Tips to Prevent Home Hazards

You might do a lot to protect the outside of your home with locks, lights, fences, security systems and video doorbells, but how often do you take the time to make sure the inside of your home is safe as well? Use these tips to reduce home hazards and accidents.

• Install Railings: Keep sturdy railings on both sides of your stairs.
• Clear Clutter: Your house doesn’t have to be as organized as Marie Kondo’s, but clear clutter from stairs and high traffic areas to avoid tripping.
• Secure Rugs: Rugs that curl and slide can pose a fall risk. Use a pad or liner underneath them to keep them in place.
• Stop Shower Slips: Keep bathroom floors dry, use a non-slip rubber mat and install grab bars in the shower if you live with an elderly adult.
• Anchor Furniture: Anchor furniture to the wall that is at risk of tipping such as dressers and bookshelves. Mount TVs to the wall or secure them on a stand with straps.
• Keep Danger Out of Reach: Lock up medications, paint, detergents and cleaning supplies to prevent poisoning in children.
• Post Emergency Numbers: Keep a list of safety phone numbers on your fridge such as poison control, doctors and emergency contacts like family and neighbors.
• Check Detectors: Install smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors on each level of your home. Test them once a month, and replace the batteries every year.
• Cook Safely: Stay in the room if you are frying or grilling food. Turn the stove off if you need to leave the room. Set a timer to remind yourself if you have something cooking in the oven. Keep flammable items like towels, plastic bags and food packaging away from your stove.
• Extinguish Candles: Keep candles on high, stable surfaces away from children and pets. Always extinguish them before leaving the room.
• Make an Escape Plan: Create a home escape plan with your family to be prepared for fires or other emergencies. Make sure everyone knows two ways out of each room in case one exit is blocked. Decide on a safe meeting place outside your home. Practice your plan twice a year.

Some items in your home may be covered by local building codes, designed with safety in mind. Check with your local municipality. If there is an area of your house that needs significant repairs to make it safe, we offer an affordable and flexible Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC).