving the wound open to infection. Clearly nets should be a necessity to your child's health if your house is in an area where insect life is rife and the pesky unwanted guests can find their way inside - have a look around to see what design would work best.
Childproof Gates & Locks Before buying into guards and rails, do a quick safety assessment of your house. Don't pass everything off as a risk to child safety - instead try and observe what arouses their curiosity and where they're most likely to go if given free roam. While locking close gates are often a vital safeguard for houses with a flight of stairs, there's also a variety of locks and guards for a number of purposes around the house, including a number of versatile cabinet locks to keep medicine cupboards shut tight.
Child Safety - Outdoor Equipment. For when you're out and about, it can only take a moment for you or your child to become distracted, and suddenly they're lost. Child harnesses may look restrictive, but it's generally agreed that a child's curiosity can still be satisfied, but with a gentle tug you know they won't be wandering off too far without you knowing.
Child car safety. In the car is obviously a time to make sure your child's seated and buckled up correctly. As well as a range of items to make sure their baby car Safety is top notch, we also have a range of shades and blinds to keep cool during the summer.
Also available for outdoor child safety is a range of swimming equipment to keep them happy in the pool, from water wings to full-sized inflatables, plus cossies and goggles to keep the skin healthy from over-exposure to the chlorinated waters.
Olivers Babycarehttp://www.olivers-baby-care.co.uk/ Olivers Babycare, complete online baby store has been in the nursery business since 1993 and only sell baby products they trust and think you'll love.For further information please visit Olivers Babycare.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Julie_Baughan
Checklist For Child Safety Proofing Your Home - Keeping Your Active Baby Or Toddler Safe
All babies begin crawling or become mobile according to their own time frame, but generally this happens between 6 and 10 months of age. Therefore, it is critical to prepare your house for this event to ensure your child's safety!
Below is a Home Safety Checklist that will help you go room by room in your home and look for potential child safety hazards.
Edge & Corner Protection - Every room in the house should be checked for sharp edges and corners. These objects should be removed or covered with edge and corner cushions or bumpers. Coffee tables, end tables, and fireplace hearths are the typical items to consider. Other household items to check for sharp edges in your safety inspection are desks, entertainment centers, shelves, cabinets, window sills, stone or marble stairs, statues or other decoration pieces.
Stairway Protection - All stairways that your baby could potentially have access to should have stairway safety gates. According to the National SAFE KIDS Campaign (NSKC), Falls Fact Sheet, 2004, falls are the leading cause of unintentional injury for children. Children ages 14 and under account for one-third of all fall-related visits to hospital emergency rooms. Because falls are associated with a child's curiosity and development of motor skills, babies and toddlers are at the greatest risk of fall-related death and injury. Children ages 5 and under accounted for nearly half of the fall related emergency room injuries cited above. Please do not let your child become one of these statistics. Research and install stairway safety gates. Also examine the slats in your stairways and banister to determine if banister guard is needed.
Choking and Ingestion Hazards - Now that your child is or about to become mobile, check your home for small objects that could potentially be within your child's reach such as small marbles or stones that are often used as decoration around candles or other coffee table center pieces. As part of normal development, babies learn by putting things in their mouth. Remove glass or other breakable/valuable objects. Set dog and cat food out of reach. Use extreme caution and do your research on chemicals if you have your home exterminated or use chemical products to clean (consider organic, non toxic products). Babies and toddlers crawl around on the floor and often but their hands and objects in their mouth. In most cases this also helps them build their immune system, but we have to do our part to keep them safe from serious injury. Check all floor level cabinets for cleaning products, medicine, makeup, alcohols, Ect. and move them to a top cabinet or install safety latches or cabinet sliding locks.
Falling Furniture - Check your home for large items that could fall over and bolt them to the wall. Too many child injuries have occurred due to televisions, entertainment centers, and bookshelves falling over on children. Toddlers like to climb! Additional things to consider as potential falling hazards are computer monitors, large vases, plant stands, and dressers.
