How many of these common safety hazards can be found around your house?  The National Safety Council provides the following tips.  They recommend house cleaning as an excellent time to conduct a home safety check.  Some safety hazards to look for in your home…

KITCHEN

- Provide good lighting at the stove, sink and countertop work area, especially where food is chopped.
- Use step stool or utility ladder for reaching high shelves and cupboards; not chairs or other unsafe makeshifts.
- Have a special rack or tray for storing sharp knives.
- Keep all household cleaners, disinfectants and insecticides out of children's reach.
- Spills should be wiped up as soon as they happen or as soon as you notice them.
- Use self-polishing or non-skid wax on floors if regular wax is used, be sure to buff it thoroughly.


BATHROOM

- Place non-skid masts, abrasive strips or textured surfaces in tubs and       
showers to prevent slipping on slick surfaces.
- Medicines should be clearly labeled and placed where children cannot
reach them.
- Dispose of outdated medicine.  Many chemicals change with age and the
medicine may become harmful.
- Put night lights in bathrooms.
- Keep breakable bottles of shampoo, oils, lotions, and creams where they will not be knocked over and shattered.


BASEMENT OR UTILITY ROOM

- Tag all gas and water lines for easy identification during an emergency.
- Label all fuses and circuit breakers to show which outlets and fixtures they protect.
- Washers and dryers should be electrically grounded.  Be careful-damp or wet floors can lead to electrical shock.
- Use non-combustible pads or metal ironing boards.
- Keep all cleaning fluids; drain openers, bleaches, ammonia and similar items locked up and out of children's reach.
- Keep passageways clear.  Basements are notorious for becoming cluttered.
- Position light switches in accessible area.  Accidents can happen when people stumble through the dark.


FIRE AND ELECTRICAL

- Inspect fire extinguishers and recharge them if necessary.
- Practice the family's fire escape route.
- All fireplaces should have fireproof screen in front.
- Test smoke detectors monthly and replace batteries annually.
- Cover electrical outlets if you have toddlers.
- All appliances should have UL (Underwriters Laboratory of AGA (American Gas Association) labels.
- Avoid "octopus" electrical cords.   Have an electrician install more electrical outlets if needed.

Inspecting your home and creating a hazard-free environment will reduce the chances of having an accident and give you peace of mind.  Take time to ensure the health and safety of your family and your home.