Safe-Home.com

Question about keeping TV sets from injuring or killing children using furniture securing devices.

Q:"In the USA Today on February 9, 2012, a news article talked about 4 children killed or critically injured in the Chicago area when TV's fell on them. How can I make sure my children are safe? We have one old style television and a big screen that sits on a table. Thanks. Sara.

Answer: TV's can injure or kill children. Even small sets when knocked off a tall dresser are dangerous. In 2010 or 2011 Consumer Reports recommended ToppleStop furniture and TV straps for securing furniture. Each set of Topple Stops has two straps, one secures to a wall stud on one to the TV set or the stand. One accident was when a TV set sat on a flimsy aquarium stand. TV sets must be on a heavy piece of furniture with slip resistant feet and a low center of gravity. Children also like to pull out dresser drawers and try to clim to the top: a disaster waiting to happen.

So Topple Stops are furniture straps that you attach to the back of solidly set furniture and secure to wall studs behind the furniture. Topple Stops let you anchor appliances and furniture that weighs up to 400 lbs. For items that weigh up to 200 lbs. install a minimum of 1 kit with two point attaching. You need two kits or four point attachment for objects that weigh 200 to 400 lbs. Remember that nothing substitutes for parental supervision.

For metal units, you attach Topple Stop half with an adhesive pad to a dry surface cleaned with isopropyl alcohol (that gets off any residual grease). Then you attach the other half to a wall stud.

For wooden units, the preferred attachment method is using #8 x 1 inch wood screws to attach the fasteners to the frame or the inside edges top or sides of the furniture.

The wall attachment requires using #10 x 2 inch wood screws to the wall studs behind the furniture. If studs are metal, use t-bar anchors to toggle bolts. You can use wall anchors if each has a minimum holding strength of 100 pounds.

Heavy Duty ToppleStop Furniture Fastening System Kit Contents:

• Two (2) grey Thumb Lock fasteners, 2" long by one wide with 3/4" lock lever. Use with wood screws or 3M VHB adhesive attachment. (Bonding Times: Wait four hours before adding strap. Adhesive fully bonds after 72 hours.)
• Two (2) 12" long, 3/4" wide grey locking strap with grommet for wood screw attachment.
• Four (4) #8 x 1" wood screws for furniture attachment    Two (2) #10 x 2" wood screws for wood wall stud attachment.

Thumb lock fastener attaches to locking strap. Fastener can be moved and locked in either direction on the strap. Lift locking lever to "open." Lock fastener on strap by pushing lever down firmly. Note: Thumb Lock adhesive is non-hardening. Fasteners can be removed without damaging surface if slowly and gently pried off with appropriate tool.Suggestion: Install when children are not present, i.e. asleep for the night.

We also recommend Topple Stops for use in day care centers, hotels, motels, etc. to increase safety and reduce liability insurance costs.

Product Performance Warranty: This product does NOT replace child supervision. This product is only intended to help or reduce movement of equipment during jarring movement. It is common understanding that fastened equipment should fare better during jarring movement than equipment that is not fastened, helping to reduce the amount of damage and injury that could result. No warranty can be properly applied to the performance of the products due to the uncertainty of forces generated, and numerous variables involved in a jarring event, or natural disaster. Products that are defective in material and workmanship prior to installation of the product will be replaced. The user or third party installer accepts liability for injury, loss, or damage, direct or consequential, arising from use or misuse or inability to use the product.

Thanks for your question.

Sincerely,

Barbara

Question about how to install a sliding door lock on my interior closet doors, my exterior slider windows and my patio sliding door.

Q: "I do not want to install window guards on my windows but I do want to get some ventilation during the winter months here in Florida. We are on the Atlantic side and the breezes are great right now (January). I am concerned about security on the patio door. and downstairs windows. For the upstairs windows, I am concerned more about child safety when grandkids visit. What do you suggest? Thanks. Julie."

Answer: The Cardinal Gates Patio Door Lock comes only in white. the Patio Door Guardian allows you to lock the door with a 3" gap for ventilation. Use on right and left handed sliding doors. Recognized as "one of the best new child safety products" by the National Safe Kids Campaign in Washington, D.C., the Patio Door Guardian works double duty as both a security device and as a childproofing lock.  This unit has a 2 position spring loaded lock with a left and right stop. The keeper plates allows for a 3 inch ventilation gap without minimizing security. This fits most sliding doors and most windows that are vinyl, aluminum or wood. The questions and answers below should help you make your decision.

Questions and Answers:

•  Will the Patio Door Guardian work on all Patio Doors? This lock is designed to work on all inside sliding Patio Doors.
•  Will the Patio Door Guardian secure my Patio Door from intruders?This lock is designed to keep your patio door closed and though it does have security benefits it does not lock with a key. It will deter intruders as significant force would have to be used to penetrate the door.
•  When I mount the Patio Door Guardian to my patio door, how do I determine where to put the screws? You must mount the screws away from the edge of the glass on the sliding door, so you do not break the glass. Do not rely only on the location of mounting plate holes provided with your Patio Door Guardian instructions. Hold the lock up to the desired height and mark your mounting holes away from the glass edge of the door.

