Home Security
2008-04-01 11:37:00
Fire safety inspections
Question: What are some things I can do this spring to make my home safer, especially if small children are involved?
Answer: There are several things to do this time of year, one of the most important one is to have the HVAC unit serviced and cleaned. To get ready for the spring showers make sure the gutters are clear and the downspouts extend out at least 5 feet from the house. You might have to add a little dirt around the foundation to assure that water runs away from the house. Inspect the walkways and sidewalks to see if any of the winter freezing has shifted any cement and made any trip hazards. Since we changed the clock did you check your smoke detector battery? You should have and you need to test it at least once a month
Regarding safety and children here are some things you might want to consider.
The National Center for Health Statistics says that children under 14 are seven times more likely to die from an accidental injury than a homicide. However, many parents have the misconception that violent acts (things over which they have no control) such as kidnappings, shootings and drugs pose greater dangers to their children than injuries, according to polls. Nonetheless, injuries are the number one killer and disabler of children.
Today there are things parents can do to control the impact of many injuries. One out of every four children suffers a preventable injury that requires medical attention. There are things that can be done to prevent these kinds of serious injuries.
Turn down your water heater thermostat to between 120 degrees and 125 degrees to prevent scalding; this will also save on your heating bill. Did you know many houseplants are toxic? Find out which ones are and, if you have any of them, remove them from your home.
This, I feel is very important, make the garage off limits. But just in case, be sure any potentially dangerous items are stored out of reach and/or locked up. And please remove firearms from your home. If you must have them, keep the ammunition locked in a strongbox stored away from the gun. Remove or keep tightly closed 4- to 6-gallon buckets or pails; a child can fall into this size bucket and drown in just a few inches of water.
Everyone is aware of childproof covers on electrical outlets, but do we use them? Keep hallways and exits well lit and clear of obstructions. Shorten cords on window blinds, or use cord windup devices to prevent strangulation hazards. Keep windows and doors locked to keep kids from climbing out or jamming their fingers. Make sure doors that are in frequent use cannot be locked. Use foam devices that cling to the door’s edge and prevent crushed fingers.
We’ve all seen this happen in the movies where someone runs into, or through a sliding glass door. It’s funny there, but not in real life, this contributes to many serious injuries. Apply decals or decorations to sliding glass doors. Here’s something most never think about, but this is a contributing factor to many falls inside the home. Throw rugs or area rugs sliding or bunching up causing one to trip. Attach nonskid backing to area rugs.
Stairways are one of the most dangerous places in the house for small children or even the elderly. Install a self-latching lock on your basement door. If you do not have a door, put safety gates at the tops and bottoms of stairways. Gates--especially the one at the top--should be well secured so they won’t give way when pushed. Stay away from accordion gates that can pinch fingers. Keep stairs free of clutter, and remember carpeted stairs are much safer.
These are just a few things to think about, but remember common sense goes a long way to keeping your house safe, and comfortable. More next month.
