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Home, Safe Home

Part One

By Jenny Rackley

Pages: 1 2 3 4 5 6

Corners and edges of hearths or tables can be hazards. Cover with corner protectors. Weatherstripping can be used around hearths for an inexpensive guard.

Windows: Place guards on second-story windows.

Off-limit areas: Use automatic door closers, gates, or plastic doorknob covers. You can also try tying a sock around the doorknob. A toddler cannot grip the sock well enough to open the door.

Poisonous plants: A single philodendren leaf can kill a child. For more information, get Baby-Safe Houseplants and Cut Flowers from your library or bookstore.

Decks and railings: If railings for stairs or decks are wider than three inches, use plastic, wire mesh, or lattice to cover the gaps. A child could fall through the railings, but depending on the width of the space between the railing, a child's body could fall through and his or her head get stuck, which could strangle the child.

Fire hazards: Install smoke detectors in bedrooms and hallways, and test regularly. Keep a fire extinguisher in your kitchen and on each floor in your house and know how to use it. Have an escape plan you share with your family.

Lead: If your house is older, and has flaking paint, lead might be a problem. Lead can also be held in soil from emissions from leaded gasoline, or leached from pipes. If you are concerned about lead, have your children tested for poisoning. Never cook with hot water (since hot water leaches more lead), and run the cold water for a thirty seconds to flush the lines before using it.

Asbestos:

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