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CHECK YOUR HOME FOR HAZARDS

Your home should be a safe haven, especially if you have kids. These simple checklists help you find and correct potentially deadly hazards.

HOME SAFETY CHECKLIST

CHEMICAL HAZARDS

Be sure flammable liquids such as gasoline, cleaning products, and paint thinner are stored in a safe, well ventilated location, out of reach of children.

Confirm that flammable liquids are stored well away from open flames, gas appliances, other possible heat sources.

Verify that the storage containers have labels stating that they are approved by Underwriters Laboratory (UL) or Factory Mutual (FM).

Make sure that all chemical storage containers have Mr. Yuk labels on them to warn children.

ELECTRICAL HAZARDS

Examine extension and appliance cords to ensure that they are in good condition. Be sure they are not frayed or cracked, and have no loose prongs or plugs.

Make sure that any extension cords currently in use are placed so as not to become a tripping hazard.

Confirm that no extension cords are placed under rugs or over nails, heaters, or pipes.

Ensure that all wiring is properly covered.

Monitor all appliances to ensure that they operate safely and do not overheat, short out, smoke, or spark.

FIRE HAZARDS

Keep old rags, papers, mattresses, broken furniture, clothes, curtains, and the like away from electrical equipment, gas appliances, or other possible sources of heat or flame.

Keep fully charged fire extinguishers on each floor and ensure that they are serviced or replaced as needed.

Safely dispose of all garden waste and dried grass clippings, tree trimmings, or pulled weeds.

Replace the batteries in all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors annually.

FLOOD HAZARDS

Check gutters and downspouts to be sure they are not clogged with debris.

Inspect storm drains near your property. If they are clogged, contact your local authorities for follow-up.

Inspect your property for possible flood risks. Consider storing sandbags and supplies for seasonal flooding.

ORGANIC HAZARDS

Check if any of your houseplants are poisonous or toxic. If so, make sure they are out of reach of pets and children.

Confirm there is no mold on the walls or ceiling of your bathrooms, kitchen, basement, or other rooms.

STRUCTURAL HAZARDS

Consider securing water heaters, large appliances, bookcases, other tall and heavy furniture, shelves, mirrors, pictures, and overhead light fixtures by anchoring to wall studs.

Consider moving heavy pictures or mirrors away from where people sleep.

Move large or heavy objects to lower shelves.

If needed, install flexible gas supply lines for the water heater or other gas appliances. ? Evaluate cabinet doors to see if any require latches or locks to keep items from falling out.

Ensure lighting is appropriate for all areas inside and outside the home, especially stairs.

Clear any clutter from hallways and stairways.

Inspect and repair any cracks in the foundation or other parts of your home.

CHILD SAFETY MEASURES

Install safety gates at the tops and bottoms of stairways; verify that they are securely mounted.

Install guards around fireplaces, radiators, hot pipes, or wood-burning stoves; verify that they are securely mounted.

Consider installing corner guards on furniture and other protection from sharp edges in the home as needed.

Keep curtain cords and shade pulls out of reach.

Set your hot water heater to a safe temperature of 120 °F (49 °C) or less.

Store all prescription drugs and over-the-counter medicines in childproof containers and out of reach.

Keep shampoos and cosmetics out of reach.

Keep all sharp objects in the bathroom, kitchen, and other areas out of reach. Keep all sharp objects in the bathroom, kitchen, and other areas out of reach. Keep all sharp objects in the bathroom, kitchen, and other areas out of reach.

Ensure that toilet seats and lids are left down when not in use.

Keep all electrical outlets covered.

Inspect beds or cribs to ensure they are mounted away from radiators or other hot surfaces.

Verify that mattresses fit the sides of cribs snugly, and that crib slats are no more than 2 ³/₈ inches (6 cm) apart.

Confirm that toy boxes have secure lids and safe-closing hinges.

KNOW WHAT’S SAFE TO EAT

After a power outage, you may be torn between not wanting to waste valuable food, and the fear of food poisoning. Use these guidelines to keep you healthy.

FOOD IN REFRIGERATOR

HELD ABOVE 40 °F (4 °C) FOR MORE THAN 2 HOURS

Meat, poultry, or seafood (raw, leftover, or thawing; also includes soy meat substitutes, salads, lunch meats, pizza, cans that have been opened, and sauces with fish or meat)

Any soft, shredded, or low-fat cheeses

Milk, cream, sour cream, buttermilk, evaporated milk, yogurt, eggnog, soy milk, or opened baby formula

All eggs and egg-based products, such as puddings

Fresh fruits, if cut up

Pre-cut, pre-washed, and/or cooked vegetables, tofu, opened vegetable juice, garlic in oil, or potato salad

Vegetable or cream-based sauces, jam, opened mayonnaise, tartar sauce, and horseradish * if above 50 °F (10 °C) for over 8 hours

Opened creamy-base dressings or spaghetti sauce

Unbaked dough, cooked pasta, rice, potatoes, pasta salads, fresh pasta, cheesecake, or cream-filled pastries or pies

Casseroles, soups, and stews

Hard cheeses such as cheddar,colby, swiss, parmesan, provolone, romano, or hard cheeses grated in can or jar

Butter, margarine

Opened fruit juices or canned fruits, along with fresh fruits, coconut, dried or candied fruits, and dates

Soy, barbecue, and taco sauce, peanut butter, jelly, relish, mustard, catsup, olives, pickles, and vinegar-based dressings

Bread, rolls, cakes, cookies, muffins, quick breads, tortillas, waffles, pancakes, bagels, fruit pies, pastries, grains

Fresh raw vegetables, mushrooms, herbs, and spices

FOOD IN FREEZER

MEAT, POULTRY, AND SEAFOOD

STILL CONTAINS ICE CRYSTALS AND FEELS AS COLD AS IF REFRIGERATED

REFREEZE
(Seafood loses some texture and flavor)