We spend a lot of time inside our home, so it’s always the right time to make sure everything is safe for our family and friends.
Here are some places to take a closer look at:
- Bathrooms – Tubs and flooring should be slip-resistant. Grab bars should be securely attached to tub and shower areas and a light switch should be located near each bathroom door.
- Carbon monoxide detectors – Alert you and your family to the presence of potentially lethal carbon monoxide fumes. Detectors are NOT a substitute for the proper use and maintenance of all fuel-burning appliances in your home.
- Electrical cords – should NOT be placed in areas of traffic flow or under furniture or carpeting. Overloaded extension cords cause fires.
- Emergency exit plan – Create a plan and talk about it. If a fire begins, it will spread rapidly. Everyone must be familiar with the emergency plan and know what to do right away. Talk about and practice regularly.
- Fire extinguishers – Make sure all family members know where they are and how to use them. Make sure they are always charged and ready for use.
- Floor coverings – Number one cause of falls in the home is tripping over unsecured carpets. Make sure all floor coverings are secured and slip-resistant.
- Lighting (Inside) – Bright, glare-free lighting is best. Use maximum wattage bulbs allowed. Install night and stairway lights for safety and security.
- Lighting (Outside) – Lights, on timers or motion-detectors, add to the "lived-in" look of your home. Burglars are less likely to break in if they know they can be seen from the street. Consider installing an alarm system.
- Smoke alarms – Follow safety protocols. Install a minimum of one smoke alarm on each level of your home and test and replace batteries regularly. Place alarms near bedrooms and keep them away from air vents.
- Stairways – Halls and stairways should be well-lit. Light switches should be located at the top and bottom of staircases and stairs should be the same height and size. The edge of each step should be clearly indicated to prevent falls
- Water heaters – Reduce the setting on your water heater to LOW or 120 degrees to avoid the risk of scalds or burns.
Make your home a “Home SAFE Home”.
