How Safe is Your Home?

Having a home is a crowing achievement in life, but many overlook an important factor—safety. A safe and secure home is vital to everyone, from homes with young children to elderly loved ones. Doing a home safety check four times a year is best since every year, millions of people are injured in home accidents.

Use the following checklist to ensure the safest environment for your loved ones: General Home:

Make sure the outside of your home (roof, siding, foundation) doesn't have leaks, holes or cracks. This could affect insulation and raise the costs of heating.
Check to make sure doors properly open and close, with no peeling or stripping of paint.
Small children can be severely poisoned by ingesting paint chips. Also check the windows for breaks, cracks or gaps in the pane.
Make sure the water heater is set to 120 degrees or lower to prevent scalding.
The heating system should be checked and cleaned regularly by a professional.
Lighting throughout the house is adequate to prevent trips and falls.
Electrical appliances and cords are clean and in good condition.
There are no "octopus" outlets with several plugs in use
Torn or frayed carpeting is replaced. Throw rugs have nonskid backing and are not used in high traffic areas. Throw rugs are not placed over electrical or phone cords.
Emergency phone numbers are posted by each telephone.
To ensure bathroom safety, use non-skid maps or strips in tubs; also place them on the bottom of rugs. Electrical appliances (radio, TV, heater, hair dryer) should be kept away from the tub/shower area.
Kitchens are the most hazardous places in homes. Children are very curious and if things aren't put out of reach, disaster can happen.
Curtains are clear of the stove or open flame.
Cleaners and chemicals are stored out of reach of children and confused individuals.
Pan handles are turned to the rear of the stove.
Clothing with loose sleeves is not worn while cooking.
Potholders are kept near the stove.
Exhaust fans are turned on when cooking.
Microwave oven is operated only when food is in it.
Kitchen appliances are turned off when not in use.
Knives are secured in a knife rack or drawer.

Fire, in the form of flame or smoke, is the second leading cause of accidental death in the home. Every home should have at least one working fire alarm, but it is recommended that one be in each room. Never overload circuits or extension cords. Immediately shut off and unplug appliances that sputter, spark or emit an unusual smell. Have them professionally repaired or replaced them. Install affordable home sprinklers, they can increase property value and reduce insurance rate. Finally, implement and practice an evacuation route for every room in the house; make sure every one memorizes it.

How Safe is Your Home?

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