Home Safe Home

A HOME SAFETY CHECKLIST

In The Kitchen

• Loose, flowing clothing is never worn during cooking.
• Extension cords and appliance cords are kept away from the sink and stove.
• Direct, even lighting is available over the stove, sink and counters - especially where food is sliced and cut.
• For reaching high shelves, there is a stable step stool with a handrail to grasp.
• During cooking, pot handles are turned toward the back of the stove.
• Hot liquids (coffee cups!) Are kept out of children’s reach.
• Food treats or other items attractive to children are not kept over the stove.
• Knives and sharp objects are kept out of children’s reach.
• Cleaning supplies are stored separately from food and kept beyond children’s reach, or in cabinets secured with child safety latches or locks.
• High chair is stable, with a wide base and a tray that locks securely, and kept away from tables and counters.
• Ground fault circuit interrupter (special electrical outlet) for all electrical appliances.
• Kitchen hood cleaned and vented.
• All kitchen appliances cleaned and maintained.

In The Bathroom

• Bathtubs and showers are equipped with grab bars.
• Bathtubs and showers are equipped with non-skid mats.
• The bath mat has a non-skid backing.
• Hot water temperature is set at <120 degrees F.
• A light switch is located near the entrance to the bathroom.
• Small electrical appliances, such as hair dryers, shavers, curling irons or radios, are never used near water in sinks or tubs, and are unplugged when not in use. Ground fault circuit interrupter (special electrical outlet) should be available near bathroom sink and tub.
• All medicines are clearly marked and stored in the containers they came in.
• All medicine bottles have child-resistant caps unless you are unable to open such bottles).
• Medicines and vitamins are stored beyond children’s reach, and are disposed of properly when outdated.
• When bathing, children are always watched by an adult.
• Clean all spills immediately.

In The Bedroom

• Lamps or light switches are within the reach of each bed.
• Fire sources, such as ash trays, smoking materials, heaters, hot plates, teapots, etc., are kept well away from beds and bedding.
• No one in the house ever smokes in bed!
• Electric blankets are not covered or folded. ("Tucking in" an electric blanket can cause heat buildup and start a fire.
• There is a telephone next to the bed.
• Emergency numbers are posted near or on phone with light source nearby.
• Have working flashlight within reach of bed.
• All bedrooms should have smoke detectors, either battery-operated or with battery back- up.

In The Nursery

• The crib has slats 2 3/8 inches (or less) apart.
• The crib mattress fits snugly (no more than a two-finger gap between mattress and railing.)
• The toy chest has a lightweight lid, no lid, or a safe closing hinge.
• Small children are always held securely while they are on high surfaces (for example, an infant on a changing table).
• Changing table has safety straps to prevent falls and child is never left unattended.
• Cribs are positioned away from drapery cords or venetian blind cords to prevent strangulation.

Throughout The House

• Small rugs and runners are tacked down or slip-resistant.
• All high-traffic areas, such as hallways and passageways between rooms, are well lighted and free of obstructions, such as furniture and boxes.
• Cleaners are purchased in child-resistant packaging whenever possible, and are not transferred to other containers. Non-food items, such as cleaners or bleach, are never stored in food containers.
• At least one telephone is located where it would be accessible in the event of an injury which left the resident unable to stand.
• Emergency numbers are posted on or near each telephone.
• If you have a personal emergency response system, it should be worn at all times!
• Never block exits.
• Hazardous materials not regularly used should be disposed of properly. Call local Waste Management district for instructions.

Electrical Safety

• All electrical and telephone cords are paced out of the flow of traffic.
• Cords do not run beneath furniture or rugs.
• Wiring is not nailed or stapled to walls or baseboards.
• Electrical cords are not frayed or cracked or taped.
• Extension cords are never overloaded, and the wattage ratings of cords are correct for all appliances.
• All outlets and switches have cover plates.
• If there are toddlers in the house, plastic "shock-stop" outlet plugs are in place in all unused electrical outlets; electrical cords are out of the reach of small children.
• Light bulbs are appropriate sizes and types for the lamps and fixtures.
• All light fixtures have bulbs in them.
• Electrical space heaters are properly grounded, and are connected directly to wall outlets. Space heaters should have automatic shutoffs. Use away from combustibles.
• If fuses are used, they are always the correct size for the circuit.
• Ground Fault Interrupter (GFI) power strips are used for multiple outlets instead of extension cords.

