Home Safety
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Home is where we gather with loved ones; it's where we eat, sleep, and relax in comfort and safety- the one place where we can let down our guard.
Or can we? According to the National Safety Council's 1995 edition of Accident Facts, last year, seven million Americans suffered disabling injuries and another 26, 700 died as the result of injuries sustained at home. How can you be sure that your home is the safe, sweet haven that you want it to be? Lowe's Home Safety Council and the National Safety Council offer the following checklist of twenty safety items that no home should be without. For every item the you can check "Yes", you are decreasing the risk that someone you love will suffer a home injury or fatality.
Does Your Home Have:
Smoke Detectors
Most home fire deaths happen between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. Smoke and toxic gases cause many deaths, not the fire itself. Install smoke detectors on every level of your home, including the basement and workshop, and
especially near sleeping areas. For extra protection, consider installing a smoke detector in every bedroom. Be sure to test batteries at least once a month and never remove the batteries form your smoke detector except to replace them.Carbon Monoxide Detector
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 detector placed in an area near sleeping rooms. Be sure your detector displays the Underwriters Laboratories (UL2034) label.
Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupters
A ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) is an electronic device that helps protect your from serious injury by monitoring the electricity flowing in the circuit. If an imbalance occurs, the Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupter 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 reset button to see that it is operating properly.
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 (including ipecac syrup) 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 of emergency numbers including police, fire, doctors, and poison prevention centers at every telephone in the home. In the even of an emergency, time is of the essence and even a very young child can phone for help in the number is available.
Tagged Shutoffs
Place tags on your home shut-off valves for gas, oil, and water, and the main shut-off 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 bathtubs and shower stalls. Firmly anchor them into the wall studs with long screws.
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 manufacturer’s name, type of safety glass, and thickness.
Handrails
For every set of stairs, whether inside or outside your home, should have handrails securely mounted to both sides of the stairs.
Step Stool/Utility Ladder
A light-weight, sturdy step stool or utility 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, and stairwells. Make sure stairwells and hallways are always adequately lit. Provide sufficient lighting to all walkways and entrances to your home.
Tested Appliances
All electric and gas appliances in your home should carry the Underwriters Laboratories (UL), Canadian Standards Association (CSA), or American Gas Association (AGA) label.
Safety Goggles
Eye protection is an absolute must for the do-it-yourselfer, but is also recommended for indoor cleaning, yard and garage work.
Survival Kit
Every home is vulnerable to acts of nature. To prepare yourself for an unexpected disaster, such as a hurricane, power outage, tornado, or earthquake, keep a survival kit available. Your kit should include such items as tools, a battery operated radio and flashlight, clothing and bedding, containers of water, non-perishable food, and a first aid kit. To get a complete list of what should be in a survival kit, contact your local emergency management office.
Homes Where Children Live or Visit Need Special Consideration. They Should Have:
- A lockable, "child-proof" section for every medicine cabinet.
- Locking cabinets for matches, lighters, flammable liquids, potentially poisonous household cleaners, garden pesticides, auto chemicals, pool cleaners, etc.
- Plastic safety caps should cover any unused electrical outlets; cabinet locks for kitchen, hobby areas, and bath vanities.
- Child safety gates at the top and bottom of stairwells.
- A mental fire screen that completely covers the fireplace.
- Spout guards and a mixer faucet for hot and cold bathtub water faucet.
- Edge guards for sharp-edged furniture and fireplace hearths.
- Protective surfacing under and around all outdoor playground equipment.
Homes with Swimming Pools Should Have:
- A four-foot fence with a self-closing, self-latching gate.
- Life preservers.
- Rescue equipment.
- A lockable cabinet for pool chemical storage.
- A poolside telephone.
This checklist is not all-inclusive. Your home's age and design, amenities (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.
For questions or more information, please contact the Berthoud Fire Protection District at (970) 532-2264.