I would look at other options for sliding closet doors unless your doors are solid and white.

Thank you for your question.

Sincerely, Barbara

Question about Snuggle Wool Car Seat Covers for Babies.

Q: "I see that you have a new Snugglewool baby car seat cover. How does the Snuggle Wool Infant Car Seat Cover SW-410 differ from the seat cover I bought two years ago for my friend? I am expecting, live in Arizona and am concerned about my baby's car seat heating up too much when we are out of the car shopping. Thanks. Sue."

Answer: Snugglewool redesigned the car seat cover to make it more adaptable to both infant carriers and to baby car seats. The Snugglewool  baby wool car seat cover SW-410 is made from soft edge-stitched Merino wool fleece with a neutral cotton trim. Included are cut-outs for seat belts and/or harness. This Snuggle Wool cover for infant car seats fits most infant carriers and convertible car seats with four and five point harness configurations. Keep baby comfortable in hot or cold weather: lambswool absorbs perspiration in hot weather and keeps baby warmer in cold weather. Note: Does NOT work well on car seats with head wings.

Snugglewool Infant Baby Car Seat SW-410 Specifications:

    37" from top to bottom (wool edge to wool edge, excluding cotton/elastic trim)
    24" horizontally at its widest point.
    Not for use in car seats with head wings
    Note: The lambswool is cut to a one inch length.
    The Merino lambwool is sliver-knit to a polyester backing and processed to withstand gentle machine washing. We recommend line drying. Fluff seat cover, if desired, on no heat setting in the dryer. Wash by itself for best results.

The earlier model, the Snuggle Wool Car Seat Cover- Universal Size SW-400 was not as versatile. The top part is 24" wide, 19" wide at the bottom,and is 35" in total length. The new one is made for the newer varieties of car seats for infants and babies.

I hope this answers your questions. Thank you.

Sincerely, Barbara

 

Question about best way to wash and dry Snugglewool products such as mattress pads, baby blankets, wheelchair cushion covers, etc.

Q: "Please let me know how to wash and dry Snugglewool products. I don't want to ruin my new Mediwool queen mattress pad. Thanks Judy.

Answer: We recommend a mild detergent or one specifically for use with wool. Since lambswool is naturally disinfecting, you don't need warm water. or heated drying.  All SnuggleWool and Mediwool products are packed with washing instructions. Machine wash on a gentle cycle in cool water with a mild detergent. Fluff in the dryer on an air setting and then air dry.  Lambswool also resists the development of bacteria and dust mites. We do not recommend washing with items. The friction and agitation of the wool fibers against the other clothing will cause more clumping of the wool which means less "fluffiness."

Thank you for your question.

Sincerely, Barbara

Question about options to window guards.

Q: "We have a cottage. Our windows are single hung and sliders. We want to keep windows open for ventilation without the expense of window guards. What window stops do you suggest that don't require hiring a handyman? Thanks. Bethany."

Answer: Safe Home sells three different types of window stops. The Window Guardian Super Stopper, The Window Wedge and the Window Guardian Lock. The best choices still are window guards. The John Sterling Window Guards can be locked with a removable lock and swing open for cleaning windows. These are not expensive but would require a handy man type person if you cannot do the installation itself. The Guardian Angel window guards are much easier to install. They are not lockable but do remove completely from the window mounts.

Window Guardian Super Stopper The fastest and easiest to install is the Window Guardian or Super Stopper window stop. This home safety device combines a 2.75 inch flexible suction cup with a unique shaped wedge (1.25 inch x 2 inch). Clean the window. Open the window 4 inches or less. Suction cup on the stops on either side of the single hung window lock mechanism or along the sides of the sliders (as high as you can). These are also great to limit sliding door openings if you have children you want to keep inside the house.

Window Wedge: The next easiest to install is the Window Wedge®. The Window Wedge® uses two 8 inch velcro strips that are 3/4 inches wide. The wedge portion is removable so you can open the window opening wider for cleaning. The that fit on the window frame itself. Made in USA.

To Install Window Wedge Window Stoppers On a Double Hung or Single Hung Window:

    Close the window
    Clean the surface of the window trim prior to application. Do not attach to glass itself.
    Peel off the backing from the 8 inch loop strip and place in the center of the upper window frame for a double hung or single hung window.
    Attach the Window Wedge® to the loop strip.
    Attach the second window wedge on the other side at the same height.
    Open the window until it is stopped by the window wedge.
    Note: For maximum child safety, maximum window opening should not exceed 4 inches.

To Install Window Wedge Window Stoppers On a Slider Window:

    Close window. Clean window frame surface before application of loop strip.
    Peel off backing of 8 inch loop strip and place in center of upper horizontal window frame (not on the glass)
    Attach the Window Wedge® to the loop strip with the
    two tines facing the adjacent window section.
    Slide window open until contact is made with the Window Wedge®
    Attach the second Window Wedge® unit to the bottom part of the
    Adjust the position of the Window Wedge® so that the
    window opening is 4 inches or less.
    Note: For maximum child safety, maximum window opening should not exceed 4 inches.

