Teenagers. They think they know it all…
We adults, of course, know better. Well, usually. But the reality is that there are many household dangers your kids and grand kids are not prepared for because we simply have not told them. You teach them how to cross the street; why not teach them to be safe in the house. You might be worried about your teens getting into your liquor cabinet, as you should be. But there are other things that can happen around the house by accident. If you don’t prepare them, who will?
So it’s time to step up and build self-reliant young people. Do it for your kids or grand kids. It will protect them and your home. These little life lessons will prepare them for living independently because Lord knows, as much as you may love them, you don’t want them coming back forever!Review these basic household skills/life hacks with your young peeps. These are issues that have come up in my house, too. You may learn a few things as well!
- Never put plastic or metal in the microwave.
- Never put paper products in the oven.
- Review what natural gas smells like. Advise what to do when they smell it; check burners, flip off emergency switch and exit the house immediately. Call for fire department outside of the house. Avoid sparks of any kind.
- Review where the water main is and how to shut it off if there is a plumbing emergency.
- Review where the circuit breaker box is and how to check and reset tripped circuits.
- How to properly light a gas stove burner if the ignition switch has failed and you need a match to light it. They may attempt to cook in your absence and we don’t want to discourage that.
- How to reset the internet modem – they might be able to show you this one! Techy young people have better skills that we do, they just lack common sense in using it!
- How to properly light a fire in the fireplace; particularly how to open the flue.
- How to reset a GFCI outlet (those funny outlets with reset buttons – reset them after outlets trip off.)
- How to unlock an interior door with a door pin key (keep a door key over door molding in a hallway).How to get out of the garage if the garage door openers are not working from power failure or other issue (pull on rope hanging from door to disengage it from the motorized glide) I found this really well done video on how to do this if you need a lesson yourself. Click here.
- How to safely light a gas and charcoal grill – they will try this in college and better know how to do it. Here are a few grilling tips on this short video.
- Of course, review fire evacuation plan once a year with your family. If you don’t have one, MAKE ONE!
For any questions, comments email me at bethallen@diyhipchicks.com. I really do love hearing from you guys! Carry on and Do It Yourself.
