Ensure youngsters stay out of danger with these simple property maintenance improvements.

Having little ones in the house is an intense experience – one minute they’re running and playing, and the next they’re crying because they’ve bumped their head or scratched their arm. And with the holiday season underway, maintaining a child friendly environment is crucial for a relaxed, mishap-free break.

While you can’t prevent all accidents from happening, these easy precautions will help avoid the most common ones.



Protect the pool area

If you have a pool at home, that should be the first thing on your checklist. We recommend installing a fence or gate that prevents kids from getting to the area without assistance. There are many types of gates in the market and the one you go with will depend on the layout of your home.

While some gates are DIY, our specialists highly advise bringing a professional over for the installation to avoid any safety breaches.



Install cabinet and drawer locks

From smashing fingers to containing hazardous items, drawers and cabinets are two of the most common culprits of kids’ accidents. Keep them safe by installing locks, especially in places where you store sharp objects or glass.

No clue how to install locks? No worries – our team of handymen can take care of the installation process safely and quickly.



Beware of electrical items

Make sure you cover all unused electrical outlets and hide any cords in the house. Another useful tip is to tape the battery cover of electronic devices such as the TV remote – as some remotes use small button batteries that can cause choking.

Got old batteries laying around? Always store them away from their reach.



Check detectors

Get a professional inspection of smoke detectors, fire alarms, and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors to ensure they function correctly. This tip is essential to avoiding accidents for the whole family – and even if you don’t fully avoid them, the alarm systems can help you act quickly in an emergency.

If one or more systems are not working correctly, we advise getting it fixed by specialists as soon as possible.

There will always be more precautions that you can take, but hopefully this checklist will serve as a good starting point for a safer home. If you need assistance or have further questions, the Breathe team is here to help!