Kitchen Safety - As stated earlier ensure that cleaning/chemical products are in a locked cupboard or placed well out of reach. Consider installing a stove guard to prevent burns or a child playing with the knobs and turning the gas on. Move kitchen knife racks well out of reach. Toddlers enjoy helping out in the kitchen and it is important to their developmental growth and independence to do things for themselves, but standing on chairs and stools can also become a fall hazard. Consider investing in a step stool with side rails such as the Learning Tower. Children should always be well monitored while standing on stools or chairs.
Electrical Hazards - All unused electrical outlets should have outlet plug covers and cords should be placed out of the way as much as possible. In bathrooms, never leave blow dryers or other electrical items plugged in and unattended near the sink or bath tub.
Windows & Shade Cords - For homes that are two stories or have high windows consider installing window guards if you frequently open your windows. This is especially important in a child's room. Shade cords should be tied up and out of reach of children. For some reason these cords tend to attract children's' attention as a play item and can be extremely dangerous if the cord gets wrapped around them.
As well as child proofing your home, child safety gates are an ideal way to keep your child contained and safe. As a mother of two children, I know how quickly a child can crawl or run if you turn your back for a minute to attend to house hold chores. Give yourself that piece of mind knowing that your child is learning by exploring his world, but contained to safe areas of your home!
Sherry L. Martin, Mother and Owner of Active One Safety Gates. To view a selection of Child Safety Gates, Edge & Corner Protection, and other Child Safety Products, visit ActiveOneSafetyGates.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sherry_L._Martin
Below is a Home Safety Checklist that will help you go room by room in your home and look for potential child safety hazards.
Edge & Corner Protection - Every room in the house should be checked for sharp edges and corners. These objects should be removed or covered with edge and corner cushions or bumpers. Coffee tables, end tables, and fireplace hearths are the typical items to consider. Other household items to check for sharp edges in your safety inspection are desks, entertainment centers, shelves, cabinets, window sills, stone or marble stairs, statues or other decoration pieces.
Stairway Protection - All stairways that your baby could potentially have access to should have stairway safety gates. According to the National SAFE KIDS Campaign (NSKC), Falls Fact Sheet, 2004, falls are the leading cause of unintentional injury for children. Children ages 14 and under account for one-third of all fall-related visits to hospital emergency rooms. Because falls are associated with a child's curiosity and development of motor skills, babies and toddlers are at the greatest risk of fall-related death and injury. Children ages 5 and under accounted for nearly half of the fall related emergency room injuries cited above. Please do not let your child become one of these statistics. Research and install stairway safety gates. Also examine the slats in your stairways and banister to determine if banister guard is needed.
Choking and Ingestion Hazards - Now that your child is or about to become mobile, check your home for small objects that could potentially be within your child's reach such as small marbles or stones that are often used as decoration around candles or other coffee table center pieces. As part of normal development, babies learn by putting things in their mouth. Remove glass or other breakable/valuable objects. Set dog and cat food out of reach. Use extreme caution and do your research on chemicals if you have your home exterminated or use chemical products to clean (consider organic, non toxic products). Babies and toddlers crawl around on the floor and often but their hands and objects in their mouth. In most cases this also helps them build their immune system, but we have to do our part to keep them safe from serious injury. Check all floor level cabinets for cleaning products, medicine, makeup, alcohols, Ect. and move them to a top cabinet or install safety latches or cabinet sliding locks.
Falling Furniture - Check your home for large items that could fall over and bolt them to the wall. Too many child injuries have occurred due to televisions, entertainment centers, and bookshelves falling over on children. Toddlers like to climb! Additional things to consider as potential falling hazards are computer monitors, large vases, plant stands, and dressers.
