Indianapolis Home Inspector

Childproofing Your Home: 12 Safety Devices to Protect Your Children

About 2.5 million children are injured or killed by hazards in the home each year. The good news is that many of these incidents can be prevented by using simple child-safety devices on the market today. Any safety device you buy should be sturdy enough to prevent injury to your child, yet easy for you to use. It's important to follow installation instructions carefully. In addition, if you have older children in the house, be sure they re-secure safety devices. Remember, too, that no device is completely childproof; determined youngsters have been known to disable them. You can childproof your home for a fraction of what it would cost to have a professional do it. And safety devices are easy to find. You can buy them at hardware stores, baby equipment shops, supermarkets, drug stores, home and linen stores, and through online and mail-order catalogues.

1. Use safety latches and locks for cabinets and drawers in kitchens, bathrooms, and other areas to help prevent poisonings and other injuries. Safety latches and locks on cabinets and drawers can help prevent children from gaining access to medicines and household cleaners, as well as knives and other sharp objects.

Look for safety latches and locks that adults can easily install and use, but that are sturdy enough to withstand pulls and tugs from children. Safety latches are not a guarantee of protection, but they can make it more difficult for children to reach dangerous substances. Even products with child-resistant packaging should be locked away out of reach; this packaging is not childproof.

Typical cost of a safety latch or lock: less than $2.

2. Use safety gates to help prevent falls down stairs and to keep children away from dangerous areas. Look for safety gates that children cannot dislodge easily, but that adults can open and close without difficulty. For the top of stairs, gates that screw into the wall are more secure than "pressure gates."

New safety gates that meet safety standards display a certification seal from the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA). If you have an older safety gate, be sure it doesn't have "V" shapes that are large enough for a child's head and neck to fit into.

Typical cost of a safety gate: $13 to $40.

3. Use door knob covers and door locks to help prevent children from entering rooms and other areas with possible dangers, including swimming pools.

Be sure the door knob cover is sturdy enough not to break, but allows a door to be opened quickly by an adult in case of emergency. By restricting access to potentially hazardous rooms in the home, door knob covers could help prevent many kinds of injuries. To prevent access to swimming pools, door locks should be placed high, out of reach of young children. Locks should be used in addition to fences and door alarms. Sliding glass doors, with locks that must be re-secured after each use, are often not an effective barrier to pools.

Typical cost of a door knob cover: $1; door lock: $5 and up.

4. Use anti-scald devices for faucets and shower heads, and set your water heater temperature to 120° F to help prevent burns from hot water. A plumber may need to install these.

Typical cost of an anti-scald device: $6 to $30.

5. Use smoke detectors on every level of your home and near bedrooms to alert you to fires. Smoke detectors are essential safety devices for protection against fire deaths and injuries. Check smoke detectors once a month to make sure they're working. If detectors are battery-operated, change batteries at least once a year, or consider using 10-year batteries.

Typical cost of a smoke detector: less than $10.
6. Use window guards and safety netting to help prevent falls from windows, balconies, decks and landings. Window guards and safety netting for balconies and decks can help prevent serious falls. Check these safety devices frequently to make sure they are secure and properly installed and maintained. There should be no more than 4 inches between the bars of the window guard. If you have window guards, be sure at least one window in each room can be easily used for escape in a fire. Window screens are not effective for preventing children from falling out of windows.

Typical cost of a window guard or safety netting: $8 to $16.

7. Use corner and edge bumpers to help prevent injuries from falls against sharp edges of furniture and fireplaces. Corner and edge bumpers can be used with furniture and fireplace hearths to help prevent injuries from falls, and to soften falls against sharp and rough edges.

Be sure to look for bumpers that stay securely on furniture and hearth edges.

Typical cost of a corner and edge bumper: $1 and up.

8. Use outlet covers and outlet plates to help prevent children from electrical shock and possible electrocution.

Be sure the outlet protectors cannot be easily removed by children and are large enough so that children cannot choke on them.

Typical cost of an outlet cover: less than $2.

9. Use a carbon monoxide (CO) detector outside bedrooms to help prevent CO poisoning. Consumers should install CO detectors near sleeping areas in their homes. Households that should use CO detectors include those with gas or oil heat or with attached garages.

Typical cost of a carbon monoxide (CO) detector: $30 to $70.

10. Cut window blind cords; use safety tassels and inner cord stops instead to help prevent children from strangling in blind-cord loops. Window blind cord safety tassels on miniblinds and tension devices on vertical blinds and drapery cords can help prevent deaths and injuries from strangulation in the loops of cords. Inner cord stops can help prevent strangulation in the inner cords of window blinds.

For older miniblinds, cut the cord loop, remove the buckle, and put safety tassels on each cord. Be sure that older vertical blinds and drapery cords have tension or tie-down devices to hold the cords tight. When buying new miniblinds, vertical blinds and draperies, ask for safety features to prevent child strangulation.

