Safety Is Prevention, Not Reaction
Most home accidents are preventable. A 20-minute walkthrough of your home can identify hazards that might otherwise go unnoticed until they cause harm.
Fire Safety (Items 1-5)
- Test smoke alarms monthly. Replace batteries annually. Replace the entire unit every 10 years. A working smoke alarm reduces the risk of dying in a fire by 50%.
- Have a fire extinguisher on each floor. Know the PASS technique: Pull pin, Aim low, Squeeze handle, Sweep side to side.
- Never leave cooking unattended. Cooking is the #1 cause of home fires.
- Check dryer vents. Lint buildup in dryer vents causes thousands of fires annually. Clean the vent duct at least once a year.
- Have an escape plan. Every household member should know two ways out of each room. Practice it once a year.
Electrical Safety (Items 6-9)
- Don't overload outlets. If you're using a power strip to plug in another power strip, you're creating a fire hazard.
- Replace damaged cords immediately. Frayed or exposed wiring is a shock and fire risk.
- Test GFCI outlets. Bathrooms, kitchens, and outdoor outlets should have ground-fault circuit interrupters. Test the buttons monthly.
- Check for warm switches or outlets. If a switch plate feels warm to the touch, it could indicate a wiring problem.
General Safety (Items 10-15)
- Carbon monoxide detector. CO is odorless and colorless. Install a detector near sleeping areas.
- Secure heavy furniture to walls. Bookshelves and TVs can tip and are especially dangerous for children.
- Check water heater temperature. Set it to 120°F / 49°C to prevent scalding.
- Store chemicals properly. Never mix cleaning products (bleach + ammonia = toxic gas).
- Lock medicines and harmful substances. Especially in homes with children.
- Ensure adequate lighting on stairs. Falls are the leading cause of home injury.
How prepared are you? Take our Life Skills & Safety Quiz.