Okay, we recently moved to a new house. There is one safety issue I am very concerned about. There are two switches (within my kids' reach) that are for our gas fireplace. If turned on, the gas fireplace can get up to 375 degrees we are told! Obviously, we are going to get a grate for the fireplace - we are in search of that and have a few leads (although I am open for more suggestions on that as well). But, what I am interested in would be some kind of child-proof cover to stop the kids from turning it on. It hasn't happened YET - although my ds was looking at it the other day. I talked to him for a LONG time about it - but I am probably more concerned about one of them accidentally brushing against it (one of them is pretty low) or my dd just enjoying playing with light switches - which we are working on!
Does anyone know of any kind of contraption that could protect the switch from being turned on?
This is a regular light switch - I don't think the thermostat guard would work? If so, how on earth would you install it over a light switch on the wall?
As far as duct tape/masking tape - I have thought of that. But, then I would have to replace it each time I wanted to turn the darn thing on - which if it were left up to me would be NEVER, but dh likes a fire. I'm paranoid about gas leaks, fires, etc. I guess I'm not exactly the romantic type, huh?
I use duct tape or masking tape. I covered my switches with that until I got a chance to find something else, but the tape worked so well that I never bothered finding something else. Thanks - but how can you turn it off and on? We (okay my dh only!) want to use the fireplace. This seems like it wouldn't let you turn it off or on. Sorry - remember I'm thinking like a 2 year-old here! The box actually sticks out about 1 inch from the wall. It would cover over the switch. DH would have to use a key to unlock the box. The safety first things are ok. I recommend a clear plastic lock box. We had to install on in the basement. The boys used to turn the heat way up.If your fireplace switch is like a standard light switch I found something that may work for you.
http://www.babyproofingplus.com/item2305.htm
We use the safety first one in our home for just about every light switch. Daniel is only a month older than your daughter and hasn't figured out how they work (he's got an idea, but he's at the point of being fed up and not caring any more).
kristys and CSS-DSM - thanks so much!
I think the Safety First one will work just fine - I think they just both need a visual reminder not to touch it. Kind of like how they tell you to keep locks on your cupboards well past when you think your kids won't open them - just as a visual reminder.
I just want an added protection. They haven't touched the switches the entire time we've lived here (2 months) but as winter comes on and we start using the fireplace, I want some extra protection in case either of them decides to be "helpful"!
CSS_DSM - what is a clear plastic lock box and where would I get one? We have a standard light switch - would that work? I'm sorry - I'm not very mechanically inclined and just have no idea what you're talking about. I think in the movie Philadelphia that Denzell Washington would always say, "Explain it to me like I'm a 2 year-old!" Could you do that for me?
His fine motor skills aren't the best - he can't get his Britax Marathon car seat latch open on the bottom, for instance. So, it might work anyway! I'm sure he would "get it" from seeing me do it - but I think he might not be able to physically perform the action. But, even if he can - I don't think he would... And he is protective of his sister and rather enjoys telling her not to do things - so I think he would make sure she wouldn't touch it as well. But, better safe than sorry I always say!
Quick question (sorry for all the posts!) -
Does the Safety 1st one fit on single switches? Our switches are single switches and are about a foot apart vertically. On the picture, it look like they are made for double switches.
We bought it at Home depot. It's basically a small box that is screwed into the wall over the switch with a simple lock on the door. I'll keep searching the net for pictures.