Kitchen Safety - As stated earlier ensure that cleaning/chemical products are in a locked cupboard or placed well out of reach. Consider installing a stove guard to prevent burns or a child playing with the knobs and turning the gas on. Move kitchen knife racks well out of reach. Toddlers enjoy helping out in the kitchen and it is important to their developmental growth and independence to do things for themselves, but standing on chairs and stools can also become a fall hazard. Consider investing in a step stool with side rails such as the Learning Tower. Children should always be well monitored while standing on stools or chairs.
Electrical Hazards - All unused electrical outlets should have outlet plug covers and cords should be placed out of the way as much as possible. In bathrooms, never leave blow dryers or other electrical items plugged in and unattended near the sink or bath tub.
Windows & Shade Cords - For homes that are two stories or have high windows consider installing window guards if you frequently open your windows. This is especially important in a child's room. Shade cords should be tied up and out of reach of children. For some reason these cords tend to attract children's' attention as a play item and can be extremely dangerous if the cord gets wrapped around them.
As well as child proofing your home, child safety gates are an ideal way to keep your child contained and safe. As a mother of two children, I know how quickly a child can crawl or run if you turn your back for a minute to attend to house hold chores. Give yourself that piece of mind knowing that your child is learning by exploring his world, but contained to safe areas of your home!
Sherry L. Martin, Mother and Owner of Active One Safety Gates. To view a selection of Child Safety Gates, Edge & Corner Protection, and other Child Safety Products, visit ActiveOneSafetyGates.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sherry_L._Martin
Child Safety at Home
With 2-1/2 million children each year hurt or killed at home, you as prospective new parent will want to make sure that your new baby will not become part of that statistic. There are inexpensive, but very effective safety products that will keep your child safe around the home and give you peace of mind. You don't need to be a rocket scientist, or own a professional set of tools to install these safety products. You can find these products in a variety of places; a grocery store, your local hardware store, baby specialty stores, and through online stores.
Below you will find a list of the most important safety products for you to buy to keep your baby, and even an older child safe:
#1. Safety Gate: Even if you live in a single story home, there may be a room, or rooms that you want to keep your child out of for safety reasons. You could be painting, or replacing the flooring in a room. The last thing you want is for your child to crawl or toddle in and get hurt. Safety gates provide a barrier that your child can't get through, but are easily used by adults. If you live in a two story home, then you will definitely need a safety gate, even if there is a door at the top or bottom of the stairs. For a gate at the top of stairs, opt for one that is semi-permanent by having it screw into the door jam. Gates that only use pressure to stay in place can be "beasted" down by a determined child, or be knocked out of kilter by a clumsy adult.
#2. Safety Latches: Given that you have cooking utensils of a variety of sharpness's and a myriad of cleaning chemicals in drawers and cabinets; you will want to make sure that your child can't get into them. Even with moving all the dangerous chemicals out from under any cabinets, you still need to keep your child from getting into any area that is confined and has water pipes. Don't go for the expensive latches that require the dexterity of a magician to manipulate, but the latches need to be sturdy enough to keep your child from opening them. Be aware that safety latches aren't a guaranteed assurance that your child won't be able to figure them out as they get older, but they provide a barrier that can keep your child safe.
#3. Anti Scalding Device: Water temperature in a home with children should be no higher than 120 degrees. This can be easily solved simply by turning down the temperature on your water heater. That being said, if you live in an older home, your child could still be in danger if water is being run for a bath for them and someone uses the cold water in another part of the home. We all have experienced the "Oh my gosh" moment when someone flushes the toilet, or turns on the hot water in the kitchen while we are showering. It is uncomfortable, but we are adults; you don't want your child getting into a bath or shower and having the water turn scalding hot. Unless you are well versed in plumbing, you may want to consider having an anti scalding device installed by a professional.
#4. Door Knob Covers: As soon as your little one can grasp and reach the door knobs, they will be tying to open them. Door knob covers are an easy and inexpensive way to keep your child out of rooms that could pose a danger and more importantly, keep them inside your home. Before buying any door knob covers, try them out. Most baby stores will have samples, as do some hardware stores. In this way your can see if the less expensive ones are such because they are flimsy. You also want to make sure that these door knob covers are just keeping your child from opening a door and not you too!
