If you use portable heat sources (such as small electric or gas heaters) make sure they are placed away from things that could catch fire such as couches, chairs, drapes, and anything flammable.
Develop an evacuation route to be used in the event of fire and make sure all family members know it. Have a meeting place where all members should check in. Periodic drills are a good way to make sure everyone knows what to do and where to go if there ever is a fire.
Remember what most Americans were taught in school if your clothing should catch fire – stop, drop, and roll.
If fire strikes, never open a door without feeling to see if it may be warm which could indicate a fire on the other side. To exit, crawl low to avoid as much smoke as possible.
Consider a carbon monoxide detector for your home. Carbon monoxide poisoning doesn’t come from a fire but can occur when families tighten up the house for the winter. Wood burning stoves and other heat sources can also emit carbon monoxide into the air.
If you enjoy candles, make sure that the candles are placed on non-flammable surfaces. Never leave candles burning as you sleep or when you are away from home. Extinguish candles when you leave the room.
Falls are another common cause of home injuries. Injuries can range from broken bones to head injuries such as concussion or serious internal injuries. Falls can happen in the bath or shower, on stairways, and anywhere in the home. Older adults are the most prone toward accidental falls but they can happen to anyone. To remove some of the hazards for falling in the home, follow these safety guidelines:
Put a non-slip mat on the shower floor or in the tub. Newer models often have a non-slip substance built in but make sure that something is underfoot to provide a steady surface.
Floors next to the shower or beside the bathtub can also be dangerous. Bath mats with rubber backing or heavy rugs that won’t slip provide steady footing.
Towel racks are not sturdy enough to support your weight so never grab one for help.
If handrails or banisters are not present on all stairways, install them. Use them when mounting the stairs for additional stability.
Install light switches at the top and bottom of all staircases so that the steps can be illuminated. Being able to see where you’re going can help you to avoid falls.
Smooth stairs are made much safer with traction grips. These can be purchased at almost any home improvement or hardware store. Avoid using stairs in sock feet – socks can be slippery and allow you to lose your balance, which could result in a nasty fall.
If your home has concrete basement steps, paint the lowest step in a contrasting color with the floor. This increases depth perception and allows you to see clearly where the step ends.
Outdoor steps should also be railed. Just three steps in or out of the house can be very dangerous without a handrail in place and most insurance companies require one to provide coverage.
If you use throw rugs, choose rugs with rubber backs so they won’t slip easily.
Don’t run electrical or extension cords across an area with high foot traffic because they are easy to trip over.
Don’t overload a laundry basket or other bundle so high that you have difficulty seeing over the top especially if you will be using the stairs.
If young children are present, remove any potential dangers out of reach. This is called childproofing and can prevent mishaps. Everything from plants that can be poisonous if eaten to glass coffee tables with edges that can cause ugly cuts in the event of a fall or mishap should be considered from a child’s eye view.