How to Avoid the Dangers of Fans for Kids

Ceiling fans, oscillating fans and window fans can keep your children cool during hot, humid summer days. However, you should be aware of the potential safety hazards the fans pose, so that you can take the necessary precautions to keep your children safe while keeping them comfortable.

Instructions

    • 1

      Focus on location. Table and floor fans are easily accessed by young children. Place fans up beyond the reach of curious children. Most table top fans include accessories for wall mounting.

    • 2

      Unplug electric fans or turn the switch off when not in use and ensure their cords are out of the reach of kids. Shorten or remove the pull cords on ceiling fans so that your children aren't tempted to play with them.

    • 3

      Measure the height of the ceiling fan from the floor to make sure normal actions such as stretching and playing doesn't cause unsafe conditions. Safety recommendations require ceiling fans be mounted 7 feet above the floor. Check that the blades are securely mounted. Remember that ceiling fans aren't shielded by a protective grill and so pose a greater hazard that window fans. Faulty blades can detach during operation.

    • 4

      Look for ceiling fans that have modern methods of operation. Fans that operate by remote control or by a wall mounted switch are safer to place in homes with children.

    • 5

      Buy oscillating fans with fine grills that prevent small finger or objects from entering the rotating mechanism. Install fan guards or impeller guards to protect kids and other objects from coming into contact with fan blades.

    • 6

      Speak to your children about the dangers associated with fans to develop safe habits. Even taking all necessary precautions accidents could still occur. Use preventive measures to educate your children on dangers of throwing objects towards a fan and coming into contact with moving blades.

    • 7

      Read the owner's manuals that come with your fans. All fans are different and instruction manuals contain information specific to safely operating and installing your ceiling fan so it remains safe.

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