#5. Window Guards and Safety Nets: These are an important safety feature especially if you live in a multi-story building. Window guards offer you peace of mind when you have the windows opened on a beautiful day. Safety nets are important if you have a deck or balcony. The netting will keep your child from slipping through the rails and suffering a nasty fall.
#6. Edge and Corner Bumpers: It's amazing how many sharp corners and edges you discover in your home when you bring home a baby. Fireplace hearths are notoriously hard and even sharp; edge and corner bumpers may not take all the pain away from a fall, but they will definitely soften the fall.
#7. Outlet Covers and Plates: Tiny fingers explore everywhere and are always trying to put a round peg in a square hole. The one place you don't want your child to explore is the outlets in your home. Outlet covers and plates are easy to put in and take out for adults, but not children. Make sure that they aren't too brittle as they could wear out over time and break. Also use care in removing them yourself from an outlet; you don't want to have one of the prongs break off in the outlet!
#8. Blind Cord Shorteners or Blind Cleats: Over the last few years, the number of children that have died or been injured is well over 1000, with even more that were not reported. Blind cord shorteners of any kind can save your child and even your pet from being strangled. Don't be fooled by a manufacture's claim that their blinds are safe; invest in any one of a variety of blind cord shorteners to make sure your child is truly safe.
#9. Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Especially if you heat your home with gas or heating oil, you should have a CO detector on each level of your home. Carbon monoxide is an odorless gas that can impair your thinking in small doses, and can kill if in larger doses such as when your furnace malfunctions. Other CO hazards are space heaters, blocked chimneys, and a car left running in a garage. CO detectors aren't expensive, and since you are unable to smell carbon monoxide, what better way to protect your family.
#10. Smoke Detectors: You should have a smoke detector on every level of your home, including the basement and garage before you have a baby, but if you don't, get them now! New homes are required by law to have smoke detectors in them before they can be sold, but older homes do not have the same requirements. There are units on the market that combine smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in one unit. Make sure to replace the batteries every year, or opt for 10 year batteries. And if you need added incentive, your homeowners insurance will be reduced with the installation of smoke detectors.
None of the above safety products are expensive. While some of these safety products are meant to keep just your young child safe from harm, some will also keep your whole family safer. And truly, what wouldn't we all be willing to spend to make sure that the most precious thing in our lives, our family, is safe at home?
Erin K Kennedy has been writing articles and publishing editorials for over 3 years covering a number of popular topics about life in general and her day-to-day experiences. Her interests have recently involved redecorating her home office. To start with, she needed to start by looking at home office desks and other office furniture. Wow! There are a lot of styles from which to choose. If you want to learn more about this too, just pay a visit her newest website at http://www.homeofficedeskshop.com for more information.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Erin_K_Kennedy
Below you will find a list of the most important safety products for you to buy to keep your baby, and even an older child safe:
#1. Safety Gate: Even if you live in a single story home, there may be a room, or rooms that you want to keep your child out of for safety reasons. You could be painting, or replacing the flooring in a room. The last thing you want is for your child to crawl or toddle in and get hurt. Safety gates provide a barrier that your child can't get through, but are easily used by adults. If you live in a two story home, then you will definitely need a safety gate, even if there is a door at the top or bottom of the stairs. For a gate at the top of stairs, opt for one that is semi-permanent by having it screw into the door jam. Gates that only use pressure to stay in place can be "beasted" down by a determined child, or be knocked out of kilter by a clumsy adult.
#2. Safety Latches: Given that you have cooking utensils of a variety of sharpness's and a myriad of cleaning chemicals in drawers and cabinets; you will want to make sure that your child can't get into them. Even with moving all the dangerous chemicals out from under any cabinets, you still need to keep your child from getting into any area that is confined and has water pipes. Don't go for the expensive latches that require the dexterity of a magician to manipulate, but the latches need to be sturdy enough to keep your child from opening them. Be aware that safety latches aren't a guaranteed assurance that your child won't be able to figure them out as they get older, but they provide a barrier that can keep your child safe.
