CELLAR
As already noted,
have your heating system checked by a competent serviceman before cold weather
arrives. The cellar is often a play area, especially in winter. Try to separate
heating equipment from children's play space. You can put up a wall
inexpensively with a few 2" x 4" wood studs and some pressed board
partitions. Until your children are old enough to be trusted alone for an hour
or more, never let them go to the cellar alone. Avoid clutter. Clearly defined
areas should be set aside for tools, equipment, screens, and other
paraphernalia. The cellar, including the stairs, should be as well lighted as
any other room. There should be at least one sturdy railing for the cellar
stairs.
LIVING ROOM
As already suggested,
have a screen covering the entire fireplace. Fasten window curtains, etc., so
they cannot blow near the fire- place. You can use various means, including
rubber mason-ear rings sewn on the undersides, to anchor rugs. Make certain,
there are no long electric light cords to trip over, any open sockets where
young children can get to them.
BEDROOM
Observe the
precautions about fire and electrical hazards already listed. Don't smoke in
bed or sleep with a heating pad turned on. If there are young children, have
bars or safety catches on windows. Make certain the paint on anything they
might chew on is not poisonous. Keep any objects a baby might swallow or hurt him
with out of reach. The sides of cribs should have extensions, because standard
cribs are not high enough.