In The Basement or Garage

• Work areas are well lighted.
• Lights can be turned on without walking through a dark area.
• Power tools have guards inn place and are properly grounded.
• Containers of volatile liquids, such as paints and cleaning solvents, are tightly capped, stored away from, and never used near, ignition sources, such as furnaces and water heaters.
• Gasoline is stored in an approved container, and is never stored in the home!
• If there are small children in the house, latches control their access to the garage and basement, which are areas where many dangerous items are often stored.
• Bicycles are kept in good repair, with adequate brakes and reflectors, and a working light for night-time riding.
• Keep all combustibles at least 36" away on all sides of heat-producing devices (furnace, hot water tank).
• Check chimney for cracks and opening.
• Clothes dryer is properly vented.
• Washer and dryer are properly grounded.
• Gas vents from furnace and hot water tank properly vented through chimney.
• Oil spills should be covered with unscented kitty litter to absorb the spill.
• Furnace filters are clean and in good shape.
• Lint baskets on clothes dryers are properly cleaned.
• All bicyclists wear helmets that meet the Snell Memorial or American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standards on every ride.

On The Stairs

• If there are small children in the house, toddler gates are used at the top and bottom of stairs. (Old fashioned, "accordion-style" gates are not used.)
• Stairs are well lighted, and there is a light switch at both the top and bottom of staircases.
• Sturdy handrails are fastened securely on both sides of the stairway, and these handrails run continuously from the top to the bottom of the flight of stairs.
• Steps allow firm footing (no worn treads or loose carpeting), are even and of the same size and height.
• The edges of the steps are easy to see.
• Nothing is ever stored on the stairway, even temporarily.

Safety For Small Children

• Access to windows is blocked, and windows have secure screens or window guards.
• All stairs, protective walls, railings, porches and balconies re sturdy and in good repair. Small children shouldn’t be allowed on them unattended.
• Safety locks or latches are installed on cabinets and drawers that contain any potentially dangerous items, such as medicines, cleaning supplies, matches, alcohol, knives, tools, etc.
• All plants are kept out of children’s reach. (Some plants are very poisonous.)
• There are no loose paint chips (which toddlers might swallow) around the house. (Children who may have been exposed to lead poisoning in this way should be checked by a doctor immediately.)
• The number for a local poison control center is kept on or near the telephone.
• There is Syrup of Ipecac in the house - just in case it’s needed to induce vomiting (Ipecac should not be used unless indicated in poisoning first aid instructions).
• Small items and foods that could choke a child are kept out of reach.
• Pocketbooks with potentially dangerous items, such as vitamins, birth control pills, cigarettes, matches, jewelry and calculators (which contain easy-to swallow, poisonous batteries) are kept out of children’s reach.
• Swimming pools in the neighborhood (including your pool) are fenced with self-latching gates and inaccessible to children.
• Swing sets and jungle gyms are securely anchored, have low impact foundation materials and rounded edges. Children are always supervised when using equipment.
• Children are buckled up (in age-appropriate seats, if necessary) during all auto travel - and you always set a good example by buckling up, too!

Firearm Safety

• If you feel you must keep a gun in your home, take these precautions:
• Attend a firearm safety course.
• Keep the gun in a locked drawer or cabinet; keep the key out of children’s reach.
• Store the gun unloaded or disassembled.
• Use a trigger lock.
• Keep ammunition in a separate, locked place.
• Firearms in the home are more likely to injure a family member than an intruder. Safer ways to protect your home are:
• Good lighting all around your home.
• Secure locks.
• Dogs.
• Neighborhood Watch Programs.

Fire Safety

• There is at least one battery operated smoke detector properly installed on every floor of the house and in every bedroom.
• Smoke detectors are checked monthly to be sure they’re working properly.
• Batteries should be changed annually.
• House numbers are visible from the street.
• Small heaters and stoves are placed where they can’t be tipped over, and are away from furnishings and combustible materials, such as curtains and rugs.
• Space heaters that burn kerosene, LP gas or natural gas are used according to the manufacturer’s instructions for sate installation, operation and maintenance.
• Space heaters comply with local fire ordinances.
• Space heaters are inaccessible to small children.
• Wastepaper, trash, and combustibles such as paint should be disposed of properly.
• Towels, curtains and other combustible materials are kept away from space heaters, stoves and fireplaces.
• Woodburning equipment is installed properly, inspected periodically, and inaccessible to small children.
• Chimneys are inspected and cleaned every year, more often if needed.
• An emergency exit plan and an alternate route have been mapped out in case of fire, and practices by the whole family.
• A working fire extinguisher is available to handle small fires, especially in the kitchen, and family members know how to use it. If home alone, dial fire department first.
• All family members, including children, know how to "stop, drop and roll" to put out flames if clothes catch fire.
• Matches, lighters and butts are always disposed of safely by persons who smoke. (Remember, cigarette smoking is unhealthy for everyone at home, including children!)
• Cigarette butts should be held overnight or doused in water and only discarded in a metal container.
• "Tot Finder" or "People Protector" stickers are in windows of bedrooms occupied by children, the elderly or the handicapped. Remove them if no longer appropriate.
• Keep all smoking materials (including lighters) out of reach of children.

Safety Questions?

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