Home Safety Tips

Home Safety Tips

Tips For Your Home to Keep You Safe and Protected

Your home is your castle, right? Behind those walls, you should feel safe and secure – away from any harm of injury or danger. It's where you create memories, host get-togethers, and so much more.

But your home may present unseen, unintentional risks to you and your loved ones. That's why it's so important to follow these safety tips to protect those who enter your house. With a little proactive preparation, you'll minimize the risk and increase your peace of mind.

A Word About Homeowner Liability

As part of a legal term call "premises liability," homeowner liability states that you can be held responsible if someone is injured on your property. That's why it's so important to take all the necessary steps to protect your family and your visitors.

Dangerous slip and fall conditions, unsafe railings, dimly lit exteriors, as well as many other factors can lead to serious injuries. So be sure to check your property for any potentially hazardous conditions.

Preventing Falls on Your Property

  • Hands On – Secure handrails on all stairs. Add handrails to both sides if you're able.
  • Light It Up – Make sure all steps are clearly lit and visible.
  • Slippery When Wet – Install grab bars and non-slip mats in showers and bathtubs.
  • Stick to It – Secure area rugs and runners to the ground.

Be proactive and stop slip and fall accidents on your property before they happen. If a visitor is injured at your home, you could be held responsible.

Protecting Your Children From Falls

  • Toddlers – When learning to walk, these little ones can fall a lot. Be sure to baby-proof all sharp edges of furniture, your fireplace, and anywhere else that could be dangerous.
  • Windows – Never put climbable furniture near windows. Be sure all windows are locked if a little one is able to access it.
  • Stairs – Use safety gates wherever you see steps and stairs to keep your kids safe.
  • Playgrounds – If you have an at-home playground, consider putting safety material underneath the playground structure to help cushion any falls.

For more information on keeping your kids safe, check out our Parents & Kids Safety Resource Center.

Preventing Outdoor Falls

  • Clear It Out – Keep sidewalks and walkways clear, especially during the winter months. Make sure you know the best ways to clear snow and ice from your property.
  • Fix'er Upper – Fix any broken or crumbling steps and walkways.
  • Illuminate – Make sure exterior walkways and steps are bright and visible at night.
  • Clean Up – Put away any ladders or extra home improvement equipment to prevent injuries from visitors or guests.

For more season information, check out our Winter Premises Liability Infographic.

Protecting Against Foodborne Illness

  • Prepare and cook food thoroughly.
  • Avoid cross-contamination by using clean instruments and cutting boards.
  • Wash your hands in hot, soapy water before and after handling foods.
  • Wash utensils and cutting boards after preparing raw foods.
  • Learn more about the dangers of food poisoning and foodborne illness.

Check out our Food Poisoning Prevention Infographic.

Space Heater Safety

  • Never put space heaters near anything that can ignite.
  • Turn off space heaters when leaving a room or sleeping.
  • Supervise children or pets when a space heater is in use.
  • Never use a space heater to dry clothing or blankets.

For more on space heaters, check out our Space Heater Safety blog.

Defective or Unsafe Holiday Decorations

  • Read all instructions before hanging decorations.
  • Never overload an outlet or string lights together inappropriately.
  • Clear all cords and wires laying on walkways or paths inside and outside your home.
  • Unplug holiday lights when you leave the house or go to sleep.

Check out the following blog post for more information on Indoor & Outdoor Decoration safety.

Defective Toy Safety

  • Check for manufacturing recalls.
  • Read warning labels or packaging information.
  • Avoid toys with possible strangulation hazards.
  • Discard all packaging and plastic bags, especially around young children.

Read more with our Toy Safety Infographic.

Electrical Appliance Safety

  • Keep appliances dry and away from water at all times.
  • Don't plug too many appliances into the same outlet at once.
  • Call an electrician if your lights flicker or dim.

Find more information about Electrical Appliance Safety.

Dog Bite Safety

  • Evaluate your environment before buying a dog to make sure it's safe for both you and the dog.
  • If you have children, teach them how to behave around a dog, and train your dog to behave around children.
  • Be wary of dogs with histories of aggression or biting.

Learn more about dog bite safety here, and check out our Doggie Do's and Don'ts Infographic.

Get Legal Help If You've Been Injured

Our legal professionals are available 24/7, so call us for a free consultation after your injured. We'll answer your questions and help you determine your best course of action after an accident.

It's free to speak with us, and there's never an obligation to hire our law firm after you call. Remember, there's never a fee unless – and until – we get money for you.