#3. Anti Scalding Device: Water temperature in a home with children should be no higher than 120 degrees. This can be easily solved simply by turning down the temperature on your water heater. That being said, if you live in an older home, your child could still be in danger if water is being run for a bath for them and someone uses the cold water in another part of the home. We all have experienced the "Oh my gosh" moment when someone flushes the toilet, or turns on the hot water in the kitchen while we are showering. It is uncomfortable, but we are adults; you don't want your child getting into a bath or shower and having the water turn scalding hot. Unless you are well versed in plumbing, you may want to consider having an anti scalding device installed by a professional.
#4. Door Knob Covers: As soon as your little one can grasp and reach the door knobs, they will be tying to open them. Door knob covers are an easy and inexpensive way to keep your child out of rooms that could pose a danger and more importantly, keep them inside your home. Before buying any door knob covers, try them out. Most baby stores will have samples, as do some hardware stores. In this way your can see if the less expensive ones are such because they are flimsy. You also want to make sure that these door knob covers are just keeping your child from opening a door and not you too!
#5. Window Guards and Safety Nets: These are an important safety feature especially if you live in a multi-story building. Window guards offer you peace of mind when you have the windows opened on a beautiful day. Safety nets are important if you have a deck or balcony. The netting will keep your child from slipping through the rails and suffering a nasty fall.
#6. Edge and Corner Bumpers: It's amazing how many sharp corners and edges you discover in your home when you bring home a baby. Fireplace hearths are notoriously hard and even sharp; edge and corner bumpers may not take all the pain away from a fall, but they will definitely soften the fall.
#7. Outlet Covers and Plates: Tiny fingers explore everywhere and are always trying to put a round peg in a square hole. The one place you don't want your child to explore is the outlets in your home. Outlet covers and plates are easy to put in and take out for adults, but not children. Make sure that they aren't too brittle as they could wear out over time and break. Also use care in removing them yourself from an outlet; you don't want to have one of the prongs break off in the outlet!
#8. Blind Cord Shorteners or Blind Cleats: Over the last few years, the number of children that have died or been injured is well over 1000, with even more that were not reported. Blind cord shorteners of any kind can save your child and even your pet from being strangled. Don't be fooled by a manufacture's claim that their blinds are safe; invest in any one of a variety of blind cord shorteners to make sure your child is truly safe.
#9. Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Especially if you heat your home with gas or heating oil, you should have a CO detector on each level of your home. Carbon monoxide is an odorless gas that can impair your thinking in small doses, and can kill if in larger doses such as when your furnace malfunctions. Other CO hazards are space heaters, blocked chimneys, and a car left running in a garage. CO detectors aren't expensive, and since you are unable to smell carbon monoxide, what better way to protect your family.
#10. Smoke Detectors: You should have a smoke detector on every level of your home, including the basement and garage before you have a baby, but if you don't, get them now! New homes are required by law to have smoke detectors in them before they can be sold, but older homes do not have the same requirements. There are units on the market that combine smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in one unit. Make sure to replace the batteries every year, or opt for 10 year batteries. And if you need added incentive, your homeowners insurance will be reduced with the installation of smoke detectors.
None of the above safety products are expensive. While some of these safety products are meant to keep just your young child safe from harm, some will also keep your whole family safer. And truly, what wouldn't we all be willing to spend to make sure that the most precious thing in our lives, our family, is safe at home?
Erin K Kennedy has been writing articles and publishing editorials for over 3 years covering a number of popular topics about life in general and her day-to-day experiences. Her interests have recently involved redecorating her home office. To start with, she needed to start by looking at home office desks and other office furniture. Wow! There are a lot of styles from which to choose. If you want to learn more about this too, just pay a visit her newest website at http://www.homeofficedeskshop.com for more information.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Erin_K_Kennedy
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)