Every year, Port Townsend home owners experience accidents in their house that could have been avoided. These, include electric and kitchen fires, gas leaks, smoke, and carbon monoxide injuries, scalding from hot water, and falling down stairs. Below are seven easy, cost effective ways for reducing your chances of facing such a household calamity.
1. Have you replaced your smoke detector (s) in the last 10 years?
As of 1997, 94% of all homes have smoke detectors. In fact, a working smoke detector can reduce your risk of dying in a house fire by nearly 50%. Batteries should be changed every 6 months and smoke detectors every 10 years.
2. Does your family have an escape plan if a fire should occur?
Only 16% households have developed and practiced a fire escape plan. Always have at least 2 ways out of every room and practice these routes every 6 months. Furthermore, plan an emergency meeting place outside of your home in the event of a fire.
3. Parents, do you have anti-scald valves on all faucets and vent locks or gates on all windows?
Water temperatures can vary by up to 30 degrees Fahrenheit. Because of this, scalding is a leading cause of burn related injuries among children. Remember to install safety gates on windows, screens alone are not strong enough to prevent falls.
4. Do you have a class ABC fire extinguisher mounted near an exit on every level of your home?
4. Do you have a class ABC fire extinguisher mounted near an exit on every level of your home?
Home fires are the leading cause of death in the US for people over the age of 1. That's why, in addition to smoke and fire detectors, fire extinguishers should be located on every level of your home.
5. Do you have ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI's) for receptacles near all water supplies and damp areas?
This includes all outlets in bathrooms, laundry areas, kitchens, or anywhere dampness meets electricity. GFCI's act like circuit breakers to eliminate shock hazards. They will shut down the circuit if an imbalance is detected.
6. Do your stairwells have bright lights at both the top and bottom, and are your basement steps painted with illuminating paint?
More than 42% of falling deaths result from tripping on stairs and steps. Lighting the location of steps will go a long way toward preventing tripping. Also, don't forget to secure all rugs and carpeting on or near you steps with rubber backing or double stick tape.
7. Do all of your exterior doors have deadbolt locks on them?
Most burglars take the easy way into your home, either a door or a window. Deadbolts offer the greatest protection. Use a double cylinder bolt when there is glass in or near a door.