Window Guardian Window Lock. The push-button key lock design is a patented feature. Remove the key to keep the window locked. Easy to use, this security lock provides peace of mind and installs easily in minutes. The Window Guardian has a tamper-resistant cover and fits most windows. Requires a screwdriver for installation. White.

Before installation, remove the pull-key and cover.

1. Push the button while pulling the pull-key until it comes free. To remove cover, push down and slide it along the base towards the pull-key end.

2. Place the base on the spacer and line up the screw holes. Using the three #6 at head wood screws attach the base to the window or sill so that the end of the base is close to the edge of the sill or window.

3. Place the pin body onto the base so that the location tab ts into one of the three position slots. Select the position slot that gives the closest t to the keeper without causing interference.

4. Slide the cover along the base from the pull key end until it snaps into place. If it seems to bind, turn the cover around to position the locking bump at the correct end.

5. Place the pull key into the back of the assembled body and rotate gently until it finds the correct alignment and push the button, locking it in place.

6. Locate the keeper and install with the two #6 pan head screws. Clip the cover over the keeper to hide the screws. (Fig 3) An alternate orientation of keeper for vertical mounting is supplied. Use the second keeper as a holder for the pull-key when not engaged in the lock.

7.For aluminum windows, fit the lock to the aluminum adapter with 3 #6 machine screws. Fit the aluminum adapter to the handle or the flange at the end of the window. Secure the adapter with 2 Allen screws with Allen key provided. Use the appropriate keeper or drill a hole in the sill when required.

How to Use the Window Guardian: To unlock, pull the Pull-key and rotate 90 degrees/ the key button does not have to be pressed. The Pull-key can be left in. To remove the Pull-key, press the Pull-key button and pull until the key pops out. A second keeper is supplied as a location to store the Pull-key when not engaged in the lock. To insert the Pull-key into the key hole, rotate the key gently until it slides into alignment with the key hole. Once aligned, press the key button and push the key further into the key hole until you hear a click. Additional holes or keepers can be used to create locking positions that allow for partially open windows. Made in China.

Note: None of these products are substitutes for adult supervision. Never leave a child unattended with an open window. Thanks for your question.

Sincerely, Barbara

Question about the SnuggleWool 27x35 Baby Wool Blanket, Organic Back and the SnuggleWool Wool Baby Blanket, 27x36, Cotton Flannel Bk

Question: "What is the difference between these two wool baby blankets? I thought all wool blankets had to be washed by hand or dry-cleaned. Your website says these are machine waahable and line dry. Don't they shrink a lot? I am look for baby gift ideas for my best friend. Thanks. Robin."

Answer: The main difference is the backing. The first baby blanket has an organic flannel cotton backing and the second uses a cotton flannel for the backing that is not organic.

Both blankets are made from Merino lambs wool from Australia or New Zealand. The wool fibers are sliver-knit into a polyester backing. That means the fabric is sturdy yet machine washable. Of course, you want to use cool water and either a detergent made for wool or a mild detergent.

Merino wool has been proven to soothe children with a soft swaddling effect, thus reducing stress and restless movement.

The 27 by 35-36 inch size of lambs wool blanket is a favorite of mom's with new babies. My daughter-in-law  used this infant blanket to cover my grandson's when he fell asleep in his infant seat. She'd tuck it around him. It was also a great overwrap when taking him out on a cold Minneapolis day from the house to the car or from the car into a store when the wind was blowing hard. Or if he fell asleep when on the floor, she would cover him or move him onto the blanket and flip the side over him.  This is also a good size for a bassinet or cradle.

Snuggle Wool blankets are perfect for snuggling your child and can make a comforting play mat. A major advantage is that these wool blankets keep baby warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Wool absorbs perspiration and  is naturally disinfecting, too.

The blankets come in several sizes including crib blanket sizes. We also have other sizes of baby blankets for cribs, changing table covers, co sleeper pads , baby buntings and infant car seat covers. All make great baby gifts. Snugglewool products are made in the USA, too.

I hope this helped answer your questions.

Thanks.

Sincerely, Barbara

Question about the Product SF-SW-500 Snuggle Wool Baby Bunting

Q:"I have a question about SnuggleWool Baby Buntings For Strollers and Carriages: Would you please describe it more specifically - it's not so easy to understand what exactly it is made of. For example - what is this "fuzzy" inside of this bunting? Is it wool or synthetic? Thank you, Yulia"

Answer: The liningof this "baby sleeping bag" is lambs wool that is sliverknit into a polyester backing. That makes the lamb happy as it didn't die to give its skin. That makes the mom happy as she can launder this Snugglewool baby bunting in the machine on gentle. We also have a baby bunting with organic cotton. This is the Snuggle Wool SW-525. Both baby buntings have a center split for a stroller safety strap. This baby bunting is not made for use in a car seat.

Thanks for your question.

Sincerely, Barbara