Home Safety Tips – An Extract Resource From Atlantic
In the kitchen,
In the bathroom,
In the bedroom,
In the yard,
On the stairs,
Guard against fire with these home safety tips:
Install a home security system.
Make sure locks are in place and are functioning correctly.
Always check through a peephole or window before opening the door when somebody knocks.
Keep your doors closed even when you’re home, including the garage doors.
Keep blinds or curtains closed so you don’t advertise what’s inside (especially in expensive rooms!).
Request identification if a stranger claims to be a police officer or other government official.
Report any suspicious activity around your house or in the neighbourhood to the local authorities immediately.
Don’t leave digital footprints for criminals. Social networks provide an easy, fun, and dangerous way to announce your exact whereabouts and all times. We often forget that our friends aren’t the only ones privy all of to the information that we post.
Never leave children alone or unattended near water or fire.
Keep medications and chemicals safely out of reach.
Keep choking hazards (small items and small food) safely out of reach.
Keep heavy or breakable objects safely out of reach.
Use round-ended furniture, and avoid sharp objects and accessories.
Secure household items; prevent tipping by securing bookcases, shelves, and other objects or appliances that could disastrously fall.
Immediately replace any damaged, frayed, or faulty materials or appliances that could pose a hazard to an unsuspecting child.
Cover outlets, ground appliances, and coil extension cords when not in use; although these are rules to be followed anyway, they are especially important with children underfoot.
Avoid lead poisoning by double-checking the toys and equipment for your child.
Block or lock the windows, stairways, and doors to prevent accidental falls or unintended wanderings by small children.
Protect kids from plants. Plants are beautiful, infuse the air with oxygen, and decorate a room nicely. But they can be toxic if consumed. Know what plants you have, and opt for the safest ones.
Lock up. Ensure that all your locks are functioning properly and that all doors and windows are locked.
Create the illusion that someone is home:
Never leave notes on the door when you go out (for a neighbor, handyman, family member, or whomever)—this is practically you hollering that you’ve left the building.
Pull the plug on certain appliances. You don’t need the toaster, the computer, or the washing machine to be on, for example. You’ll save energy, money, and the risk of something messing up or igniting due to power surges or other mishaps.
Never leave extra keys in expected places. Under the doormat and in the flowerpot next to the door aren’t the wisest of hiding places. Find a very inconspicuous place, or entrust a good neighbour.