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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 and a link to www.RamonaCreel.com.
Ramona Creel is Professional Organizer, NAPO Golden Circle Member, and the original founder of OnlineOrganizing. A former Social Worker, she has always enjoyed helping people find the resources and solutions they need to improve their lives. Ramona now travels the country as a full-time RVer, sharing her story of simplicity with everyone she meets. She leads by example -- having worked for more than 10 years as a Professional Organizer, and having radically downsized and simplified her own life as a full-time RVer. Ramona now considers herself a "Renaissance Woman" -- bringing all of her passions together into one satisfying career. As a "Virtual Organizer", she can create a customized organizing plan for your home or office. As a "Simplicity and Accountability Coach ", Ramona provides a proven program for making every area of your life a little bit easier -- perfect for those who want to make the time and space to focus on their true priorities. As a Professional Photographer, Ramona captures powerful images of places and people as she travels. And as a freelance writer and blogger, she shares organizing techniques, travel tips, and social commentary with others. 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. You can also follow her on Twitter, check out her Facebook profile, and subscribe to her blog feeds.
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