Home Safety Tips: Rules to Follow to Make Yourself Safe and Secure

Danger can lurk inside the house, as much as outside it. It's important to make your house danger-proof with a few simple steps.

HOME SAFETY CHECKLIST

1) Always store household chemicals like cleaning products, paint and pesticides properly. Store them out of reach of children and pets, such as in a locked metal cabinet in the basement or garage.

2) Keep products in their original containers so that they're clearly labelled and less prone to leakage. The containers should be placed in a well-ventilated area, and protected from sunlight and extreme temperatures.

3) Don't leave items like paper towel racks, curtains or towels near heating devices, and don't leave any clothes near them either. Also, heating pads, electric blankets and space heaters should be turned off and unplugged when they're not in use.

4) Check for cracks in walls. They could be a sign of foundation damage, leading to water pipe bursts or even worse damage.

5) Don't overload electric outlets. You should only plug in one appliance per outlet entry. Check all the cords on your appliances to make sure they're working properly.

6) Keep emergency exits clear. Don't keep objects such as bikes, newspapers or boxes in front of your alternate emergency exit.

8) Install mats in the bathroom. Buy non-slip floor mats for your bathroom.

9) Don't use any electrical appliances such as a hair dryer or electric shears when you're wet or in the shower.

10) Be sure to turn off electric appliances and unplug them before you attempt to inspect or repair it.

11) Maintain your smoke detector in good working condition.

12) Verify the stairs and ensure they're in good repair and condition. All stairways should have a sturdy handrail and any carpet on stairways needs to be securely fastened. Also, stairs should be clutter free.