Keep kids safe during renovations

Thinking about your children and their safety during a home renovation should be a priority. Don't risk them getting injured because you assumed the contractor would create a safe environment. While many do, you must ask about their standards while interviewing potential candidates. Here are ways to keep your little ones safe:

TALK TO YOUR KIDS ABOUT SAFETY

Before the project starts, explain that a worksite is not a play area. Point out that it contains tools and materials that are dangerous. "Tell them to stay away, so they don't get hurt," says Dennis D. Gehman, a master certified remodeler in Harleysville, Pennsylvania. "Say, 'When work is happening, the workers are focused on what they're doing and may not see you as they're moving things.' " Since, understandably, kids are curious, Gehman says that at an appropriate time, his craftsmen are happy to answer youngsters' questions.

TALK TO YOUR CONTRACTOR

Ask your contractor what safety measures he plans to take, such as protecting holes in the floorwith a physical barrier like a sawhorse, large toolbox or stepladder, says Gehman. Find out if he plans to put equipment away at the day's end.

NEVER LEAVE KIDS ALONE

A worksite is a messy collection of tools, machines, cords, tarps and dust. Even if you've warned the kids about staying away from the worksite, you need to keep a steady eye on them when work is being done.

CREATE AN ALTERNATIVE GO-TO ROOM

If kids have a replacement room that is set up like the room that's under construction, they're more likely to go there and not be as attracted to the work area. If your kitchen is getting renovated, set up a mini fridge and snack station in the dining room.

PUT UP PHYSICAL BARRIERS

The contractor should install caution tape and put up plastic drop cloths hung across door openings — visual reminders for kids to stay out. Plastic drop cloths also keep dust and dirt from flying through the air in the rest of your house.