Childproofing Your Home

1) Which of the following items can be considered a safetydevice for babies and toddlers?

a) cordless phone

c) medicine cabinets

e) b and d

2) How often should you check the smoke detectors in your home?

a) once a year

b) twice a year

d) when the low battery indicator sounds

3) What temperature should your water heater be set at to prevent scalding?

a) 100 degrees Fahrenheit

c) 140 degrees Fahrenheit

4) Where is the best place to have a carbon monoxide detector?

a) near the garage entrance to the home

b) in the kitchen by the stove

d) in the hallway outside the bedrooms

5) Your windows should have:

a) locks or latches

c) shortened cords or pulls for any coverings

Answers:

1. f ) All of the above are devices that can help keep children safe. It is important to have all electrical outlets covered and stairways gated off. Be sure to conceal medicines out of reach in a cabinet and a cordless phone can allow you to move around the home while keeping an eye on your child.

2. c) Your smoke detector should be checked once a month; a good way to remember is when your phone bill comes in. Regardless of whether the batteries still work or not, they should be changed twice a year, a good time is when you change your clocks in the fall and spring.

3. b) 120ºF is the correct answer. In addition to adjusting your hot water heater?s level, you should also be present for the entire duration of your child's bath and test the water on your wrist while filling the tub so you don't run it too hot.

4. d) In the hallway nearest the bedrooms is the best place to put a carbon monoxide detector. When you are sleeping you can easily hear the alarm. Should you have more than one detector they can be placed in the bedrooms and then throughout the home where there may be carbon monoxide leaks.

5. d) All of the above can help to protect your child from accidental falls, strangulation, or broken glass. Safety glass is especially important in a patio or full-length window where active children are present. In the summer months when a window might be open, be sure a heavy screen is latched in place. Shorten cords for any of your window coverings to a length your child cannot reach.