Having a child in the home means that you have to think about how you will keep the home not only nice and warm, but child-proof too. According to studies, a million children are admitted to casualty departments throughout the UK due to home accidents. Parents should be alarmed by the statistics and make every effort to ensure their home is safe and measures are in place to prevent avoidable accidents. Safety is especially important when it comes to choosing and using home heating products.
Heating products
The two most common home heating products are gas heaters and electric heaters. Each of these products has its own pros and cons that you should be aware of when deciding which to use in your home. The former is perhaps the most widely used because it is more energy efficient. Gas heaters burn liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) or natural gas, both inexpensive fuels, to warm the home. Newer gas heaters also have higher efficiency ratings than older model systems, which allow people to save even more on heating costs.
However, gas heaters, have a disadvantage that tips the scales in favour of electric heaters for child-proofing your home. Burning of liquefied petroleum gas and natural gas produces carbon monoxide by-product that is potentially hazardous to children. Although production of this by-product is low, you still need to provide adequate ventilation when using gas heaters, especially with unflued heaters. The heaters also pose more of a fire hazard than electric heaters, with the exception in wet climatic areas.
Electric heating systems
The main types of home electric heating systems are radiant heaters that are fitted with heated elements and convection systems that distribute heat via fans. Both come in various designs, including wall heaters and electric slab (floor) heaters. If used conscientiously, electric heaters are a more viable alternative than gas heaters because they don’t produce any gaseous by-products and have no open heat source. They can also be positioned anywhere in the room out of reach of children.
Child carers should, however, be aware that electrical appliances are all very fascinating and interesting to little hands and tiny mouths. Adult supervision is, therefore, paramount when using electric heating systems at home for all young children. There are some tips that can help you implement electrical safety for your children while keeping your home warm and cosy.
Electrical safety tips
Always ensure every electric outlet in your home is covered with a child safety plate so that curious fingers don’t go wandering into those fascinating sockets and outlet holes. Don’t use electrical appliances with damaged flexes or worn out parts. Instead, have the appliance checked by an approved contractor straight away. Also, turn the heating appliance off if you are going to be out of the house all day. You can set it to come back on just before you return in the evening. Importantly, always keep a watchful eye on young children and the elderly when heaters are in use.
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