Keep Baby Safe: Babyproofing Tips for Home HVAC, Electrical and Plumbing

For any caregiver, nothing is more essential than ensuring your baby’s protection.

Once your babies start crawling, the entire house can seem like one massive hazard!Your home’s HVAC, plumbing and electrical systems are especially worrisome.

By following this guide, you can take steps to make sure your home’s important systems are properly babyproofed for your peace of mind.

Keep Fingers and Toes Out of HVAC Vents and Registers

Vent covers that are installed in the air vents throughout your home are often irresistible hazards for tiny fingers and toes. Here’s how to ensure your child’s safety:

• Secure registers: If your floor or wall registers easily detach, use screws to fasten them down to ensure they’re not going anywhere.
• Add childproof vent covers: These utilize a fine mesh to keep small objects from falling inside without blocking airflow.

Keep Small Hands Away from the Thermostat

Little ones are drawn to buttons and screens, so the thermostat is an inviting plaything. Follow these tips to prevent unexpected temperature fluctuations in your residence:

• Move the thermostat up higher: The thermostat should be installed at adult eye level. Don’t position furniture near it that could encourage kids to climb up for a closer look.
• Lock the controls: Some thermostats include child-lock capabilities to prevent anyone from fiddling with the settings. If yours doesn’t have this feature, consider installing a thermostat cover that prevents curious kids from changing the temperature.

Keep Baby Out of the Utility Closet

If your HVAC system units are located in the basement or utility closet, this is a key place for babyproofing. Young children shouldn’t be in these rooms, so follow these tips to keep them safe:

• Install doorknob covers: If the utility closet is in a closed-off area or separate room, you have it easy. All you have to do is attach a childproof cover on the doorknob to prevent your kids from opening the furnace room door.
• Add a safety gate: If your HVAC equipment is in an open area, use a safety gate to block curious crawlers from getting near your furnace or water heater.
• Check the carbon monoxide detectors: Every house should have at least one carbon monoxide detector on each floor, notably if you have gas appliances. Unfortunately, socket versions are simple for kids to reach. Think about installing combination CO/smoke detectors or alarms on the ceiling for additional safety.

Prevent Hot Surface Burns

In many homes, heating components aren’t limited to the utility room. Here’s how to safeguard your child from hot surfaces:

• Set up heat guards: Position a simple baby gate or specially designed heat guard around heaters to create a barrier between your child and hot surfaces.
• Steer clear of using space heaters: A correctly adjusted heating system should keep you comfortable in every room and there should be little reason to add a space heater to attract curious kids.

Make Sure Children Are Protected from Electric Equipment and Wiring

Electricity is essential for modern living but presents safety hazards for kids. Here are tips for how you can babyproof your home’s electrical setup:

• Implement outlet covers: Building code requires new receptacles to be tamper resistant. If you have older outlets, you can upgrade them with outlet covers. Choose sliding covers rather than plug-in style, which toddlers can sometimes dislodge.
• Hide or tape down cords: Exposed cords are a grabbing and chewing hazard. Employ cord concealers or tape them down next to the baseboards. Power strip covers are also useful for stopping little fingers from reaching the sockets.
• Keep the electrical panel locked: If your electrical panel is within reach, it’s a good idea to be sure it’s securely closed and locked to deter inquisitive kids from playing with it.

Take Advantage of These Plumbing Safety Tips

Babies adore water play. Make sure they remain protected around your sinks, tubs and toilets with these babyproof tips for home plumbing and plumbing fixtures:

• Modify the water temperature: Set your water heater to 120 degrees F to prevent scalding at the tap. Just don’t go any cooler than this, or you risk microbial growth in the tank.
• Install a faucet cover: Has your child ever hit their head on the bathtub faucet? Soft, rubberized covers are an straightforward way to avoid this type of injury.
• Use toilet locks: Toddlers are often intrigued with the toilet. A special lock stops little ones from reaching unsanitary water or tossing toys inside, which can result in pipe clogs.

Partner with Geisel Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing, Inc. for Your Home HVAC, Plumbing and Electrical in NE Ohio

With these safety tips, you can confidently create a secure environment for the whole family. At Geisel Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing, Inc., we’re pleased to help parents protect their little ones with quick, dependable HVAC, plumbing and electrical service in NE Ohio. We are focusing on making a significant difference in the lives of every customer we serve.

Contact 440-394-7046 today to connect with our team. We’ll guarantee your home continues to be comfortable and secure for everyone.