Protecting your Child Form Shredders
(425 Words)
Shredders can be extremely dangerous for children. Every year a number of children go to the emergency room because their fingers become stuck and hurt in shredders, and it can even do worse damage. Take the following steps to protect your children.
Keep the shredders in a place where the children do not go
If at all possible, place the shredder in a room where the children are not allowed. For instance, you could keep it in the garage or utility room. Even if you have to take it out every time you use it, it will help to safeguard your children.
If you do not have another room in which to keep the shredder, then do your best to keep it out of their reach. Perhaps you can put it in a locked cabinet. You can also put it high up, but remember that many kids can climb.
Do not use the shredder in front of them
You do not want to generate interest in the shredder from your children. It is best that they do not know about it so that they are not tempted to try it for themselves when you are not around.
Keep the shredder unplugged
Unplug the shredder when it is not in use. This will stop the kids from trying to use it. If the kids could plug it in, then get some sort of special cover for the outlet so that it is difficult to do.
Do not keep the shredder on automatic mode
If you must keep the shredder plugged in, then do not keep it in automatic mode. When it is in that mode it might simply start once something is pressed into it. If one needs to press a button, it is less likely that the child will accidently do it.
Never let the children shred themselves
You should never allow the children to use the shredder themselves. They may try to do it by themselves when you are not watching. Also, they could still get hurt, even with your watching. If you have a child that could hurt himself or herself with it, then supervise him or her at all times while in the home with the shredder.
Look for shredders with safety features
Various shredders offer safety features that try to prevent problems. These have modest benefits and should never be substituted for the above precautions.
Protect your child from your shredder. If you have young children you may decide not to have one in the house, otherwise take the above precautions.