: .. Pointers For * -™, > PS peGe (NAPSA)—Keeping the play area safe for your offspring to run around and have fun in can be easier if you heed a few hints: 1.Once yourlittle one starts to stand, he or she will likely try just about every piece of furniture for support, so check that each piece is sturdy and stable and won't tip over onto your child. You may want to attach the furniture to the wall. 2.Make sure there’s enough storage space. Toys on the floor can be a hazard, so encourage your kids to clean up. That can be easier with lots of low, open storage bins, baskets and shelves so there’s little need to reach or climb. Just remember, the furniture should have smooth surfaces and rounded corners. If you use a toy chest, reinforce the hinges so the lid will stay open in any position, and won’t slam shut on little hand. Make sure the hinges can’t pinch children, either. In addition, remove any locks and drill a few air holes just in case a child does get trapped inside. 3.When you get downto it, children love to play on the floor, so make sure it’s easy to keep clean and soft enough when kids fall down. Non-slip rugs on top of resilient or wood flooring can be a nice option. 4,Stop shock risk. Use outlet plates and covers to keep plug sockets safe from probingfingers. Be sure the covers can’t be easily removed and are too large to become choking hazards if they are pried out by toddlers. When replacing receptacles, get the tamper-resistant kind. . Childproof the windows. Use window stops that will let the window open no more than four mes : iN Keeping the play area a safe place for kids can be simpler than manyparentsrealize. inches and install window guards so children can’t fall out. Just be sure adults and older children can open them easily in caseoffire. Never depend on screens to keep children safe. Open windows from the top whenever possible and don’t put furniture the kids can climb on close to any windows. 6.Replace older window coverings with today’s safer products to avoid the potential dangers posed to young children by window treatments with cords. Alternatively, you can obtain free retrofit kits from the Window Covering Safety Council at www.windowcoverings.org to makeolder products safer. Window covering safety is a top priority for Hunter Douglas. The window treatment companyoffers a wide variety of product operating systems that eliminate lift cords or substantially reduce access to them. Free Brochure A free “Child Safety at the Window” brochure is available for downloading at hunterdouglas.com, or you can request a free copy by calling (800) 99SAFTY. Note to Editors: Although October is Window Covering Safety Month, this information can be useful to your readers at any time.
