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Kid Shield, 15' $49.95 Item # 910 
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For
Balconies–
Plexiglas
or Lexan
If
you have good carpentry skills or wish to hire someone to install it, plexiglas
or lexan offers a transparent,
durable shield that’s both attractive, durable and safe.
Since it’s not an off-the-shelf product, it has to be ordered, cut and
installed, it’s not practical for many families.
Transparent
Balcony Shield
This
clear, transparent guard is similar to plexiglass, but comes in a roll, is
lightweight and can be easily
trimmed to size with scissors. It’s also less expensive, more flexible and
easier to install than plexiglas or lexan.
Kid Shield, 15'
$49.95
Item # 910
For
Decks–
Deck
Netting
This
is a durable, plastic mesh style netting that's designed for outdoor use. Most
styles can be cut to size with scissors, install with special ties and may
require screw eyes to fasten to the deck if the netting secures directly to the
deck floor.
Deck Netting 36"H x 30'L
$39.95
Item # 80
Decks
offer us a place to enjoy the summer months but can also be dangerous for
curious toddlers who will try to climb over or squeeze through balusters.
Following are a few steps you can take to safety check your deck. Keep in mind
that some of this information also applies to indoor balconies.
Balcony
and deck railings should be spaced no more than 4" apart. You can make
your deck safer with a bit of carpentry work (i.e. installing additional
balusters or custom installed plexiglas/lexan) or by installing a specially
designed safety product such as a balcony shield or deck netting.
Remember
to also check the distance between the bottom railing and the deck floor
to make sure that this distance does not exceed 4" either.
Safety
gates can be installed on decks to create a confined area within your deck and to prevent access to stairs.
Before
each spring, check deck floors, handrails, etc. for loose boards and
splinters.
Install child-safe outlet plates, covers or caps on all outdoor electrical outlets located in deck area.
DO
measure
distance (at the widest point) between indoor and outdoor deck and balcony
railings. The distance should be no more than 4". This also applies to
the distance between the bottom rail and the deck floor.
DO
correct
wide-spaced rails by installing additional rails, netting or a Plexiglas/lexan
shield alongside the railing. Extremely wide spacing may require some
carpentry work.
DO
install
safety gates to help prevent access to stairs.
DO
install
child-safe outlet plates, covers or caps on all outdoor outlets electrical
outlets.
DO
check
all doorways carefully to make sure they do not offer access to unsafe
areas.
DON'T
place
chairs, benches, outdoor furniture or any objects near side railings so tots
cannot use them as climbing structures.
DON'T
use
safety netting or any balcony guard on railings that are spaced too far
apart to provide adequate support for the product. If this is the case,
remodel your deck so it is child-safe.
DON'T
leave
your child unattended, or rely on any safety item to keep your child safe.
The
information given and the products referred to can reduce the likeliness of
injury and are intended to help you provide a safer environment for your child.
The effectiveness of suggested products depends on proper installation and use.
There is no replacement for adult supervision.