Make your home as safe as it can be
Too many accidents occur in a home. Many of these them would never have happened if the owners had followed a few inexpensive yet necessary safety features that could make a home safer.
“Probably the most efficient, useful and cost-effective items leading the home safety list would be the battery-powered smoke detectors. Even with the possibility that power to the home goes out, you still have the detectors that provide a high-pitch sound that will be with you for a few minutes. The detectors are generally mounted over bedroom doors or hallways with a few screws. Battery-powered smoke detectors can cost as little $5 or $6.
“Homeowners often keep a small fire extinguisher handy in the kitchen and fireplace area where flare-ups can occur. All big fires generally were tiny ones when they started. If a blaze does occur, get everyone out of the house if necessary and call in the professional firefighters if it needs more that a hand extinguisher.
“Lots of things can amplify the possibility of causing a fire or making a fire bigger. It’s best to store all paint, solvent and other materials with ignitable fumes in a well-ventilated area. Rags soaked with flammable material should be discarded in metal cans out-of-doors.
“Electrical and mechanical things work better and last longer when they are serviced at least once a year. Heating and air-conditioning systems need to be checked and serviced as noted in your owner’s manuals.
“Kitchen appliances can cause a lot of potential problems. Best replace damaged cords or plugs. Make sure the face plates are not broken. Outlets need to be grounded and rated for the appliances plugged into them. Too many appliances plugged into a single outlet can overload an improperly protected circuit.
“It is an excellent idea to have a home escape plan in mind. Have a family meeting to discuss the safest way to exit the home in various situations. If you have a second story, keep a firmly-secured rope ladder — or one with knots — nearby to grip while escaping, if needed.
“When you are away, it is a good habit to leave a light on as well as a radio to give the appearance that someone is at home. If you are away for some time, consider getting timers that turn lights on and off at intervals during the evening.
A home with deadbolt locks is more likely to cause a would-be burglar to move on to an easier target. And, don’t leave spare keys under the welcome mat. It is the first place someone would look.
Many a thief has made off with a household of furniture and other valuables under full view of the neighbors by posing as movers or delivery men. These scenes in a movie are sometimes very amusing – but certainly not if that’s your furniture being loaded on a truck.
“One of the best methods to keep unwanted people away from your home at night is motion lighting. These are lights that turn on when anyone approaches the area. You can find them on hundreds of homes in Spokane. They are effective and inexpensive, and can be found at home supply stores.
“Accidents do happen, so keep a handy list of emergency numbers near the phones. Sometimes seconds can make a difference.