Make It Safe. Keep It Safe. Be Safe.

Lives can depend on home safety. That’s not hyperbole. Many people are seriously injured or even die in their homes due to an unsafe condition. Landlords may also be liable for injuries incurred by their tenants on the property.

Routinely inspect your home and the surrounding property. Include the kids so they learn valuable lessons about home safety. Make It Safe – Keep It Safe – Be Safe.

Here are some home safety tips for you.

Home Safety Tips

Windows: Do they open and do they stay open?
Escape Route: Are there multiple means of evacuating the home on all levels in an emergency.
Emergency Plan: What’s the plan to evacuate and account for everyone? Does everyone know/have emergency contact information for police, fire stations, medical care, family and friends?
Hazardous Materials: Are they easily accessible to little kids? Does everyone know how to use them safely? This includes cleaners, gasoline, oils, plant feed, pesticides, paints, windshield washer fluid, disinfectants, deodorizers, antiseptics, some hygiene and grooming products.
Range Exhaust Fan: Is it operational? Does it ventilate to the outdoors or recirculate inside? Are the filters clean?
Stove: Is it clean, free of food and dirt accumulation that may catch fire or create smoke?
Countertops and Cabinets: Is everything secure? Any loose doors or countertops?
Foods and Beverages: Are there spoiled foods that need to be removed? Are alcoholic beverages out of reach of children? Does anyone have food allergies?
Showers and Baths: Is there non-skid material installed? Do you need safety handles/bars? Are fixed and portable shower heads secure?
Hand Rails: Are they present for all stairs and are they secure? Can children or pets fall through spindles?
Wall Plates, Electrical Switches and Sockets: Are they secure? Do they function properly? Are there any signs of burning, heat, or sparking?
Ceiling Fixtures: Are all fixtures (fans, lights) secure? Do they function properly?
Décor: Are all wall hangings securely mounted? Are fragile items (glass, porcelain, etc.) safe from being knocked over?
Indoor Flames: Are candles placed at a safe distance from flammable materials and placed on a holder/plate? Are there flammable materials near gas stove tops?
Doors: Do any doors automatically lock? Could someone get trapped? Can everyone open the doors (turn the knobs or latches)?
Stored Contents: Is everything stored safely so nothing can fall off shelves? Are heavy items stored on lower shelves so they are easier to move? Are sharp or other potentially dangerous items separately stowed and out of reach of little kids?
Electricity Near Water: Is there any water flow near electrical components? Are GFCI outlets installed near water sources?
Plants: Are dead/dying trees and branches trimmed? Are there any toxic indoor or outdoor plants?
Tripping and Poking Hazards: Are there objects laying about or protruding in walking areas? Are there any uneven walking surfaces or protrusions?
Flooring: Any loose carpeting, wood planks, or tiles?
Water Leaks: Any signs of water leaks anywhere?
Laundry Dryer: Regularly remove lint from dryer and dryer duct. It’s a fire hazard.
Water Heater: Any leaks or corrosion? Is the vicinity clear of debris and dirt?
HVAC: Are the filters being routinely replaced? Any water or mold accumulation? Any damaged or exposed wiring?
Gas Lines: Any leaks? Any corrosion on lines and fixtures? Are all lines securely mounted?
Decks: Are all boards in good condition? Are all boards and rails secure?
Grills, Fire Pits: Are they located a safe distance from structures? Where’s the fire extinguisher?
Outdoor Play Equipment: Are there any pinching, cutting, falling, or choking hazards? Is everything secure?
Pests: Are there any insect nests (hornets, wasps, etc)? Are there any inground bee nests (look for holes)? Are there any snakes, rodents, and other critters nesting in wood piles, under rocks, in sheds, and other places?
Pools: Is the fence secure? Are there flotation devices?
What else should be added to this list for your home?