As Thanksgiving approaches, use this checklist to ensure your home is ready for all the festivities of the holiday season.
Fire Safety
- Test your smoke alarms monthly and make sure your house is protected by an adequate number of working alarms, which should be installed in each bedroom, outside each sleeping area and on every level of your home.
- Keep halls, stairs and doorways properly illuminated and free of clutter and other objects that could hinder an escape during a fire emergency.
Decorating Safety
- Avoid overloading electrical outlets, which can overheat and cause a fire.
- Do not place extension cords where they could be tripping hazards.
- Do not run extension cords under rugs or furniture.
- Keep all decorations at least 3 feet from heat sources, including space heaters and fireplaces.
- Think of youngsters: Place cords, breakables, candles and other potentially dangerous items out of children’s reach.
- Turn off and unplug all decorations before leaving home or going to sleep.
- Use only weatherproof electrical devices for outdoor activities and protect those devices from moisture.
Home Heating Safety
- Have your heating system inspected annually by a licensed, qualified professional.
- Use space heaters properly and safely. Keep them out of high-traffic areas and at least 3 feet from anything that can burn.
- Do not leave a space heater running unattended. Turn off and unplug space heaters when you leave the room or go to sleep.
- Never leave an open flame—especially in a fireplace—unattended.
Child Safety
- If you are hosting small children, put away small items that are choking hazards.
- Use safety gates at the top and bottom of stairways to keep babies and toddlers safe.
- Move all cleaning products and other dangerous items out of the reach of children and store them in a locked area.
- Set your water heater temperature no higher than 120 degrees to reduce the risk of scalding.
- Install tamper-resistant receptacles to prevent electric shocks and burns, or use safety covers on all unused outlets that are accessible to children.
- Never allow children to play with electrical decorations or cords.