Safety Tips

According to an article in the Spring 2002 Family Safety & Health magazine by the National Safety Council, there are 22 safety items no home should be without.

Smoke Detectors: According to the National Safety Council, fire kills more than 2,900 people and injures 16,000 others each year. Most fires that claim lives occur at night. Install smoke detectors in your home.

Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless and tasteless gas that killed 300 people in 2000 and sent thousands to the hospital. Place CO detectors outside your bedrooms.

Radon-Detector Kits: The Environmental Protection Association says radon might be responsible for up to 30,000 lung cancer deaths each year. Hardware stores carry do-it-yourself radon-detector kits.

Night Lights: Night lights can prevent night- time falls.

Sensor Lights: Outdoor motion-sensor lights can help you see your way at night and scare off intruders.

Sturdy One-Step Stool: A stool should be used for objects out of reach.

Rubber Suction Bath Mats/Slip-Resistant Throw Rugs: A nonskid rug in the bathroom can prevent a slip and fall injury.

Grab Bars: Wall grab bars in the bath will assist you when entering and leaving a tub.

Handrails: Stairs and steps account for nearly half of all fatal falls in the home. Every set of stairs should be equipped with handrails.

Deadbolt Locks: To decrease the likelihood of a home break in, install dead bolt locks on every entrance to your home.

Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupters: GFCIs stop the "juice" before electricity can leak out and hurt you.

Fire Extinguishers: Experts recommend that a "BC" or "ABC" be installed in your home.

First-Aid Kit: Keep your first-aid kit stocked and monitor expiration dates of items in it.

Flashlight: Test flashlights on a regular basis and keep a supply of extra batteries.

Fire-Safe Window Guards/Safety Glazing: Falls from windows cause death and serious injury to children each year. Safety glazing prevents windows from shattering into shards of glass.

Written Family Evacuation Plan: Preparation and practice for all emergencies is vital for all families.

Family Disaster Kit: Contents of a disaster kit should include nonperishable food, water, cash, flashlights, tools, weather radio and first-aid kit.

Hazard Alert Radio: This radio will help you in a weather emergency, such as a tornado, hurricane, earthquake or other emergency.

Post Emergency Phone Numbers: Post local police, fire departments and physician telephone numbers.

Tested Appliances: Appliances using gas or electricity should bear the certification mark from a qualified testing organization, such as Underwriters Laboratories, the Canadian Standards Association or the American Gas Association.

Personal Protective Equipment: Safety goggles, work gloves, facemasks and hard hats should be available.

Tagged Shut-Off: Know how to shut off valves for gas, oil, water and your home’s main electrical supply. Tag each valve so you can easily identify the switch in an emergency.