Home Safety Checklist

Happy Spring! To celebrate the first week of spring, we should all indulge in that special cocktail or favorite warm-weather snack…but not until we complete our home safety checklist. We know it sounds kind of boring, but more incidents at home occur in the springtime or summertime than any other time of year, and it’s especially important to remember the little things in order to keep our families safe:

1. Check your detectors! You probably have a smoke detector (or two) but does it have working batteries? Warn the family before you hit the “Test” button–but let them know why it’s so important to test it. And do you have a carbon monoxide detector? Experts suggest that this is one of the most critical things you can do at home to keep your family safe! They’re doubly important if you have an attached garage. Pick one up for a few bucks at Home Depot or Target this weekend.

2. Keep kids safe by labeling medicines/poisonous material and blocking all electrical outlets. If your children, grandchildren, nieces or nephews are around more for the summer (and we’re sure they are!), keep them extra safe by labeling and locking all poisonous material. Pick up a few super inexpensive outlet covers at Target, too, and use them!

3. Have a pool? Have kids over frequently? If you answered yes to either of these, you might want to consider getting trained in First Aid and CPR. Choking and suffocation is the fourth leading cause of accidental home deaths in the United States. Classes are inexpensive, pretty easy, and super convenient–usually held on weekends. Check out the National Safety Council for a full list of accredited programs in your neighborhood.

4. Prevent falls by ensuring that all doorways, hallways, stairs are free of clutter, electrical cords, and spills. Consider using non-skid mats underneath all rugs to prevent slipping, and install baby gates near stairways. Thanks for reading, and we wish you a happy & safe summer!

5. Keep your home secure with a professionally-monitored alarm system, or an effective DIY kit from a store like Home Depot or Lowe’s (they’re affordable and easy to setup!).