Nearly 20,000 people die each year from injuries received at home. The unfortunate fact is that most of these deaths could have been prevented. This checklist can help you inspect your home for hazards. It is not intended to be an all-inclusive checklist. But it can help make your home a safer place to live.
Smoke Detectors: Smoke Detectors should be installed on every floor of your home. CO detectors should be placed near your sleeping area. Make sure you test them on regular basis. Tip: Replace the batteries every daylight-savings time change.
Avoid Extension Cords: Do not overload extension cords. Do not use extension cords in place of additional electrical outlets. Never place extension cords under carpet. Walking on extension cords can cause them to wear through exposing bare wires. They also can be a trip hazard.
Child Proof: Bookshelves and other furniture should be firmly secured with wall brackets to prevent tipping. Inspect your home and ask “What if?” to make everything safer for children. Check for loose paint on walls that may peel off and be ingested by small children.
Outlet Covers: Place covers on all electrical outlet to prevent electrical shock in small children.
Ground Electrical System: Make sure your home electrical system is grounded. All major appliances should be grounded as well.
Escape Plan: Develop an escape plan for your home and practice it at regular time intervals.
Fire Extinguishers: Place Fire Extinguishers in the kitchen area and garage. You may want to place a few in a other areas such as, up stairs and in the basement.
Escape Ladders: Consider an escape ladder for upstairs rooms. Place child stickers on windows where children are sleeping. This gives the fire department key information in locating individuals in case of fire.
Electrical Safe: Unplug appliances and electronics when not in use and store them out of reach of children.
Hot Water: Set your water heater below 120 degrees Fahrenheit to avoid potential burns and to save energy.
Medications: Take medications and medical supplies out of your purse, pockets and drawers, and put them in a cabinet with a child safety lock.
Water: Consider turning water facets to washer off when on vacation. This will avoid damage if a washer hose broke.
Throw Rugs: Keep throw rugs tact down to prevent tripping.
Grab Handles: Install grab handles in showers and bath tubes.
Expiration Dates: Check expiration dates on refrigerated items on a regular basis.
Charging: Charge computers, cell phones and other items when you are present.
Furnace: Do not store items within 3 feet of your furnace or hot water heater. Change your furnace filter on a regular time schedule to prevent the blower motor from overheating.
Lock Doors: Keep your doors locked even when you are home. Don’t open the door to strangers.
Guns: If you have children, keep your gun on your person or in a gun safe. Enroll your children in a youth gun safety class.
CO Poisoning: Never leave your car running in the garage, even if the garage door is open. CO can still enter your home and create a hazard.
Fireplace: Have your chimney cleaned and inspected every year.
Toxic Material: Make sure all cleaning agents and other toxic material are out of reach of small children.
Stairs: Make sure handrails are secure. Check carpet on stairs to reduce trip hazards. Repair any loose boards on stairs.
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