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Feel free to use this tip sheet / checklist as you tackle your own ""do-it-yourself"" organizing projects. If you would like to REPRINT or DISTRIBUTE this information, please click here for reprinting instructions.
 | A FEW GENERAL TIPS |  |
- consider hiring a company to help you child-proof
- get down on hands and knees to detect child-sized hazards
- use night lights to help prevent falls
- place outlet covers on all empty electrical outlets
- unplug cords when not in use and tuck out of way
- shorten drape and blind cords when not in use
- cut off drape and blind cords at the knot at end
- install window guards or locks
- use gates to keep kids out of any "off-limits" rooms
- install gates at the top and bottom of stairs
- if home built in 1978 or earlier, check for lead paint
 | BATHROOM |  |
- place rubber-bottom mats in bathroom
- use rubber mats or non-slip appliqués in bathtub
- store medicines in childproof containers and in locked cabinets
- put childproof locks on cabinets
- close (and preferably lock) toilet lid
- keep chemicals, cosmetics, and cleaners out of children's reach
- lower hot water heater temperature to less than 130 degrees
- keep electrical appliances away from the tub
 | KITCHEN |  |
- move plastic bags out of reach
- put knives and other sharp objects up high
- store cleaning fluids and chemicals in locked cabinets
- put childproof locks on cabinets, drawers, and refrigerator
- turn pot handles away from edge of stove when cooking
- take knobs off stove when not cooking
 | OUTDOORS |  |
- keep sharp gardening implements and tools out of reach
- store chemicals (fertilizer, oil, pesticides) in a locked cabinet
- put a fence around your yard to keep kids out of the road
- put something soft under play set in case kids fall
- plug up openings of 3+ inches that could trap a child's neck
- put rubber or plastic tubing around swing chains
 | WHEN YOU HAVE INFANTS |  |
- have people wash hands before touching baby for first month
- make sure crib bedding fits securely to edge of crib
- check to make sure slats on crib less than 3 inches apart
- avoid pillows and stuffed animals in crib (smothering risk)
- prop baby on back when sleeping
- use stabilizer pillow to keep baby from rolling off surface
- never leave child unattended on changing table or in bath
- keep toys with small pieces away from baby
Copyright 2000-2009 Ramona Creel -- you are welcome to reprint any article, but you MUST include this resource box.
"Ramona Creel is a modern Renaissance woman and guru of simplicity -- traveling the country as a full-time RVer, sharing her story of radically downsizing, and inspiring others to regain control of their own lives. As a Professional Organizer and Accountability Coach, Ramona will help you create the time and space to focus on your true priorities -- clearing away the clutter other obstacles and standing in the way of that life you've always wanted to be living. As a Professional Photographer, Ramona captures powerful images of places and people as she travels. And as a travel writer, social commentator, and blogger, she shares her experiences and insights about the world as we know it. You can see all these sides of Ramona -- read her articles, browse through her photographs, and even hire her to help get your life in order -- at www.RamonaCreel.com. And be sure to follow her on Twitter and on Facebook."
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