As the year is drawing to a close, the Christmas decorations are going up and people are getting ready to celebrate the holidays. The holidays invite all sorts of fun activity, but can also be a dangerous time if your home is not safe. Go through the following checklist so that you can be well prepared for any emergency situation.
1. Test your equipment
It is no good having a smoke alarm that doesn´t trigger during a fire, or a panic button that does nothing more than click due to flat batteries in a time of dire need. Make the effort to double check that your best defences against emergency situations are in top working order.
2. First Aid kit
A first aid kit can be used for treating a grazed knee, or mean the difference between life and death. It´s fundamentally important that your household, workplace and car have a first aid kit on hand. Your first aid kit should also include information on CPR, the Heimlich Manoeuvre and emergency telephone numbers.
3. Electricity
Fuse boxes, overloaded power points and appliances in bathrooms are just a few of the possible hazards that you´ll need to look out for on your home safety checklist. Baby proofing plugs and cables is an obvious decision if you have small children, but also a great idea if you have pets. Be sure to have any electrical faults in your home, such as faulty lights or plugs, seen to by a professional as bad wiring poses massive fire risks – thatch roof home owners – be extra cautious.
4. Storage spaces
The garden and surrounding areas of your home are potentially riddled with hazards. In your garage or garden shed, make sure that all flammable liquids and gasses are properly sealed and stored away. Oil spills or leaky canisters can have disastrous effects with the smallest of spark or flame.
5. Make a neighbour a friend
If you have any friends in your street or neighbourhood that you can trust, give them a copy of your key and put their phone number on your list of emergency numbers.
6. Lights out
Always turn off Christmas lights when you leave the house unattended or when going to bed.
7. Outdoor safety
When hanging outdoor lights, keep electrical connectors off the ground and away from metal rain gutters. Use insulated tape or plastic clips instead of metal nails or tacks to hold them in place.
Home safety is an essential part of life as we know it. The old adage is true – it really is better to be safe than sorry.
Home safety is an essential part of life as we know it. The old adage is true – it really is better to be safe than sorry.
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