How to Childproof Your Basement

Home is where a family takes root. It is a witness to the love between two people, the birth of their children, and the changes that take place as time goes by. That is why it is mandatory to make it a safe and comfortable place for everyone, especially for the kiddos.

When we say safe, we are not only talking about the bedroom and other most used rooms. This consideration extends to the basement where accidents can also happen.

Children can wander, and if aided by curiosity, they can find their way to the often closed door they were told not to go to. To make sure of its safety, here are ways to childproof your basement.

Ensure the Safety of the Staircase

If the children happen to get to the door themselves and open it, a safety gate will keep them from tumbling down the stairs. This is especially useful if your children are still toddlers.

Covering your stairs with carpet will lessen the possibility of slipping and falling. Plus it's much softer if they do fall. Installing the handrail can also make it much safer.

Make it a Habit to Lock the Basement Door

A door is there for a reason. To keep children from entering at will; so make sure a lock is in place. Remember, a basement can have similar safety issues as a garage.

These similar hazards often happen because these places are a catch-all. They serve as the storage area for all sorts of things, from tools to chemicals. It is a good idea to keep children from stumbling upon them unintentionally.

Make Sure the Tools are Out of Children’s Reach

If your basement houses power tools and other dangerous items, make sure that they are always unplugged when you are not using them. You can also put up a baby fence to block their access to them.

Put Household Chemicals Behind Latched Cabinets

Laundry and cleaning supplies, automotive fluids, paints, you name it is often stored in the basements. To keep children from accessing and probably ingesting them, keep those materials in child-safe cabinets. Parents should always remember to put them back in their proper place after every use too.

Place Safety Latch on Anything that can be Opened

If a basement is used as anything other than a storage room, then you have to think about appliances and fixtures that can be hazardous to children. Plugged appliances can be accidentally turned on and faucets can be left open.

In bathrooms, toilet lids should be kept down. Children might look in and lose their balance, causing them to fall headfirst into the bowl. Buy toilet lid locks that prevent children from easily opening the seat and getting into trouble.

Additional Fixtures for Basement-turned-Playrooms

If you have converted the basement into a playroom, then there are some things you may want to add for convenience and safety. Make sure there is an easy way to get out like a window or door in case of emergency.

To minimize children’s need to go up and down the stairs when they need to pee, a bathroom can also be added. A basement toilet can be installed even if the toilet location is below the sewer line. There is no need for major reconstruction. This will save you TONS of money!

Since it is not possible to keep an eye on children at all times, necessary precautions must be put in place to lessen the possibility of accidents and misfortunes.

It is always better to be safe than sorry. The welfare and safety of children lie on their parents’ hands after all. Making sure this is done requires parents to follow up and make adjustments as their children grow. Knowledge, awareness, and preparedness can make this particular chore less overwhelming.

2/3/18 Having the deck built has been such a pain. We can't take Oreo out the back door or let her loose because she gets into all of their materials. It can't be done soon enough!