More than 20,000 Americans die every year due to home accidents and approximately 3000 more are disabled.  These figures are alarming.  What is more alarming is thousands of these deaths and injuries should never happen. They are easily preventable.

Take a few moments right now to check if your home is accident prone.  This convenient list will help you locate potential hazards.  Once located, correct them.  We would rather prevent disabilities than treat them.

Check  the following throughout your home:

• Are electrical extension cords in good condition?
• Are electrical extension cords kept from being stretched across heavily traveled areas of your home?
• Are unused electrical outlets covered or locked?
• Our electrical outlets checked regularly for over loading?
• Do you know how to turn off gas and electricity in case of emergency?
• Are proper size fuses used for replacement rather than pennies or substitutes?
• Our floor surfaces non-skid?
• Are all floor coverings fastened down?
• Are fireplaces screened and protected?
• Our open flames, such as candles, kept away from walls and curtains?
• Do you have smoke detectors in your home,And have you check the batteries lately?
• Is an approved fire extinguisher kept on each floor?
• Do you have emergency phone numbers –police, fire, doctor, utilities handy to the phone?
• Is a sturdy stepladder available for climbing?
• Do interior doors such as those on closets or bathrooms have safety release locks that allow them to be opened from either side?
• If there are small children in your home are open windows securely screened?
• Is lead-free paint used on all objects accessible to children?

Take steps to check stairs and hallways:

• Are stairway approaches kept uncluttered and free of throw rugs?
• Do stairways have strong banisters or railings?
• Are all steps in the flight the same height and width?
• Are all steps kept toys, tools and other objects?
• Are stairs treads or carpeting kept in good repair?
• Is the stairway well-lighted with electrical switches located at top and bottom?
• Are young children protected by gates placed at the top and bottom of stairways?
• Are nightlights provided in hallways, bedroom and bathroom areas?

Know what is cooking in your kitchen:

• Are window curtains out of the reach of the stove?
• Are electrical appliances disconnected when not in use?
• Is there a light over stove and sink?
• Do gas appliances have flue ventilation?
• Are freezer units and trash compactors locked to protect children?
• Are furnaces and flues inspected regularly?
• Are drawers and cupboards kept closed?
• Do you keep knives in a rack or compartment tray?
• Are pan handles pointed away from the edge of the stove and other burners?
• Are all cleaning agents kept on shelves above children’s reach?
• Are grease, water and other spilled liquids or foods wiped up immediately?
• Do you have hot dish holders near the stove?

Check your bedroom:

• Is a light within easy reach of the bed?
• Are room heaters turned off at bedtime?
• Do you keep your room properly ventilated when using a room heater?
• Is your infant’s mattress firm and the bed free of pillows and loose blankets?
• Are small children’s clothes checked for pins and detachable decorations which could be swallowed?
• Are used plastic bags destroyed or kept out of children’s reach?
• Do all family members refrain from smoking in bed?

Clean up any bathroom hazards:

• Are non-skid bathroom mats used in bathtubs and shower?
• Are all medicines kept in locked cabinets out of the reach of children?
• Are medicines for “external use only” labeled as such and kept separate from others?
• Do you discard prescription drugs after their use has ended in a place where children, teenagers or other people cannot retrieve left over drugs?
• Have hand grips been installed by the shower, tub and toilet, especially if used by elderly or disabled persons?
• Are infants and toddlers watched at all times when in the bathtub?
• Are all electrical appliances kept away from water and unplugged after use?

Congratulations for every “yes” answer.  

For every “no” answer, please correct the problem immediately.

You’ll be making your “Home Sweet Home” a “Home Safe Home.”