Whether you own a home or a condo, or rent an apartment, you should make your home as safe as possible for yourself, your family and for your guests. There are many simple things you can do around your home to avoid injuries. Listed below are several helpful tips on home safety:
Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
Lives can be saved by simply having smoke and carbon monoxide detectors installed in your home. It is recommended to have one in each bedroom and in all hallways leading to the bedrooms. You will also want to check the batteries on a regular basis to ensure they are still good. Smoke detectors should be installed on the ceilings or high on the walls, since smoke rises; and carbon monoxide detectors should be installed low on a wall, since carbon monoxide descends. Please read instructions for proper use and installation.
Remove rugs, mats and floor runners
One of the most common injuries in homes is caused by tripping on rugs, mats and floor runners. So it is recommended to simply remove all of them from your home. If you choose to keep rugs in your home, secure them by taping, stapling or nailing them to the floor. For bathmats, make sure you have the non-skid bottoms on the mats.
Stay by the stove when cooking
Another very common thing that we do is put something on the stove or in the oven and then leave the kitchen to do something else. This is a big “no no” for obvious reasons.
Keep cleaners, medications and poisonous materials locked away
Whether you have children or not, it is very important to have all of your cleaners, medications and any poisons like Drano locked away in a safe and secure place. This will avoid one of your children or a visiting child having access to them.
Install handrails on all stairways
Whether you have just a few steps leading to your front door, or several flights of stairs in your house, it is essential to have handrails. It is recommended to have them on both sides of the stairs to maximize safety.
Fence a pool with a self-latching gate
If you have a pool it is a must to have the pool completely fenced with a self-latching gate. There are still hundreds of children that drown each year in backyard pools. Most of these deaths can be avoided with a pool fence and gate.
Install nightlights
Porches and walkways should be well lit at night. It is very easy for someone to trip when they are not able to see well. Also have nightlights in hallways and bathrooms for that middle of the night trip to the restroom or the trip to the kitchen for that midnight snack.
Never leave candles or other open flames burning unattended
We all love the ambiance of candles. But never leave candles burning or any other type of open flame when you are not present.
Keep your hot water heater at 120 degrees or lower to prevent scalds
Many of us do not realize that our hot water heaters are set too high, which can cause scalds. By adjusting your setting to 120 degrees, you can prevent scalds and also save on your utility bill.
Do not leave small objects lying around
Never leave small objects around your home. Small items the size of a marble or a quarter are items that children and pets can easily choke on.
Use electric outlet caps
Cover your electric outlets that you are not using with outlet caps. They are very inexpensive and easy to install. I can remember as a child sitting on the bathroom floor trying to stick a pair of tweezers directly into an electrical outlet. Luckily I was not injured and grew up to be big and strong.
Keep a disaster preparedness kit
It is recommended to always have a disaster preparedness kit in your home and at your office. The most important items for the kit are drinking water, a flash light, a battery operated radio, batteries for the flashlight and radio, basic first aid kit with bandages and antiseptic, individually wrapped granola or breakfast bars and some cash. For more information on disaster preparedness, Google “disaster preparedness.”
Remember if there is ever a life-threatening situation in your home or if there is any kind of an emergency, always call 911 immediately.
There are so many simple and inexpensive things you can do to make your home safer and avoid injuries. Above are just some recommendations for increased home safety. For more tips on home safety, Google “home safety tips” and you will find dozens of additional recommendations for your home. So enjoy your home and always be safe!
Trent St. Louis is a licensed Real Estate Agent and a member of the National, California and San Diego Association of Realtors. You can reach Trent at trent@tns.net or at his office in Hillcrest, The Metropolitan Group. (CADRE#01273643).
