When was the last time you paused to do a safety evaluation
of your home? Home safety is not something we think of
every day, but it’s important to revisit now and then to make
sure no safety issues go unnoticed. With New Year in full swing, now is a great time to put a plan in place
to prevent injuries at home and ensure you and your family
are prepared for any situation.
Home Safety Tips
Below are some basic tips to incorporate to help you improve the safety of your home.
Fire Safety.Check that smoke alarms are placed in each bedroom and on
every level of your home. Set a reminder on your phone to test smoke alarms
once a month and make sure they’re in working order. The Fire Marshall
recommends you have a fire extinguisher on every level of the home and that
everyone in your household knows how to use one. Keep bulbs and light
fixtures away from curtains, bedding, and other fabric. Lastly, prevent
electrical fires by checking frayed or worn out cords and testing your outlets
to ensure they aren’t being overloaded.
Home Security. Make sure your home is protected from unwanted visitors
by boosting your home’s security. Keep intruders at bay with motionsensor
lights for the outdoors, and join a neighborhood watch program to stay in the
know of any suspicious activity in your area. For added protection, get
electronic locks that allow you to control access to your home from
anywhere, or go a step further and install a security and surveillance system
that notifies your family, as well as the authorities, in case of a break‑in.
Emergency Preparedness.
Does everyone in your household know what to
do in case of an emergency? To make sure they do, create evacuation plans
for different types of emergencies, such as fires, tornadoes, or hurricanes,
and then practice each plan with your family. Don’t forget to create an
emergency preparedness kit that includes water, food, a flashlight, first aid,
and other supplies. Visit getprepared.gc.ca to learn more about how to create an
emergency supply kit.
Consider Your Situation
In addition to the above steps, think about any special circumstances you might need to
consider for your home. For instance, if you have children, identify any areas where they can
bump into sharp objects, access medication or cleaning products, or have a potential fall. If
an elderly person lives in your home, you may need to make modifications to areas such as
the bathroom, stairs, or kitchen to reduce the risk for potential injuries.
While improving your home’s safety might take some time and effort, it’s well worth it. You
can never be too prepared when it comes to protecting yourself and the ones you love.
