Hastings & Hastings Offers Advice on Childproofing a Home

    PHOENIX, AZ, October 24, 2015 /24-7PressRelease/ -- There is one specific demographic that is particularly susceptible to slipping and falling, children. For children, these accidents can be extremely dangerous. Hastings & Hastings encourage all parents to childproof their home, and offers advice on the process.

The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have stated that 2.3 million children a year are injured in home accidents. Unfortunately, 2,500 of these 2.3 million are killed. It is of paramount importance that parents properly childproof their homes.

When childproofing, it can be easiest to start with the most obvious sources of danger - furniture. Coffee tables, dressers, bookcases, and file cabinets could all be hazardous. Sharp corners are one of the leading causes of injuries in the home. Parents should start by tethering heavy furniture to the walls and covering all sharp or hazardous corners with bumpers or padding.

Electrical outlets can be fascinating for children. They love to investigate them in any way they can, using fingers, toes, or even mouths. An electrical shock could be deadly. Cover electrical outlets with sliding safety covers. Removable plug-in caps may seem like a quick and easy solution, however babies love putting these fun plastic toys in their mouth, and turning them into choking hazards.

Safety gates are one the best tools for child protection. Safety gates, however, are not childproof themselves. A gate which was an impassable boundary for a 1-year-old, is just an exciting jungle gym for a 2-year-old. Parents should always make sure they are using the proper safety gate for the proper situation. For example, pressure gates are dangerous at the head of a staircase. In such a location, screw-in gates should be used instead. Parents should always check and make sure that gates bear a seal from the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association.

"The world can be a dangerous place for little guys and girls alike. We encourage every parent to take the proper safety precautions and childproof their home. I've had little ones, and I can tell you, it's incredible what they get in to. Childproofing is an ongoing process, the most important thing is to stay vigilant," said David Hastings, founder of Hastings & Hastings.

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