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How To: Make Your Home Safer

How To: Make Your Home Safer

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We often see TV news images of dangers like car accidents and violent crime that lurk outside the home and on the streets. But, in our busy, day-to-day lives, we often neglect to realize that real danger can lurk in our homes if we're not sufficiently aware and prepared.

Read on to learn how to make your home safer.

Store household chemicals properly
Avoid leaking fumes or fire by storing household chemicals such as cleaning products, paint and pesticides correctly. Always store these products out of reach of children and pets, such as in a locked metal cabinet in the basement or garage.

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

Don't leave items near heating devices
Don't hang paper towel racks, curtains or towels close to heating devices, and don't leave any clothes near them either. Furthermore, heating pads, electric blankets and space heaters should be turned off and unplugged when they're not in use. If they're left on, they could be a fire hazard.

Check for cracks in walls
Cracks in walls could be a sign of foundation damage, meaning your building could be structurally unsafe. Foundation damage can cause all sorts of problems such as water pipe bursts, which can lead to flooding.

Don't overload electric outlets
This is something everyone's guilty of doing. You should only plug in one appliance per outlet entry. Check all the cords on your appliances to make sure they're not frayed or cracked.

If a cord smokes or smells like it's burning, turn off the appliance immediately and replace it. If you must use extension cords, check to make sure they're not damaged or hot to the touch.

Also, for outside use, only use heavy-duty extension cords rated for outdoor use.

Hide the guns away, and clear up that exit...

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