Prices vary.

11. Use door stops and door Hholders to help prevent injuries to fingers and hands. Door stops and door holders on doors and door hinges can help prevent small fingers and hands from being pinched or crushed in doors and door hinges. Be sure any safety device for doors is easy to use and is not likely to break into small parts, which could be a choking hazard for young children.

Typical cost of a door stop and door holder: less than $4.

12. Use a cell or cordless phone to make it easier to continuously watch young children, especially when they're in bathtubs, swimming pools, or other potentially dangerous areas. Cordless phones help you watch your child continuously without leaving the vicinity to answer a phone call. Cordless phones are especially helpful when children are in or near water, whether it's the bathtub, the swimming pool, or the beach.

Typical cost of a cordless phone: $30 and up.

1. Plunger A clogged sink or toilet is one of the most disturbing problems that you will face. With a plunger on hand, however, you can usually remedy these troubling plumbing issues relatively quickly. It is best to have two plungers -- one for the sink and one for the toilet.

2. Combination Wrench Set One end of a combination wrench set is open and the other end is a closed loop. Nuts and bolts are manufactured in standard and metric sizes and because both varieties are widely used, so you’ll need both sets of wrenches. For the most control and leverage, always pull the wrench toward you, instead of pushing on it. Also, avoid over-tightening.

3. Slip-Joint Pliers Use slip-joint pliers to grab hold of a nail, a nut, a bolt, and much more. These types of pliers are versatile because of the jaws, which feature both flat and curved areas for gripping many types of objects. There is also a built-in slip-joint, which allows the user to quickly adjust the jaw size to suit most tasks.

4. Adjustable WrenchAdjustable wrenches are somewhat awkward to use and can damage a bolt or nut if they are not handled properly. However, adjustable wrenches are ideal for situations where you need two wrenches of the same size. Screw the jaws all the way closed to avoid damaging the bolt or nut.

5. Caulking Gun Caulking is the process of sealing up cracks and gaps in various structures and certain types of piping. Caulking can provide noise mitigation and thermal insulation, and control water penetration. Caulk should be applied only to areas that are clean and dry.

6. Flashlight None of the tools in this list is of any use if you cannot visually inspect the situation. The problem, and solution, are apparent only with a good flashlight. A traditional two-battery flashlight is usually sufficient, as larger flashlights may be too unwieldy.

7. Tape Measure Measuring house projects requires a tape measure, not a ruler or a yardstick. Tape measures come in many lengths, although 25 feet is best. Measure everything at least twice to ensure accuracy.

8. Hacksaw These are great for cutting metal objects such as pipes, bolts and brackets. Hacksaws look thin and flimsy, but they’ll easily cut through even the hardest of metals. Blades are replaceable, so focus your purchase on a quality hacksaw frame.

9. Torpedo Level Only a level can be used to determine if something, such as a shelf, appliance or picture, is correctly oriented. The torpedo-style level is unique because it not only shows when an object is perfectly horizontal or vertical, but it also has a gauge that shows when an object is at a 45-degree angle. The bubble in viewfinder must be exactly in the middle, not merely close.

10. Safety Glasses / Goggles For all tasks involving a hammer or a power tool, you should always wear safety glasses or goggles. They should also be worn while you mix chemicals.

11. Claw Hammer A good hammer is one of the most important tools you can own. Use it to drive and remove nails, to pry wood loose from the house, and in combination with other tools. They come in a variety of sizes, although a 16-ounce hammer is the best all-purpose choice.

12. Screwdriver Set It is best to have four screwdrivers: a small and large version of both a flat-head and a Phillips- head screwdriver. Electrical screwdrivers are sometimes convenient, but they're no substitute. Manual screwdrivers can reach into more places and they are less likely to damage the screw.

13. Wire Cutters Wire cutters are pliers designed to cut wires and small nails. The “side-cutting” (unlike the stronger "end-cutting" style) style is handy, but not strong enough to cut small nails.

14. Respirator / Safety Mask While paints and other coatings have become less toxic (and lead-free) over time, most still contain dangerous chemicals, which is why you should wear a mask to avoid accidentally getting them in your lungs. A mask should also be worn when working in dusty or dirty environments. Disposable masks usually come in packs of 10 and should be thrown away after use. Full and half-face respirators can be used to prevent the inhalation of very fine particles that ordinary facemasks will not not stop.

15. Duct Tape This tape is extremely strong and adaptable. Originally, it was widely used to make temporary repairs to many types of military equipment. Today, it’s one of the key items specified for home emergency kits because it is water-resistant and extremely sticky.

In summary, the above is a list of tools that every homeowner should have.

