How can you prepare?
3 Simple Steps


Home Safety

Most accidents occur at home. However, there are some simple steps you can take to make your home safer. Start by identifying potential hazards in each room and plan appropriate changes to make it safer.
 
  • Install smoke detectors on each level of your home and in each sleeping area. Test them periodically to ensure they work. Change the batteries at daylight saving time or every 6 months.
  • Install carbon monoxide detectors on each level of your home, particularly in or near sleeping areas. Test them periodically to ensure they work. Change batteries at daylight saving time or every 6 months.
  • Consider installing an automatic fire sprinkler system in your home.
  • Keep an ABC type fire extinguisher on each level of the house and know how and when to use it.
  • Store flammable or highly reactive chemicals (such as bleach, ammonia, paint thinners) securely and separate from each other.  Keep all chemicals out of the reach of children.
  • Do not leave candles or cooking unattended.
    Keep matches, lighters, and other flammable materials in a safe location--away from children.
  • Do not overload electrical outlets. Unplug appliances when not in use.
  • Use safety caps to cover all unused outlets, especially if there are small children in the home.
  • Move beds away from windows.
  • Move mirrors and heavy pictures away from couches or places where people sit.
  • Secure pictures and wall hangings and use restraints to secure heavy items such as bookcases and file cabinets.
  • Keep hallways, stairways and exits clear--particularly in case of an urgent evacuation.
  • Store heavy items on the lowest shelves.
  • Know how and when to switch off your utilities.
  • Be sure your house address number is visible from the street so emergency personnel can quickly locate you.
  • Keep a first aid kit in an easily accessible place. Learn CPR and first aid skills.
  • Place emergency phone numbers near every phone in your home.
  • A swimming pool should have a fence or barrier surrounding all four sides with self-closing and self-latching gates. Never leave a child unsupervised near a pool.
  • Make sure everyone in the household knows the location of the Emergency Supplies Kit and their Go Bag.


 
Copyright © 2012 County of York, Pennsylvania.