Moving into a new home is an exciting experience for the whole family. However, parents must make sure their new living space is safe for children of all ages. Proper childproofing protects kids against all sorts of mishaps, and ensures parents have peace of mind when it comes to safety and security. Here are a few smart steps you can take.
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Secure Heavy Furniture
Heavy furniture, like bookshelves, poses a falling risk if not properly secured. These items should be bolted into the wall using sturdy hardware to ensure they remain stable and upright. If you plan on mounting a flat screen TV in your new home, look for special kits that allow you to secure it to the wall safely. You can also consider professional installation for the best possible results.
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Adjust the Water Heater Temperature
Small kids can easily burn themselves on hot water if the water heater temperature is set too high. In this case, 120 degrees ensures proper cleanliness in the home while also preventing serious burns. You can also secure handles on plumbing fixtures with special devices, such as locks. Supervise children in the bathroom and kitchen until they’re old enough to use plumbing fixtures safely.
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Make Sure You Have Working Smoke Alarms
Smoke alarms will alert your family to a fire immediately. Make sure they’re strategically place in the kitchen, in hallways, and in each sleeping area. Additionally, test alarms once per month to ensure they’re functioning correctly. You should also replace the batteries once per year.
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Place Hazardous Chemicals Out of Reach
Children are naturally curious, which can get them in real trouble should they access harsh cleaning chemicals and other substances. Placing potentially hazardous chemicals out of reach of kids offers great peace of mind, as you can rest assured that your kids are well protected. High cabinets are ideal for small children, but you can also put locks on cabinets for added protection.
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Secure Wall Outlets
Babies and toddlers just learning how to navigate their homes may be intrigued by wall outlets. To reduce the risk of a shock, secure these fixtures with outlet covers. Outlet covers are effective and inexpensive and can easily be removed when the outlet is needed. Also, parents should talk to older kids about proper electrical safety, such as how to properly unplug electrical devices and appliances.
For families throughout Las Cruces, Fiesta Homes offers a wide selection of amazing mobile homes suited to a variety of budgets and lifestyle needs. We make it easy to order the home of your dreams, no matter what type of floor plan you’re looking for. We also strive to keep pricing affordable, because we believe every family deserves an amazing home.
Discuss your dream home with a team member today by calling 575-525-4680. You can also contact us to learn more.