Tips for Making a Room "Safe"

WALLS

· All pictures removed.
· All nails, tacks and staples removed.
· Any "decorations" consist of posters hung with tape.

WINDOWS

· All curtain rods/fixtures removed.
· Any blinds/fixtures removed.
· All screws from said fixtures removed.
· Make sure any nails from trim are flush.
· Buy a curtain panel, Velcro squares and matching thread.  Line the squares up along the trim, stick on the curtain panel and then sew on.  If your child goes into a rage and tears the curtain down, it can be easily hung up with no damage to you or your child.
· Buy a window alarm (key kind), can be purchased at Radio Shack for approximately $20.00.  (Also use this same alarm on your front and back doors.)

CLOSET (CLOTHES)

· All clothes get hung on plastic hangers.
· All toys get removed and put into a plastic tub (preferably one on wheels so it can be easily removed from the room during a rage).

FURNITURE (put padding around sharp corners to prevent injury)

· Bed (preferably one with rounded edges or if not possible then put rubber padding around sharp corners).
· Dresser.
· Desk (empty - all supplies needed for homework are asked for and then returned upon completion).

ODDS & ENDS

· Smoke detector (approx. cost $20 - 30, a must have if you have a fire-starter or a child who has a fascination with fire.  Put one in the child's bedroom!).
· Motion sensor (extremely beneficial throughout the home if you have a night wanderer, each one will make a different noise depending on what you set it to).
· Baby monitor (hung in the corner of the room at the ceiling to hear what is going on if they are in their room for a "time-out").
· Bedroom door cut off ¾ if they go into a rage and you need someplace safe to put them.  Stay with them to make sure they are safe!!
· Room searches on a weekly basis or more frequently if needed.


© 2000 The Parent Advocate Network