Home Safety Tips

Protect yourself and your family from dangers present in the home.

Your home is the place where you should feel the safest. It should be the place you go to relax, have fun, and enjoy your family.

It is important, then, to understand the risks present in the home and how to protect yourself and your loved ones from those dangers. Every year, over 20 million people require medical attention as a result of unintentional home-related accidents. Don't become a statistic. Below are some simple steps that you can take to minimize your risk of home-related accidents and injuries.

Preventing Falls

• Have handrails on both sides of the stairs.
• Keep the stairs clear.
• Use grab bars in the tub and shower.
• Make sure stairs are well-lit.
• Tape small rugs to the floors or do not have them at all.
• Use a mat or non-slip adhesive in the tub and shower.
• Wipe up spills as soon as they happen.
• Learn more about the risks associated with falls and what to do if you are hurt.

Protecting Your Children from Falls

• Toddlers fall frequently when they are learning to walk, so be sure to safety-proof sharp edges of furniture, fireplaces, etc.
• Do not put your children's furniture near upstairs windows.
• Use safety gates at the top and bottom of stairs.
• Use window guards to prevent a child from falling out of a window.
• Put ladders and step stools away after using them.
• Cover the ground under playground equipment with safety material (9-12 inches).
• Learn more about the risks associated with falls and what to do if you or a loved one is hurt.

Preventing Outdoor Falls

• Keep sidewalks and pathways clear, especially in the winter months when ice and snow present an increased safety hazard.
• Fix broken and chipped steps and walkways.
• Make sure there are bright lights over all porches and walkways.
• Put ladders away after use and store them on their sides, in a shed, or in a garage.
• Learn more about the risks associated with falls and what to do if you are hurt.

Protecting Your Family from Foodborne Illness

• Prepare and cook all food thoroughly.
• Avoid cross-contamination by using separate cutting boards and knives for different foods. This is especially true for poultry, meats, and seafood.
• Wash hands in hot, soapy water before and after preparing food and using the bathroom.
• Wash utensils and cutting boards thoroughly after raw food items come in contact with them. Never re-use a plate or utensil before washing it.
• If you become ill as a result of food poisoning, try to preserve the evidence, if possible.
• Learn more about the dangers of food poisoning and foodborne illness.

Defective and Unsafe Products – Space Heaters

• Put space heaters at least three feet away from anything that can ignite - including furniture, people, pets and window treatments.
• Buy electric space heaters that bear the mark of an independent testing laboratory, such as UL, ETL, or CSA.
• Turn off space heaters before leaving a room or going to sleep.
• Supervise children and pets at all times when a space heater is in use.
• Never use space heaters to dry blankets or clothing.
• Learn more about the dangers of space heaters.

Defective and Unsafe Products – Holiday Decorations

• Follow manufacturer's guidelines for stringing lights together. In general, UL recommends using no more than three standard-size sets of lights together.
• Inspect holiday lights and extension cords before use. Replace any that are fraying or damaged.
• Do not overload electrical receptacles or extension cords.
• Unplug all holiday lights when you go to sleep or leave the house.
• Roll up excess electrical cords and keep them away from high traffic areas.
• When replacing a light bulb, be sure to use the correct bulb size (wattage) for the fixture.
• Learn more about holiday decoration safety.

Defective and Unsafe Products – Toys

• When buying toys, read labels and other packaging information and base your selection on age recommendations.
• When purchasing items for infants and toddlers, choose toys, puzzles, rattles and teething toys that are too large to be swallowed.
• Avoid toys with long strings or cords, which pose a strangulation hazard.
• Look for the words "washable/hygienic materials" or similar labeling on stuffed toys and dolls and "flame retardant/flame resistant" labeling on fabric products and costumes.
• Remove and discard plastic packaging and bags as soon as the toy is opened, as these items are a suffocation hazard to young children.
• Look carefully at infants' toys and dispose of those with small broken parts that could become lodged in an infant's throat.
• Always supervise children closely. Don't permit younger children to play with toys designed for older children or adults.
• Learn more about unsafe and defective toys.

Defective and Unsafe Products – Electrical Appliances

• Keep appliances dry and away from water at all times.
• Unplug toaster ovens, coffee makers, and other small appliances after using them.
• Look for the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) mark on the label when you buy electrical appliances and cords.
• Do not plug in too many appliances at once.
• Call an electrician if your lights flicker, or if your power goes out frequently.
• All electrical outlets and switches should be covered by faceplates.
• All electrical cords should be in good condition.
• Don’t tie or knot cords.
• Don’t let furniture sit on cords.
• Never run electrical cords under rugs.
• Use safety caps to keep children from putting things into electrical receptacles outlets.
• Learn more about defective and recalled products.

Dog Bite Safety

• Before buying or adopting a dog, you should evaluate your environment and lifestyle and consult a professional, like a veterinarian or reputable breeder, to determine what breed would be best for you.
• If you have children, make sure the breed you are considering is appropriate for households with children.
• Do not purchase or adopt dogs with histories of aggression.
• If you have children who display any fear or apprehension of dogs, you should delay bringing a dog into your home.
• Before you buy or adopt a dog, spend time with the dog to get a feel for its personality.
• Never disturb a dog that is sleeping, eating, or caring for puppies.
• Before petting a dog, make sure the dog sees and sniffs you first.
• Learn more about dog bite laws and what to do if you are attacked by a dog.