Home Safety Checklist

The "Safe Home" Checklist

How many of these common safety hazards can be found around your house? The National Safety Council provides the following tips. They recommend house cleaning as an excellent time to conduct a home safety check. Some safety hazards to look for in your home...

Kitchen

• Provide good lighting at the stove, sink and countertop work areas, especially where food is chopped.
• Use a step stool or utility ladder for reaching high shelves and cupboards; not chairs or other unsafe makeshifts.
• Have a special rack or tray for storing sharp knives.
• Keep all household cleaners, disinfectants and insecticides out of children's reach.
• Spills should be wiped up as soon as they happen or as soon as you notice them.
• Use self-polishing or non-skid wax on floors. If regular wax is used, be sure to buff it thoroughly.

Bathroom

• Place non-skid mats, abrasive strips or textured surfaces in tubs and showers to prevent slipping on slick surfaces.
• Medicines should be clearly labeled and placed where children cannot reach them.
• Dispose of outdated medicine. Many chemicals change with age and the medicine may become harmful.
• Put night lights in bathrooms.
• Keep breakable bottles of shampoo, oils, lotions and creams where they will not be knocked over and shattered.

Basement or Utility Room

• Tag all gas and water lines for easy identification during an emergency.
• Label all fuses and circuit breakers to show which outlets and fixtures they protect.
• Washers and dryers should be electrically grounded. Be careful: damp or wet floors can lead to electrical shock.
• Use non-combustible pads or metal ironing boards.
• Keep all cleaning fluids, drain openers, bleaches, ammonia and similar items locked up and out of children's reach.
• Keep passageways clear. Basements are notorious for becoming cluttered.
• Position light switches in accessible areas. Accidents can happen when people stumble through the dark.

Fire & Electrical

• Avoid "octopus" electrical cords. Have an electrician install more electrical outlets if needed.
• All appliances should have UL (Underwriters Laboratory) or AGA (American Gas Association) labels.
• Cover electrical outlets 9 you have toddlers.
• Test smoke detectors monthly and replace batteries annually.
• Inspect fire extinguishers and recharge them if necessary.
• Practice the family's fire escape route.
• All fireplaces should have a fireproof screen in front.

Inspecting your home and creating a hazard free environment will reduce the chances of having an accident and give you peace of mind. Take time to ensure the health and safety of your family and your home.

This information is provided by The W.E. Davis Insurance Agency and The Ohio Casualty Group of Insurance Companies to help make your home the safest it can be.