Home Safety Tips
There are few basics safety items to be aware of that often get overlooked in our busy day-to-day lives. Prevention is key. We recommend you check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors about one a month. Test them by holding down the test button for a few seconds, then wait for the alarm. If it doesn’t sound or it’s too quiet, replace the batteries and try again. You should have a fire extinguisher in your kitchen and garage or next to a fireplace. We also recommend being ready for climate disasters. Have some ice melt tucked away to tackle slick spots and prevent falls, clear gutters in preparation for heavy rainfall and to avoid leaks in the home, and invest in a generator in the event of a long-term power failure.
For home structure safety, ensure you have handrails that are up to code, especially if you have small children or elderly people in the home or as frequent visitors. Add grip products to slippery surfaces for added security, and consider motion-sensor lighting for especially dark areas. Falls are common injuries, and you can help prevent them by removing hazards and providing these helpful tools. Also consider anchoring furniture that could topple over onto a child. Bookcases, dressers, and entertainment centers can be top heavy, and with the right leverage they can come down on a child easily. Avoid this by anchoring it to the wall right as you set it up.
We’ve heard many firefighters say that home fires frequently start with lint-filled dryer vents. Clean this about once a year and make sure you’re cleaning out the dryer lint trap every time you use it. Also avoid calling 911 by clearly marking toxic products such as cleaning supplies and paint products as well as medications. Keep hazardous products out of reach, and make sure your medicines are stored and labeled so that mistakenly taking the wrong item is not going to occur.
Prevention is the best practice, but since we’re only human, there are bound to be mistakes. Keep first aid kits stocked, current, and handy for a quick response to bodily injuries. Shield-Safety carries an impressive selection of first aid products, and we can help set up the best kit for your needs.
Proactive businesses owners will benefit by bringing us in for training of employees to provide invaluable information for your team. We discuss the importance of and provide the support tools necessary for safety at home in addition the safety on the job. This added attention shows each employee that you care about them even when they’re off the clock.