How to Grand-kid Proof Your Home

Perhaps you thought those days were behind you--outlet plugs, child-proof caps on medicines, kid car seats. They were--until you heard the joyous news you've waited for all your latter adult life: You're a grandparent! At some point you'll realize those child-proofing days are back, especially if you want your grandkids visiting you for anywhere from several hours up to several weeks. Since it's probably many years since you even thought of these things, below is a refresher course with the most important basics to help make your home, yard, and car as safe as possible for your grandchildren.

In Your House

Medicines--Lock away all prescription and over-the-counter medicines. Child-proof caps aren't enough. The same holds true for cleaning products, matches and lighters. Keep them out of sight and reach and locked away. Install safety latches on cabinets. Find out if your plants are toxic and remove them. And watch what you throw in the wastebasket. If your grandchild eats something dangerous, call The Poison Control Number: 1-800-222-1222--a 24-hour number that automatically connects you to your regional poison control center.

Guns--Never show your grandkid a gun. Keep firearms and ammunition hidden, out of reach and locked up.

Water--You've heard it before but it can never be said too often: When your grandchild is in the tub or near it, don't leave her side for a moment. Don't even look the other way. Let the phone ring, let the doorbell ring. Keep your eye on your grandkid in the tub. Prevent scalding by lowering the temperature of the hot water and by testing the water with your elbow to make sure it isn't too hot for bathing.

Fire--Keep kids away from the stovetop, oven, fireplace and woodstoves.

Windows--Bind or tape up any dangling cords associated with drapes or Venetian blinds.

Electrical--"Electric burns are among the most serious of burns," says Jessica Rosman, MPH, of the Health and Safety Services department with the American Red Cross Concord Area Chapter, NH, "because there are two burn sites--where the current enters, and then, exits the body." So plug up those electrical sockets, and make sure the smoke detectors are working. Also check that appliances are not faulty. Unplug small kitchen appliances when not in use.

Toys--Buy age-related toys. Toddlers and children under three should not play with anything that has small pieces they can put into their mouths. Clean up all toys out of the way when the grandkids are finished with them so that no one--including you--will trip. "Also watch out for cat and dog toys that may remain on the floor," says Rosman.

Safety gates--"Place these in front of stairways. Even better, place them in front of the doorway to a young child's room so there's not even a chance of the child coming near the steps.

Food--know what your grandkid can and can't eat. Avoid typical choking hazards: grapes, hard candies, popcorn, uncooked carrots, apples, raisons and chips.

Outside

Fences--Even if you have a fenced-in yard, you must still supervise your grandkids outside. Fences themselves can prove to be dangerous if the slats are large enough for a child to get his head stuck in between them.

Animals--Teach your children to respect and lovingly touch and care for a pet--but only when you're there. Cats and dogs should be up-to-date with their shots. Most important, keep aggressive pets locked up and away from the children.

Pools--Again, water and small children don't mix. Never leave your grandchild unsupervised near or in a pool. Don't let children wander over to a neighbor's pool.

Helmets--Be a good role model and wear your helmet when you go biking. Make you have a well-fitting helmet for each of your grandchildren.

In the Car

Car seat--Have the parents set up a car seat in your car for the grandkids and demonstrate exactly how it works before they leave.

Heat-- Remember that heat kills very quickly in a car with closed windows. Never leave a child alone in the car for an instant, not even with an older child. The responsibility for the child's safety is in your hands.

Seatbelts--Buckle up to show your grandkids how important seatbelt safety is.

Amusements--Give children safe things to play with on a long trip so they won't whine and distract you from driving.

You can do it!

It may feel overwhelming to think about and do a thousand things to become safety savvy. You may wonder: How did we do it in the first place? Below are some guidelines to get you going:

-Get down on your hands and knees or look from waist level to see the world from a young child's perspective. "Open cabinets and look at what's on the floor," says Rosman. "You'll come up with many hazards that you may not have thought of before."

-Make sure you have help just in case. Set up an emergency procedure so you can call your grandchild's parents, doctor, hospital emergency room and poison control center. Keep these numbers by every phone in the house and on your cell phone, so if an emergency does occur, you don't have to start searching for those numbers.

-Ask veteran grandparents for advice. They may have clues to make the safety process easier for you. Or they will, at least, remind you of how the whole procedure is. worth it

-Pick up one of the latest parenting magazines. These will keep you updated on current safety standards. For example, when we were parents we were told to put babies to sleep on their bellies. Now the advice is just the opposite.

-Learn basic first aid, including first aid for choking and CPR, to make you feel more confident. "Early intervention, such as CPR, is your first step in the chain of survival when faced with an emergency," says Rosman.

-Keep a first-aid guide and kit readily on hand at home and in your car.

Check it out!

-Call your local Red Cross to find out about Basic First Aid courses being offered The Red Cross can send a trained instructor to your home to hold a class in certain circumstances. American Red Cross (National Headquarters)

-For a list of preventative safety steps to take, according to your grandchild's age, go to the Grandchild Safety Checklist from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Source:

Jessica Rosman, MPH

Business Development Director

Health and Safety Services Department

American Red Cross Concord Area Chapter, NH

www.concord-redcross.org

This material originally appeared on www.eons.com, a website empowering people over 50 to get the most out of life. Permission to re-publish this article granted by EONS.com.