News and Events
May 16, 2008
How Safe Are We at Home?
How
Safe Are We At Home?
By
Insurance Networking Systems
Owner/Licensed
Agent/Consumer Advocate
While
changing the batteries in my fire alarm a couple weeks ago, it occurred to me
that we take for granted how safe we are in our own homes.
We
don't think twice about using, say, a hairdryer or electric shaver in the
bathroom, but every year nearly 20,000 people are injured in the safety of
their own homes! While that may be
alarming, the good news is that you can prevent some of the most common
injuries by being proactive before someone gets hurt.
That
got me thinking about how I can protect my clients, so I put together a short
list of what you can do room by room to protect yourself:
In
the kitchen: buy a fire extinguisher and learn how to use it. Experts agree
that all kitchens should keep an extinguisher on hand. Be sure to store it 10
feet from the stove, though. You want to be able to reach it when you need it.
Get a grip! Having pot holders or oven mitts that can really stand up to high
temperatures is a must.
In
the bathroom: slips and falls are the culprits in the bathroom. Easy to install
grab bars are available at your local hardware store as are tub floor no-slip
stickers. Don't forget to keep your water heater at a safe 120 degrees.
Scalding is the second most common bathroom injury.
In
the living room: heavy furniture like bookcases or entertainment centers should
be mounted to a wall stud to prevent tipping. Fireplaces and wood stoves should
always have a screen in place to prevent sparks from damaging carpets and
floors. A screen can also prevent sparks from igniting and starting a
fire.
In
the bedroom: about half of home fire deaths occur at night when residents are
asleep. There should be a smoke detector in every bedroom and on each floor of
your home. Be sure to check the batteries in your smoke detector twice a year.
Most local fire departments suggest checking the batteries in your smoke
detector when you set your clocks forward and back for daylight savings time.
The
best advice is often the most obvious which is why it's so important to be
pro-active and take the time to put safety measures in place.
