Safety all through the home:

• Use electrical outlet covers.
• Unplug electrical appliances when not in use.
• Install an appropriate number of smoke detectors - one near each bedroom, one at the top of each stairway and one near the planned escape route.
• Teach your children that matches are a tool, and not a toy. Keep matches out of reach of younger children, and allow older children to use them only when supervised.
• Store all flammable liquids properly.
• Store all chemicals and cleaners out of reach of children, or lock the cabinet.
• Have the electrical wiring in your house checked professionally every 10 years.
• Have the fireplace and chimney inspected every year before the cold weather season.
• Replace damaged electrical cords.
• Do not leave lighted candles unattended.
• Gasoline has only one purpose: to fuel an engine.

Safety in the kitchen and dining area:

• Always supervise children in the kitchen and dining area.
• Keep children away from everything that is hot.
• If young children are in the home, use placemats rather than tablecloths.
• Keep all hot items and anything electrical out of reach of children and away from edges of tables and counters.
• Establish a kid-free zone, where young children can be watched but are safely out of the kitchen while cooking is being done.
• Do not use deep-fryers with children present.
• Keep pot handles turned inward; use oven mitts or pot holders. Keep clothing from coming into contact with flames or heating elements.
• Store all chemicals and cleaners out of reach of children, or lock the cabinet.
• Follow instructions and cautions for heating items in a microwave oven.
• Avoid area rugs in the kitchen.
• Do not handle hot items while holding young children.

Safety in the bathroom:

• Have a latch-bolt on the outside of the bathroom door so young children cannot enter the bathroom unsupervised.
• Always supervise children in the bath.
• The water in a child’s bath should not exceed 104° F. Set your water heater no higher than 120° F.
• Run cold water in the tub first, and then add warmer water.
• Before placing a child in the tub, test the water temperature by moving your hand through the water.
• If the water feels hot, it is too hot for a child.
• When placing a child in the bathtub, face them away from the faucets and as close to the other end of the tub as possible.
• If you let your children play with toys while in the bathtub, do not leave them unattended.
• Consider not permitting toys in the bathtub.

Safety planning in case a fire does occur:

• Have an escape plan, including two exits from each room, in place.
• Practice using the plan.
• Have a designated meeting place at a safe distance from the home.
• Call 911 in the case of an emergency.