How Safe is Your Home?

By Ugur Akinci, Ph.D.

Have you implemented the basic safety measures at your home? Use the following checklist to see if there's anything you can do to protect your loved ones better.

Smoke Alarms

[  ] One on each floor of the home
[  ] One near each sleeping area or outside of each bedroom
[  ] Operation check monthly (battery and hard-wired)
[  ] Battery check twice a year

Fire Extinguishers

[  ] In kitchen and basement/garage
[  ] Easily accessible (e.g., visible)
[  ] Fully charged
[  ] Within expiration date

Locks

[  ] Deadbolts on all exterior doors
[  ] On all windows and sliding doors

Plumbing, Hoses, and Connections

[  ] Check periodically to see if they are secure and leak-free
[  ] Dishwasher
[  ] Washing machine
[  ] Icemaker

Electrical

[  ] Proper use of extension cords ( i.e., not under rugs or furniture; not overloaded)
[  ] Wiring up to code
[  ] Surge protectors on air conditioners, entertainment equipment, computers

Heating System

[  ] Furnace cleaned and checked annually
[  ] Filters changed on regular schedule

Frozen Pipe Prevention

[  ] Heat home even when away
[  ] Disconnect garden hose and shut off outside water faucets when the temperature drops to below freezing

Chimney/Fireplace

[  ] Cleaned and checked annually
[  ] Damper functioning properly
[  ] Fireplace screen/doors properly installed

Miscellaneous

[  ] Steps/sidewalks – are they level and intact?

[  ] Combustible/flammable materials – are they properly stored (e.g., paint and solvents kept away from furnaces or other heat sources)?

[  ] Trees – are they healthy? Do they overhang and touch the house?

[  ] Swimming pool – is it fenced and secured by locks on all access doors/gates leading to the swimming pool?

[  ] Matches and lighters – are they stored out of children's reach?

[  ] Cabinets – are they child-proof? Supplies like cleaning products, medication, sharp objects – are they stored out of children's reach?

[  ] Your outdoor deck, railings, and stairs – are they in good condition and checked annually, and repaired/replaced when needed?

.