This is an updated and edited version of a post I put up last fall…..I thought it was worth reposting.

As it is (finally) starting to get crisp outside, it might be time to think about babyproofing those radiators we all have in NY. Some of you are saying, “Do I really have to do this?” Well, here are some answers.

First: Is your landlord required to provide radiator covers? Here is the answer: The
uncovered radiator does not, however, constitute the type of hazardous
condition of which actual or constructive notice would expose a
landlord to common-law liability…Thus, notwithstanding the tenant’s
complaints in this case, it was not the landlord’s duty to provide a
cover for the radiator.

Second: Can you teach a child not to touch a radiator? From my research, I would say that a child under 5 years can be at risk of touching, falling into or playing near a radiator and it is best to guard your radiator in some way for children of those ages. The support for this conclusion is below, but just a note of forewarning: this part is really unpleasant and I don’t want anyone to get terribly upset, so if you are squeamish, SKIP the rest of this paragraph. This information is from the CDC. From September 1991 through April 1994, a total of 10 children
were
treated in one pediatric clinic in Chicago for burns resulting from
contact
with home radiators. The children ranged in age from 7 months to 5
years;
six were aged less than 2 years, and six were boys. One was a 16-month-old child who touched an
exposed
steam radiator pipe, resulting in severe burns to the palm of her
hand that
required a skin graft. The other was a 7-month-old infant who fell
out of
bed and became wedged between the bed and the radiator, resulting
in
multiple burns to her left hand, left arm, left ear, and left side
of the
head that required treatment in a burn unit. Two other children
(aged 10
months and 31 months) also were burned when they became trapped
between a
bed and a steam radiator.

Okay, the hard part is over. Here are some ways to childproof your radiators. (Don’t hold me liable for any of this- some of them sound like major fire hazards to me- but go ahead and try them if they suit you).

1. build a mesh “cage” over them
2. wrap towels over them
3. bang together 3 pieces of plywood that are taller than the radiator as a guard to encase the radiator
4. put a child’s safety gate around the radiator- look specifically at hearth gates
5. Go to your local hardware store: a lot of them supply inexpensive radiator covers. Pintchik is one.
6. Lastly, you can try fabric radiator covers. Unfortunately, the only ones that seem to be available are from the UK and Italy. As our dollar is super weak, this isn’t so great for us, however, it might be worth it in the end.  Rad Pads are the best known in the UK and you can get them here: http://www.razbaby.co.uk/acatalog/Radpad.html.  A reader found this other fantastic option :http://www.safetots.co.uk/Fire-Guard-Safety/627-67.htm. Thanks for letting us all know! Lastly, this website makes fabric radiator covers with any picture, fabric color or even company logo! Sounds fun: http://www.colorecalore.it/inglese/colori.html This company is Italy- again you are challenged by the weak dollar.  (Psst…..last year Rad Pads wrote me and said if A Child Grows readers ordered a Rad Pad that they would provide free shipping,  you might ask them if they will do that deal again this year for you. Worth a try!)

If anyone else has come up with a solution that has worked for them, please list it in the comments section at the end of this post. NEXT WEEK: how to deal with childproofing heating pipes- you know, those ones that reach from floor to ceiling….

If you are looking for a more permanent solution for your radiators- there are plenty of places to look, some of them are local and some of them online.

The Shutter Shack:
They have custom molded steel designs.  I have heard a few people say they have been happy with the Shutter Shack.
TomKat Fine Woodworking
These are custom made radiator covers in a variety of styles- including Mission style with various moldings. I found them through This Old House.
The Wooden Radiator Company
This Chicago company builds custom radiator cabinets in wood or metal. I found them through This Old House.
Stanley Radiator Enclosures
(866) 458-4978
7701 Roosevelt Avenue

Jackson Heights,  NY  11372-6637

These are metal radiator covers that come in stock sizes or custom sizes.
Wolf Radiator Enclosures
www.eradiatorcovers.biz/ – they have a ton of designs in wood
David Vincent Woodwork
www.coveritwithwood.com/products.htm These look exceptionally nice.
Cabinet Shop
309 7th Ave
Brooklyn, NY 11215 (Park Slope)
(718) 832-9884

Related Posts:

1. How To Prevent Scalding (March 19th, 2009)
2. Misconceptions About Child Safety (January 23rd, 2009)
3. Window Guards in New York City (September 8th, 2008)
4. Radiators and Safety (October 31st, 2007)