Home Safety Checklist

Give your home a thorough inspection to make sure it’s safe for you and your family. By going through this checklist once every month or two, you can ensure a safe environment in which to live, rest and relax.

• Make a fire escape map, including two exits out of every room; pick a meeting place outside and practice your exit strategy.
• Install smoke alarms on every level of your home and test them, changing batteries at least once a year.
• Look into a home fire sprinkler system when building or remodeling.
• Keep a fire extinguisher on hand.
• Set your water heater at 120 degrees F or just below the medium setting.
• Always stay in the kitchen while cooking.
• Tape down small rugs or don’t use them at all to prevent tripping.
• Use a mat or non-slip strips around tubs and showers.
• Have a bath rug with a non-skid bottom.
• Install handlebars in the tub and shower to prevent slipping.
• Wipe up spills as soon as they happen.
• Install bright lights over all porches and walkways.
• Use ladders with caution: have someone spot you when using it.
• Consider getting carbon monoxide detectors near bedrooms and in your basement.
• Be mindful of poisonous chemicals in your home such as detergents and cleaners; store products with cautionary labeling away from food and drink.
• Discuss the unique dangers, both natural and local, that can happen near your home and have a plan in case of emergency.
• Have special kits situations where you are confined to your home or when you are forced to leave; some starts would be food, extra clothes, flashlights, etc.
• Have an easily accessible emergency contact card with family, government and local numbers.
• Make sure handrails on stairs and steps are secure, and keep the stairs themselves clear and well lit.
• Keep track of medications and other medicines such as cough syrup. Keep original containers and use pill holders to help keep a schedule.