Be prepared
- Have telephones in easy reach of both your bed and the place you sit most often
- Place emergency phone numbers on or near every phone in your home
- Buy a first-aid kit. Keep one in both your home and your car
Avoid Fires
- Install smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms throughout the house. Test them periodically to make sure they work. Batteries should be changed at least once a year
- Place fire extinguishers in the kitchen and other rooms. Make sure you know how to use them
- Never smoke in bed
- Turn off appliances when they are not in use
- Run electrical cords along walls, not under rugs
- Don’t overload outlets and extension cords
- Never store flammable liquids such as cleaning agents and paint supplies near heating units
- Keep space heaters a safe distance from combustibles. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines
- Have more than one escape route from your home. Practice these routes with your family
A Recipe for Careful Cooking
- Keep flammable objects such as curtains, aprons and dishtowels away from stoves
- Never wear loose clothing near a stovetop while cooking
- Never leave cooking unattended. Don’t cook if you are drowsy
- Heat oil slowly. Heating oil too quickly can easily start a fire
- If a pan catches fire, carefully place a lid over the pan and turn off the heat. Leave the lid on until completely cool
- Always clean appliances and surfaces after cooking to prevent grease buildup
- Make sure handles on cookware are secure and always turned toward the center of the stove when cooking
- Use a step stool instead of a chair to climb to a high shelf
Avoid bumps, burns, bruises and falls
- Make sure staircases are well lit and have convenient switches and night-lights at the top and bottom
- Securely fasten all carpeting and make sure all throw rugs or area rugs have non-skid backing
- Install rubber mats or safety decals in bathtubs and showers
- Close cabinet doors and drawers when they are not in use
- Keep staircases and hallways free of clutter
- Never go up and down stairs carrying things that could block your vision or put you off balance