Make your home safe

Here are some tips to make every room in your house safe.

Kitchen Safety

• The stove and sink areas are well lighted.
• If you have a gas stove, it is equipped with pilot lights and an automatic cut-off in the event of flame failure. (Your local utility service representative can check this for you.)
• The stove is not located under a window which curtains are hanging.
• The exhaust hood of the oven is provided with filters that can be easily removed for cleaning.
• The kitchen exhaust system discharges directly outside or through ducts to the outside and not into the attic or other unused space.
• Hazardous household agents are stored out of the reach of children.
• Turn pan handles away from other burners and the edge of the stove.
• Avoid wearing garments with long, loose sleeves when cooking.
• Turn on the exhaust fan when using the stove.
• Disconnect small appliances when you are not using them.
• Keep knives in a knife rack or drawer.
• Keep drawers and cupboards closed.
• Use a stepladder or step stool rather than a chair to reach objects in overhead cabinets.
• Wipe up grease or liquid spills at once.
• Cabinets and drawers have childproof latches.

Stairways and Halls Safety

• Steps are in good condition and are free of objects.
• Steps have nonskid strips, or the carpeting on them is securely fastened and free of fraying or holes.
• Smoke detectors are in place in hallways and near sleeping areas.
• Hallways are equipped with night-lights.
• Handrails are sturdy and securely fastened.
• Balusters (banister supports) are close enough to prevent a small child from placing his head between them. (If balusters are too far apart, you may attach a temporary barrier to eliminate the problem.)
• Light switches are located at the top and bottom of stairways and at both ends of long hallways.

Living Room Safety

• Electric cords are placed along walls and away from traffic areas, not under rugs.
• Chairs and couches are sturdy and secure.

Bathroom Safety

• The bathtub or shower has a nonskid mat or strips on the standing area.
• Bathtub or shower doors are glazed with safety glass or plastic.
• Hand bars are installed on the walls by the bathtub and toilet.
• Towel bars and the soap dish in the shower stall are made of durable materials and are firmly installed.
• Medications are kept in a locked container or cupboard.
• Dispose of old medications safely.
• Keep your radio, portable heater, and other electrical appliances away from the bathtub or shower area.
• Cabinets and drawers have childproof latches.

Bedroom Safety

• Keep a lamp or flashlight within reach of your bed.
• Use a night-light to brighten the way to the bathroom at night.
• Do not smoke in bed.
• Space heaters are kept away from curtains.

Outdoor Home Safety

• Steps and walkways are in good condition.
• Steps and walkways are free of snow and ice.
• Handrails are sturdy and securely fastened.
• Doorways are well lighted.
• Porches, balconies, terraces, copings, window wells, and other elevations or depressions are protected by railings, are closed with banisters or accordion gates, or are other wise protected.
• Hedges, trees, or shrubs do not obscure the view of the street from the driveway or hide the presence of a child moving toward the driveway.
• Garage doors are of a type that is easy for you to operate, even when snow is piled against them.
• The house is equipped with a lightning rod system if it is situated in a relatively high, isolated place; antennas are grounded.
• The garage is adequately ventilated.
• Large trees are healthy and well maintained and do not have dead limbs.
• Store garden and lawn equipment and tools safely.
• Avoid using flammable liquids other than charcoal and lighter fluid to start fires for barbecuing.
• Keep toxic materials (for example, pesticides and fertilizers) in their own containers, not in unlabeled jars or soft drink bottles.

General Home Safety

• Lamp and appliance cords are in good condition.
• Carpeting and rugs are in good condition.
• Small rugs have nonskid backing or are otherwise secured.
• A fireplace is screened.
• Cold ashes from a fireplace are removed regularly.
• No flammable liquids used to start fire in fireplace.
• Fire extinguishers on each floor.
• Furnace and chimneys inspected regularly.
• Emergency phone numbers for police, fire, rescue squad, doctor, and poison control is kept near phone.
• Family members have taken a first aid course.

For more information on making your home safe, contact 920-468-8535.