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Household safety tips
Accidents will happen - but There a number of things you can do around your home, condominium or vacation property to help lessen the chance of one occurring. here are some hazard prevention measures we've thought of - surely you can think of more:
Fire prevention:
- have at least one smoke detector on every level of your home and test them regularly;
- follow label warnings when working with, or storing, combustible materials (solvents, paint thinners, etc.);
- store gasoline (for lawn and garden equipment) only in small quantities in approved safety containers and only in a garage or storage shed, not in the house;
- don't leave burning candles unattended
Childproofing:
- cover electrical outlets;
- be sure your electric garage door has a safety reverse feature and check to make sure it is working properly;
- keep out of children's reach:
- -medication, both prescription and over-the-counter,
- -detergents and cleaning materials,
- -tools (hammers, saws, nails, power-tools, etc.);
- prevent accidental drowning by not leaving children unattended near water, including bathtubs, wading pools and pails or buckets filled with water;
- prevent burning or scalding by turning down the temperature on your water heater.
Trip hazards:
- keep staircases, hallways, and othere frequently passed areas free of clutter and items that people can trip on;
- light staircases well, so that each step can be seen;
- make sure area rugs have non-slip backing materials and consider eliminating area rugs in high traffic areas.
Appliances and heating units:
- know where your fuse box is and which fuses or circuit breakers control each circuit;
- when using extension cords, ensure they are not damaged or cut and make sure they do not get hot;
- when using extension cords outside, only use those that are rated for outside use;
- when replacing light bulbs, be sure your hands are dry and be sure the fixture is turned off;
- do not use bulbs that exceed the wattage recommended for the fixture;
- do not hang paper towel racks, curtains or towels by a toaster oven, as they can ignite.
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© 2008 - Anne Scharf. All Rights Reserved
Royal LePage Team Realty is Independently Owned and Operated, Brokerage
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