Safe Home Tips for everyone to observe, whether you reside in an apartment, house or even a room. Each year several million Americans suffer disabling injuries and another several thousand die as the result of injuries sustained at home.
This checklist is not all-inclusive. Your home's age, design, amenities such as whirlpool tubs, fireplaces, and decks, and the physical condition of your home's occupants may all dictate additional safety provisions. Customize your safety measures to meet those special needs. Inspect your home regularly. Read warning labels and user manuals and file them where they can be found quickly.
Make sure your home has:
Smoke Alarms - Most home fire deaths happen between 10 o'clock at night and 6 o'clock in the morning. Many deaths are caused by smoke and toxic gases, not the fire itself. Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, including the basement and workshop, and especially near sleeping areas. For extra protection, consider installing a smoke alarm in every bedroom. Be sure to replace the batteries every year and never remove the batteries from your smoke alarm except to replace them. It is recommended that you regularly test the smoke alarm sensor to be sure it is able to detect the presence of smoke. Perform this test using an approved smoke testing product such as Smoke Check.
Carbon Monoxide Alarms - Because CO is odorless, colorless, and tasteless, it often goes undetected. Carbon monoxide is a normal by-product of combustion. Therefore, any fuel-burning appliance in your home is a potential CO source. Every home should have at least one CO alarm placed in close proximity of all sleeping rooms. Make sure the alarm is installed in the correct location. Because carbon monoxide is lighter than air, it is recommended to install it as close to the ceiling as possible. Be sure your alarm displays the Underwriters Laboratories (uL 2034) label. Test the CO alarm regularly and replace the battery every year. Replace your CO alarm before the replacement date printed on it. If it does not have a replacement date, it is time for replacement since they all have had it for a few years now.
Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupters - A ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) is an electronic device that helps protect you from serious injury by monitoring the electricity flowing in the circuit. (learn more) If an imbalance occurs, a properly functioning GFCI will almost instantly shut off the current flowing through the circuit. A GFCI is essential in circuits to bathrooms, laundry facilities, kitchens, swimming pools, and outdoor receptacles. Test the GFCI monthly by pressing the test button and then the reset button to see that it is operating properly.
Fire Extinguishers - A multipurpose dry chemical Class ABC fire extinguisher is the best choice for general home use. Mount each extinguisher on a bracket on the wall near an exit so that anyone using it can escape from the room if a fire spreads. All adult occupants of the home must know when and how to use the extinguisher properly.
An Emergency Evacuation Plan - Make your plan now, before you need it. Have at least two exits from every room and include all occupants of the home in practicing the plan.
Flashlights - Make sure the batteries are functional or use flashlights with built-in , rechargeable batteries. Keep the flashlights readily accessible at bedsides and in the basement.
First Aid Kit - Keep a well-stocked first aid kit in your home. Make sure everyone knows where to find it and how and when to use the items in it.
List of Emergency Phone Numbers - Post a list or program the phones with emergency phone numbers including police, fire, doctors and poison prevention centers at every telephone in the home. In the event of an emergency, time is of the essence and even a very young child can phone for help if the number is available.
Tagged Shutoffs - Place tags on your home shut off valves for gas, oil, and water, and the main shutoff for your electrical supply. Know how to safely turn off these services to your home in the event of an emergency.
Grab Bars - Install grab bars in all bathrooms and shower stalls. Firmly anchor them into the wall studs with long screws.
Slip-Resistant Finishes - Use a non-slip mat, or install strips or decals in bathtubs or showers to help prevent slipping.
Safety Glazing - Shower doors, patio doors, window walls, or any other large glass panel in your home should be made with safety glazing materials (safety glass). Look for a permanent mark in the lower corner showing the manufacturers ' name, type of safety glass, and thickness.
Handrails - Properly shaped handrails on both sides of all stairs are important. Many stairs lack a handrail on one or both sides and too often the handrail is hard to grip. Don't forget that stairs with just two or three steps (typical on the exterior of many homes) need handrails.
Step Stool/Utility Ladder - A lightweight, sturdy step stool or quality ladder is necessary for those hard-to-reach places, for hanging pictures, and for cleaning and general home maintenance. Having it readily accessible will keep you from substituting with a chair.
Sufficient Lighting - Use night-lights near bathrooms, bedrooms, and stairwells. Make sure stairwells and hallways are always adequately lit. Provide sufficient lighting to all walkways and entrances to your home.
