Home Safety Tips
A home provides each of us with beneficial features. Homes protect us from the elements outdoors, give us a place to entertain family and friends along with many other positive attributes. A home also presents several dangers unless we as homeowners keep safety in mind. Please feel free to use these home safety tips as a guideline or checklist. Even though this is not a complete list of every home safety tip, I have attempted to cover the basics for you.
Slips and Falls - Probably the largest category for accidental injuries in the home are the results of slipping and falling. As homeowners we can all take several basic precautions to help keep these accidents to a minimum.
- Telephone and electrical cords should be kept away from walkways.
- Floors should be kept clean. Spills should be wiped up promptly.
- Stairs and steps should be free of clutter. Children´s toys can be especially dangerous when left on stairs.
- Grab Bars in bath and shower areas should be installed.
- Several well placed nightlights should help with late night navigation.
- Always adhere to manufacturers recommendations when using a ladder.
Fire Safety - Home fires are a leading cause of death in the home. Should a fire occur it is imperative that everyone get out of the home. Chances of survival are greatly increased with early warning.
If not already in place, install smoke detectors on every level of the home including the attic.
Regularly test the smoke detector/alarm.
Change the battery in the smoke detector. A good rule of thumb is to change the battery twice a year. As clocks are being reset for the time change you should also change the detector battery.
Have an escape plan to vacate the home should a fire occur. Make sure all family members know the plan. Part of the plan should include an assigned meeting place a safe distance away from the home. A neighbor´s mailbox would be a good place to meet.
Once you have left the home do not go back in until the fire department informs you that the home is safe.
Have fire extinguishers on each level of the home.
Poison Safety - Potentially dangerous products are found in every home. Standard household cleaners, pesticides, herbicides, automotive products and many medications can present potentially hazardous situations in the home. Even though many of us consider them to be adult proof, child resistant lids do help.
Homes with children should have child resistant locks on the cabinets.
Promptly clean up any antifreeze slips. Antifreeze is extremely harmful to children and pets.
Follow manufacturer´s directions for use and storage of all pesticides and herbicides. Always wear gloves when handling these products.
Install Carbon Monoxide detectors near the heating system. Should the system require sealing to remove this gas, have the work done by a qualified technician.
Electrical Safety - All of our homes contain many electrical items that assist with our comfort and convenience. If they are not properly installed or maintained they may present a major problem.
- For homes with children, use child safety caps on all unused wall outlets.
- Appliances with damaged or frayed cords or plugs should be discarded.
- If your home is not equipped with GFCI outlets in wet areas, bathrooms and kitchen, you should consider having them installed.
- Small kitchen appliances, hair dryers, curling irons and similar items should be unplugged when not being used.
- Extension cords should be used on a short term basis only. If you need an additional power source consider having an electrician install it. For outdoors, only use extension cords that are rated for outdoor use.
I hope you find these home safety tips helpful to you. Below are several links that will provide you with additional information on home safety.
