From juice stains on the floor to crayon markings on the wall, kids can leave an impact on your home. While BrightNest can’t help you keep your home safe from your kids, we can help you keep your kids safe at home. From indoor allergens to mold spores to electrical wiring, there are many potential hazards that can impact your family’s health and safety. Here are some quick steps you can take to ensure your house is a haven and not a hazard.
1) Did you know that you should examine your fire extinguishers at least once a year to ensure the pressure is set at the recommended level? If the pressure gauge is green, you’re ready to roll in an emergency. If the gauge is red, please replace the extinguisher immediately. Fire extinguishers start at only $15!
2) Allergens produced by house dust mites are among the most common triggers of asthma and mites love to hang out in your child’s mattress. To reduce potential allergic reactions, wash your kid’s sheets (and stuffed animals) every week with hot water (over 130°F).
3) To keep your garage door from closing on your child, check the electrical eye at the bottom of the garage door. Place an object (the size of a baby) in the line of the red eye, and push the garage door button. If working properly, the eye should sense the object and the garage door should not move more than an inch. Do not use a baby for this test.
4) Use the tennis ball test to make sure that your stairs are safe for little ones. If a tennis ball can fit between the balusters (also called spindles and stair sticks), then it doesn’t meet building codes and a small child can fall through. Next, check your stair railing to ensure it’s not loose by giving it a good pull. If either your railing is loose or you can shove a tennis ball through the balusters, please consult a handyman ASAP.
5) Electrical cover plates keep little fingers from touching wires that could seriously injure them. Check to make sure that you don’t have any open electrical boxes and that all of your cover plates are screwed tightly against the wall.
Kids will be kids, which means that some child-induced wear and tear on your house is inevitable. But, a little proactive home maintenance can ensure the house doesn’t take it out on your kids and that you can stress less about their safety at home.
