Home accidents result in 10 million emergency room visits each year, and many injuries occur in garages and near doorways. When you’re longing to get outside, consider these simple steps to enhance safety for you and your family.
Check for fluids. Look under sinks, in bathrooms, closets, garage and basement for potentially hazardous liquids like cleaning solvents, oil-based paints, primers and thinners, gasoline, kerosene, motor oil, anti-freeze, windshield washer, insecticide, pesticides, fertilizers and charcoal lighter fluid. Safely dispose of any unneeded or expired fluids by following the manufacturer’s instructions and utilizing a community-based hazardous waste program. Pouring these liquids down the sink, on the ground or in a storm sewer, or placing them in the garbage, is not safe.
Cap, label and raise. If you need to keep containers containing chemicals of any kind, cap them safely and label them correctly. Raise them up out of the reach of children and pets.
Ventilate products and chimneys. Make sure petroleum-based products and other products with noxious fumes are not stored near a heat source or in a confined space such as a basement or closet. Spring is a good time to have chimneys professionally cleaned.
Check alarms. Housing codes typically require smoke and carbon-monoxide alarms in a residence. Consider adding these safety devices in garages and basements. Replace the batteries in all smoke and carbon-monoxide alarms.
Clean up clutter. Many trip-and-fall or fall-from-above accidents happen because houses are cluttered near doors. Garages, basements and attics are places where many homeowners put things out of the way—only to find them “by accident.”
Separate for safety. In the garage and basement, make an area for bikes, balls, and toys—away from potentially dangerous items such as fuels, paints and power tools.
Prepare for an emergency. Make sure all entrances and exits to your home, including the garage or basement, are clear. Place a first-aid kit and flashlight in the garage and basement. Mount a fire extinguisher in the garage, and train adults how to use it based on manufacturer’s directions.
Check appliances. Check appliance hoses for dishwashers, refrigerators, washers and dryers. Look for danger signs like crimping, cracking or damage on power wires, supply/discharge hoses and vents. If you have a sump pump, test it—before downpours and melting snows do.
