Keeping Kids Safe When Your Home Is Being Restored

When restoration work begins, designate a safe room for your kids. Choose a space that is dry, has no equipment, and is away from the main work area. Close doors and use baby gates if needed to keep little ones inside.

Keep toys, books, and activities in that room so children have a reason to stay put. Check on them often, and make sure they understand that this room is their special spot during the work. If you live in Kirkland, consider setting up the safe zone on the opposite side of the house from the damage.

Restoration equipment like dehumidifiers and air movers can be loud and may have a smell. This can be unsettling for children. Prepare them by saying, 'You might hear a loud hum, that's the machine drying the house.'

If the smell is strong, keep windows open in the safe room if weather allows, or use a fan to circulate air. In a mild marine climate with wet winters and dry summers, you might keep windows closed during rain, so use a fan instead. If your child feels unwell from the smell, see a doctor.

Have a simple plan in case of an emergency, like a fire or severe weather. Practice a family exit route that avoids the work area. Make sure kids know to follow you and not to hide.

Keep a first aid kit in the safe room and know where the main water shutoff is in case of a leak. If you have questions about safety, ask the pros directly. Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered, so check your policy for any temporary housing coverage.