6/4/2007 Home Safety Month

Here are some steps you may want to consider taking next month to better defend your “castle:”

Fires/Burns

· Install smoke alarms on every level of your home and in or near all bedrooms, and test the batteries at least once a month so you know they work.

· Plan a home fire drill and practice it at least twice a year. Memorize the fire department's emergency telephone number.

· If you have young children, use safety covers in electrical outlets and anti-scald devices in faucets.

Falls

· Make sure all porches, hallways, and stairwells are well lit. Use the maximum safe wattage in light fixtures. (It's typically posted inside light fixtures.)

· Use a non-slip mat, or install strips or decals in bathtubs and showers.

· Install grab bars in bath and shower stalls.

Poisonings

· Keep medicines and household chemicals and cleaners up high, out of the reach of children, preferably in a locked cabinet.

· Install a carbon monoxide detector near sleeping areas.

· Put your poison control center number (1-800-222-1222) near every phone.

Visit the Home Safety Resource Center at www.homesafetycouncil.org (or click here) for more tips to safeguard your family.

http://www.homesafetycouncil.org/websticker/websticker.aspx to download stickers.