How You Can Prevent Accidents at Home

Here are some organization websites that provide more detailed information about keeping your home safe: 

• Home Safety Council

An organization for education on issues relating to safety in the home; focused on all age categories and rich with multi-media resources.

• National Safety Council

Information on safety relating to home, work, and on the road. Multi-media resources, membership offered and regular publication magazine.

• Safety Education

Large collection of home and workplace safety resources, products and education.

• US Fire Administration Fire Safety

Information and resources focusing on home fire safety. Resources for parents, kids, teachers, older adults, and people with disabilities.

• Dryer Safety Tips from Consumer Reports Video

Video illustrating the problems with dryer vent fires, plus potential prevention tips.

• National Crime Prevention Council Home Safety

“McGruff the Crime Dog” site, sponsored by the National Crime Prevention Council. Focuses on home and neighborhood safety, including neighborhood watch tips, training, and gas station theft prevention.

• Hidden Hazards in your Home (Video)

The Coalition for Consumer Health and Safety says many household injuries can be prevented. Steve Brobeck of the Consumer Federation of America demonstrates simple steps you can use to protect yourself and your family. Video focuses on falls and fall prevention.

• Smoke Alarm Safety Tips (Video)

National Fire Prevention Association video explaining smoke alarm placement, testing and safety.

• Making Your Home Hurricane Safer (Video)

Dr. Tim Reinhold, Director of Engineering and Vice President, Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) has identified five steps homeowners or their contractors can take to make homes more hurricane-resistant.

• Home Safety Checklist

Some of the potential safety risks, and what you can do to prevent them from injuring your family.

You probably enjoy spending leisure time in the back yard… barbecuing on weekends, pushing your children in the swing, or gardening with your mom. All of these activities are even more enjoyable when you don’t have to worry about someone getting hurt. There are some simple, inexpensive actions you can take to accident-proof your outdoor areas:

• Make sure walkways and outdoor stairs are well lit and free from clutter. Do stairs have any loose steps? Are railings sturdy? Are concrete paths free of cracks and patches of grass?
• Recreation equipment should be sturdily built, fastened securely and free from rust, splinters and sharp edges. Swing sets and monkey bars, for example, take a beating during winter months if you are in a cold climate. Play equipment should be placed on soft ground – sand, mulch or rubber surfacing, for example – to cushion a child’s fall.
• Gardening and repair equipment should be kept in a garage or locked storage shed, not left where people can trip or get hurt by sharp edges. Store ladders where children will not be tempted to climb them. And make sure that garbage cans and other waste containers are securely covered.
• Bug sprays, weed killers and other potentially lethal garden supplies should be kept in a locked up too. Rinse out containers that have held poisonous substances, and keep children away when, for example, lawns and gardens have been sprayed.
• If you have a pool, whether in-ground or above-ground, you must be especially cautious. Make sure you know what state and local laws require in the way of fencing and locked gates. Purchase a water alarm that makes a piercing sound when something or someone enters the pool. Never leave children unsupervised in a pool – even a baby pool, which should be emptied of water when not in use. Most important, make sure your entire family is trained in CPR.