WWW.QNS.COM RIDGEWOOD TIMES NOVEMBER 9, 2017 15
AT HOME
Home improvement insight: 5 tips to
redesign with kids' safety in mind
Smart homeowners take a strategic
approach to home improvement
projects such as redoing a
playroom, living room or bedroom to
keep kids' safety in mind during the
redesign process.
By being proactive today, you can ensure
your entire family can safely enjoy
the results of your home improvement
project. Here are the top fi ve things to
keep in mind to create a stunning yet
safe space for your family:
WINDOW COVERINGS
Corded window coverings are a Top
5 Hidden Hazard in American homes,
according to the U.S. Consumer Product
Safety Commission. Dangling or
accessible cords on window coverings
can pose an accidental strangulation
hazard to infants and young children.
The Window Covering Safety Council
recommends only cordless window
coverings or window coverings with
inaccessible cords be used in homes
with small kids.
Consumers can easily identify
products best suited for homes with
young children by looking for the
Best for Kids certifi cation label on
the packaging of a large variety of
products. Window covering products
that qualify for "Best for Kids"
either have no cords or inaccessible
cords. In order to be eligible for this
certification, manufacturers must
submit their products for third-party
testing to determine if they meet the
Best for Kids program criteria. (See
windowcoverings.org for additional
information.)
ELECTRICAL
Electrical updates should always
be made with curious kids in mind.
It's easy to update outlet covers to
sliding plug options. With these you
never have to worry about replacing
the outlet plug again because it closes
automatically when not in use.
Larger electrical enhancements can
help as well. Streamline the aesthetic
of your space while eliminating cords
by updating wall lighting. For example,
a few sconces might replace reading
lights, plus they're high enough to
keep out of reach of young kids. Another
example: a new dimmable ceiling
fan provides safe air circulation with
customizable light output.
SMART HOME UPGRADES
Technology is a home improvement
game-changer that can make spaces
more livable and safe. Smart window
and door locks can be installed throughout
the home. Kids can now securely
enter without a key and parents are
sent an alert at that time. You can also
set alerts for windows left open so you
know to close them to reduce fall risks.
Another smart home improvement
to consider: motion-activated sensors.
These sensors can be placed anywhere
you don't want children to be. For
example, when your child opens the
front door before you wake or he tries
to get into the medicine cabinet, you're
sent an alert to your phone that makes
you immediately aware of the activity.
Furniture and decor
That vintage armor will look perfect
in your just-redone space ... until your
kids start to pull out the drawers and
roughhouse around it. Tip-overs are
another Top 5 Hidden Hazard by the
CPSC, which notes in the U.S. a child is
sent to the emergency room every 30
minutes as a result of falling furniture.
Furniture, TVs and appliances can
tip over and crush children, so take
an extra step to keep kids safe. Always
stabilize furniture, decor and any other
items that could fall over. Safety anchors
and brackets are widely available online
and at retail home improvement stores.
They are quick and easy to install and
may save a life. (See www.anchorit.gov
for additional information.)
INTERIOR PAINT
Painting a room is one of the most
aff ordable yet dramatic ways to refresh
a space. However, not all paint is created
equal. To maintain high indoor air quality
and a safe area for curious kids, be
a selective shopper with interior paint.
Before you select your hue, research
paints that are appropriate for children.
Look for zero-VOC (volatile organic
compound) labels and environmentally
friendly options. When in doubt, ask at
the paint counter which paints are best
for sensitive family members.
You'll love your updated home even
more when you can trust it is safe for
you and your children. With these
simple tips you can create a space that
is secure, stylish and safe for all.
Courtesy BPT