The grandchildren are coming to visit.
What on earth will they get into?
Take this safety checklist trough the house and make the grandchildren’s visit safe and worry-free.
- Medicines. Lock up all the medications. This applies to over the counter medications as well as prescriptions. No exceptions-the risk is too great.
- Firearms. Age does not matter. Unload and lock up all firearms. Store ammunition separately. Put the key(s) where only you have access.
- Poison Control. Post the national poison control number: (800) 222-1222.
- Electrical. Cover all unused outlets with outlet covers or plates. Make sure all lamp and appliance cords are out of reach.
- Windows. Instll window guards in rooms above the ground floor.
- Houseplants. Many common houseplants are deadly if eaten. Move them out of reach.
- Small Items. Put away anything smaller than a ping-pong ball. Coins, jewelry, batteries, candy, decorative stones or marbles are choking hazards.
- Doors and gates. Use doorknob covers, hook latches or safety gates to keep children out of rooms you cannot completely grand-proof. Do not forget the doors leading to the garage, outside or basement.
- Curtain and blind cords. Tie up or install safety tassels and stops to prevent strangulation.
- Plastic bags. A suffocation risk. Store all grocery, dry cleaner, garbage, storage and sandwich bags out of reach.
- Stairs. Install safety gates at the top and bottom.
- Fireplaces. Use a fireplace screen. Cover gas valves or remove the key. Hide matches out of reach.
- Furniture. Secure heavy furniture against tipping.
- Cabinets and Cupboards. Pots and pans are fun to play with. Drain cleaner is not. Install cabinet door safety latches.
- Dishwasher. A preschooler can open the dishwasher and pull out steak knives. Install a dishwasher lock.
- Stove/Range. Keep pot handles turned toward the backi. Consider removing lower range knobs temporarily.
- Refrigerator. Remove small magnets.
- Trash can. Store ehnidn a closed door or use one with a tight fitting lid.
- Pet food and water. Toddlers will eat it and drink it. Move pet dishes to where kids cannot reach them.
- Tablecloths. Prevent pull downs.
- Bathrooms. Secure doors to keep toddlers out. Stash bath products, toiletries, makeup and first aid supplies out of reach. Make sure you can unlock the bathroom door from the outside.