A well-built deck extends the outdoor living space of a home and is one of the best remodeling investments you can make to add value to a home. The number of deck failures and resulting injuries is something we see in the news frequently, in fact, A landmark study reveals that there have been 179 reported deck collapses from January 2000 through December 2006, killing 33 and injuring 1,122. Why are so many decks failing? Reasons for deck failures include improper building methods, exceeded load capacity, poor maintenance and age. Decks should actually be built more strongly than the house for which it is attached. Why? A house is generally designed to support a "live load" (weight of furnishings and and people) of 30-50 pounds per square foot. Bulky furniture spreads weight over a large area and tends to prevent high concentration of weight in same areas. Decks, on the other hand, are sparsely furnished, allowing people at +/- 150 pounds each to mass together. Thus, a deck and be easily overloaded, and collapse under a crowd's weight. Compounding the problem is the fact that many carpenters unknowingly build structural weaknesses into decks.

Most Frequently Observed Issues with Decks

The following are the most common issues we've observed with decks:

• Wood supports are not pressure-treated, and rotting.

• Steel posts rusting through.

• Masonry piers with no mortar, or loose, tilted blocks.

• No poured concrete footing under the support posts, or posts

resting directly on or in contact with earth.

• Posts not fastened to footing (Kick a suspicious post... you'll be surprised how many move).

• Posts improperly fastened to framing... or not at all!

• Deck merely nailed onto the house, not bolted.

• Joists poorly nailed to header, not resting on ledgers.

• Joists ledger notches cut so deeply they are weakened.

• No diagonal lateral bracing under the posts nor on the support posts.

• Stairs wobbly and poorly fastened to desk.

• Railings unable to withstand reasonable lateral force, and with pickets spaced so far apart causing a danger to children.

• Improper flashing where the deck abuts the house to keep out water entry at the joint.

Proper Maintenance is Key

Even a properly constructed deck can become a safety issue if not properly maintained. It is our perspective that a properly constructed wooden deck can last up to 15 years with proper maintenance. Yearly inspection for wood rot and annual pressure washing and sealing can help you enjoy the beauty of your deck for years to come. Key areas to check for rot are gaps in the decking where leaves, pine needles and sand collect. In addition, the areas under planter boxes can be vulnerable as any areas where countersunk screws or nails create dips that hold the water. For questions about your deck - call us.

We're working to be your expert -- we're working to earn your business.

Home Inspection | Home Warranty

800-285-3001 | www.landam.com

Please use our complimentary pre-closing checklist on your final walkthrough on your properties. There is a time period between our inspection and closing that varies with each property. Systems can fail at any time and defects can become visible under different viewing conditions (weather change, belongings removed, etc.) so we urge you to operate all systems prior to closing and check all areas that may have been hidden from view due to occupant belongings or other obstructions. Bring a couple of light bulbs to check inoperable light fixtures.

• Obtain all operational manuals, well/septic records, records of sale (disclosure statement, offer to purchase, and closing documents), warranties and receipts for recent repairs. Keep the records in a file.

• Check the exterior. Pay particular attention to the roof, especially if there has been a storm since the inspection. Run the sprinklers if weather permits.

• Check all interior rooms. Check for moving damage if the homeowner moved out between the inspection and closing. Operate all windows and doors and check for broken thermal pane seals, loose hardware, etc. Check ceilings for water stains.

• Check countertops and interiors of all drawers, cabinets and closets.

• Check all areas that may have been inaccessible during the inspection due to personal storage, furniture, area rugs, etc.

• Operate all systems / appliances, sump pump and the garage door. Obtain door transmitters. Do not operate air conditioners if the temperature is below 65 degrees. Check lights (bring a couple of light bulbs).

• Run all faucets and toilets. Fill tubs and sinks. Check for leaks. Run whirlpool tubs.

• Check basement and / or crawl space. Look for active stains and leaks at walls, floors and under and near plumbing.

• Check for signs of pests. Many folks do preventative pest control before taking occupancy.

• If possible check inside the attic.

• Verify the seller has correctly completed any promised repairs (look at receipts, permits, etc).

• Verify the seller has notified you of any changes in the condition of the property since the inspection.

If you haven't purchased a home warranty, consider purchasing one from LandAmerica.

Once our client always our client. If you need additional information please call us at

1-800-285-3001

Winter Special: $119 (a $200 Value)

If you're dishwasher isn't working properly -- you know you have dirty dishes. But sometimes it's the less obvious things that can create significant problems and expenses. Catching these items early - and knowing what to do about them -- can save both headaches and money.

Our home check-up is an inexpensive way to have a trained professional inspect the major systems of your home. Each home check up takes approximately one hour and includes the following components/systems: roof, exterior, foundation, fireplace, attic, electrical, heating, cooling, and plumbing.

Simply call Rob Rehm at 317-538-2969 or 800-285-3001 for more information or to schedule your Home Check -Up inspection.

The Perfect Gift Idea
Concerned about a loved-one across town? A Home Check-Up is a perfect gift -- checking the safety and condition of a home and providing a complete report for peace of mind.