Home Safety
In the event of an emergency is your home a safe place to take refuge? Or is your home full of hazards? Here are a few things to look for to improve the safety of your home.
Safety should always come first.
Earthquake Safety
Check for hazards before an earthquake.
Fasten shelves securely to walls.
Place large or heavy objects on lower shelves.
Store breakable items such as bottled foods in closed cabinets with latches.
Hang heavy items such as pictures and mirrors away from beds and couches etc.
Brace overhead light fixtures.
Store weed killers, pesticides, and flammable products on bottom shelves.
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Here is a list of safety rules for during and earthquake.
Hide under sturdy furniture such as a heavy desk or table.
Stay against an inside wall.
Stay away from where glass, windows, mirrors, pictures, or where heavy bookcases or other heavy furniture could fall over.
Get in the open away from buildings, trees, phone and electrical lines or overpasses.
Fire Safety
Smoke Alarms
Place smoke alarms outside bedrooms on the ceiling or high on the wall (4-12” from ceiling), at the top of open stairways, or at the bottom of enclosed stairs and near the kitchen. Test smoke alarms monthly. Replace alarms every 10 years.
Escaping the Fire
Review escape routes with your family.
Teach family members to stay low to the floor (where the air is safer in a fire)
Flammable Items
Never use gasoline, or similar flammable liquids indoors.
Store flammable liquids in approved containers in well-ventilated storage areas.
Heating Sources
Keep matches/lighters away from children, and in a locked cabinet. Sleep with your door closed. Install fire extinguishers and teach family how to use them.
Extreme Weather
Extreme weather can cause power outages, property damage, or flooding. All can be hazardous if you haven't prepared ahead of time.
Extreme Cold
Snow and Ice storms aren't very common in my neck of the woods. That means a lot of people may not look at this scenario as one to plan for. This could have disastrous results. If your home is safe to stay in and the power goes out there are some simple ways to stay warm. There are also some very important things to avoid.
To stay warm when the power is out set up a tent in your living room and have the family sleep inside. If you don't have a tent, build a "fort" with blankets. This will help trap heat in a smaller area. You may be surprised at how much body heat can warm a small space. If you need a little extra help, light a candle. but be very careful not to catch anything on fire.
Do not use your gas oven as a heating source. This can cause a serious risk of carbon monoxide poisoning and fire. You can still use the stove to cook with but to leave it on for long periods of time can cause gas to build up in your home. This can be very deadly.
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Extreme Heat
​A power outage in the month of August is no laughing matter. Staying cool is important especially if you are on certain medications. Here are some tips to stay cool.
Hydration: Focus on staying hydrated. Drink plenty of water. Avoid caffeine, alcohol and sugary drinks. They can cause dehydration.
Clothing: Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing. Getting your head wet can also help keep your body cool.
Keep you house cool: Close the blinds, especially on the south facing windows. Keep the air flowing through the house by opening 2 windows on opposite sides of the house. This will cause a cross-breeze that pulls hot air through the house.