Childproof Your Home for the Holidays
While the holidays are a wonderful time full of loved ones, it is absolutely vital that the festivities are safe for everyone to enjoy, regardless of age. Our team at Perry Homes wants to help you make your celebrations safe and fun for all members of your family. Listed below are simple ways to childproof your home for the holidays.
Watch the Tree
If you purchase a holiday tree, there are several risk factors you should be aware of. Trees, especially large ones, have a high risk of tipping over. Block off the area of the room that is housing the tree with a baby gate to keep young children away from it. For extra safety, consider securing your tree to the wall behind it using a small device that screws into the wall. Also be aware of any ornaments that are hanging on the tree, as smaller ornaments can pose a choking hazard, while glass ornaments can fall and shatter.
Decorations
A major part of the holidays involves getting into the spirit with decorations in your home. While they add a festive flair, decorations can potentially be dangerous for young ones in your household. Make sure that you keep any candles, menorahs, or other items with flames completely out of reach of small hands. Also be aware of the potential for choking, and keep decorations that have small pieces, such as a nativity set completely out of reach.
Keep Them Out of the Kitchen
Nothing says holidays more than a delicious home-cooked meal or mouth-watering cookies. With the hustle and bustle of friends and family in and out of the kitchen, remember to keep a close eye on young children. Where you see hot gingerbread cookies cooling on a rack, they see the first in a long line of tasty holiday treats and may not be patient to let them cool before grabbing them. Always be vigilant of children around when opening or closing the oven, as it only takes seconds for a severe burn to ruin the festivities.
Cord Placement
Between holiday trees, decorations and miscellaneous other decor in your home, you will probably have more electric cords exposed than during other times of the year. With these cords comes added danger. When it is possible, keep your cords hidden behind or under furniture and keep them organized and untangled to prevent tripping dangers and the potential for breakage. To the best of your ability, keep an eye on children and warn others about where there is potential for endangerment.
At Perry Homes, we want to help make your holidays safe and wonderful for every member of your family. Stay up to date on our blog posts for more tips and tricks as the holiday season approaches.