New Bedford Homeowners Insurance: Childproofing & Safety Tips

Safeguarding your home and protecting your financial investments from potential hardship due to an accident, incident, or some other type of claim should be a priority. Your local insurance agency in New Bedford is here to help you protect what matters most. For homeowners who also have children or grandchildren, taking time to employ childproofing techniques should also be at the top of the list. Hidden dangers can lurk in any home, so it pays to look at things with a careful eye and do whatever you can to eliminate them.

This approach is particularly crucial for new parents or grandparents who haven’t had a young child in their home for many years. It is easy to forget all of the little things that a toddler can get into, so it’s a good idea to use a childproofing guide and go through everything as though it is all brand new. If you add any new security devices or services to your home, make sure to notify your Massachusetts homeowners insurance agent. Your agent will also let you know if the upgrades might make you eligible for any discounts on your home insurance.

Tip #1 – Get at the Child’s Level

One tip that all childproofing experts agree on is to get down to the child’s level so you can see what they see. Electrical outlets, phone jacks, sharp corners on tables, heating grates – there are lots of potential hazards that could become dangerous in an instant. Dropped items, such as coins, pins, jewelry, nuts, seeds, pet treats – even the cleanest houses can have hidden objects lying in wait for a child to find. You might find other things that could be tempting to a child, hanging cords, dust bunnies – the list is endless.

Tip #2 – Prepare for Emergencies

Keep a list of essential numbers posted in your home. In addition to 911, the number for Poison Control, your pediatrician, a neighbor that can be reached in case of emergency, and anyone else you might want to call if something were to go wrong. Have a first aid kit ready for other accidents, issues, and incidents that may occur. Keep it stocked, check it regularly for expiration dates, and know how to use everything in it. Consider taking a first aid course at your local Red Cross or hospital so you are prepared for anything that might happen.

Tip #3 – Child Gates

If there are any rooms in your home that are too difficult to completely childproof, consider using a childproof gate instead. Gates are excellent for stairways, especially when used at the top and bottom of the stairs to provide extra protection. However, they are also good at keeping children out of kitchens, bathrooms, storage areas, laundry rooms, and other parts of the house where there are lots of cabinets and cupboards. If the arrangement of your home does not allow for the complete block off of a space, consider changing how and where you stow things or be prepared to use cabinet products to keep the child out of danger. Plastic inserts for electrical outlets, screwed in covers that allow appliances to remain plugged in while still protecting them, and other security tools can help.

Tip #4 – Security Cameras

There are many benefits to using security cameras in a home where there are active children. Parents use security cameras to monitor their children when they are playing in another room, during naps, and overnight when the child is sleeping. Some parents use security cameras for keeping an eye on children while they are in the care of a babysitter, monitoring the actions of the caregiver. A good security system can also be used to keep your home safe. This is one of those upgrades that you should share with your New Bedford homeowners insurance agent. Depending on the type of security system you have, you could be eligible for a discount on your Massachusetts homeowners insurance policy.

Tip #5 – Anchor Furniture

One of the leading causes of accidents involving children in American is falling furniture. Many different types of furniture, including bookshelves, dressers, and televisions, should be anchored to prevent them from falling on top of a child. Children are naturally curious and will open drawers and cabinets, climb bookshelves, and pull on televisions until they fall over. Your local hardware store sells safety trap kits and other safety gear that you can use to protect your children.

Speak With Your Insurance Agency in New Bedford

Curious about what upgrades to your home could potentially lower your home insurance in New Bedford? Contact Borden Insurance Agency by calling 508-999-3636. We can give you a FREE quote for Massachusetts homeowners insurance or go over your existing policy to make sure that you have enough coverage to protect your home and financial future.