Happy New Year! Make a resolution to keep your home safe this year.
The Lawhead Team would like to share the following tips to keep you and your family safe at home.
Bedroom – Fire
- Since smoke can further hinder visibility, keep a rechargeable flashlight plugged in by your bedside to light your way or to signal firefighters.
- Place space heaters at least one yard from anything flammable. Turn them off when you’re not in the room.
- If you live in a two-story dwelling, a rescue ladder that can attach to your windowsill adds another escape route during a fire.
- Make sure security bars on windows have quick-release mechanisms.
Childproofing
- Install window guards. They aren’t a substitute for parental supervision, but they do provide reassurance.
- Check the crib. Make sure it meets safety standards. (Request a list of recalled products from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission at cpsc.gov.)
- Keep cords away from the crib.
- Keep the crib away from windows, if possible.
Bathroom – Slips, Trips, Falls
- For extra support getting in and out of a slippery shower, attach a grab bar to your shower wall installing it into studs.
- If your tub has a slippery bottom, add nonskid decals. Make sure your bath mats are nonslip, with rubber backings.
- If standing in the shower is difficult, use a handheld shower and a shower seat to prevent injuries.
Shocks
- Keep portable heaters out of the bathroom. Water and electricity don’t mix.
- Disconnect appliances like hair dryers and curling irons after use, and stow them away only when they’re cool.
Kitchen – Fire
- Don’t leave pots unattended on the stovetop.
- Turn the handles of pots and pans inward so you’ll be less likely to knock simmering food off the stove.
- Keep a lid close to the stove to snuff out cooking fires. Don’t use water, which can spread burning grease around the kitchen.
- Keep pot holders, towels, and other flammable items away from burners.
- Use only dry oven mitts―wet ones are a scalding danger.
- In case of an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the oven door closed. If there’s a microwave fire, keep the door closed and unplug the microwave.
Click here to read the entire article from Real Simple for more tips to keep your home safe.
