General Home Hazards

• Have emergency numbers next to every phone.
• Install smoke detectors on every floor and inside or near every bedroom. Test monthly.
• Install carbon monoxide (CO) detectors on every floor. Test monthly.
• Replace batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors every six months.
• Make sure dangerous products and cleaners are labeled and stored separately from food, beverages and medicine.
• Secure rugs and carpets to the stairs or remove them.
• Be sure stairways, porches, and walkways are lit.
• Be sure house number is clearly visible from the street, day and night.
• Make sure automatic garage door opener has an auto-reverse feature to prevent injuries.

Earthquake Hazards

• Secure entertainment centers, cabinets, book cases, refrigerators, freezers, free standing flat screen TV’s, and tall bookshelves to wall studs with “L” shaped brackets or furniture safety straps.
• Secure items on shelves to prevent toppling.
• Use earthquake picture wall hangers for large, heavy, hanging pictures.
• Remove objects from above beds.
• Place heavier items on lower shelves and lighter items above.
• Secure food storage, glass canning jars, books, paint, cleaning supplies, etc. with rope, boards or other bracing in front of shelves to prevent falling.
• Install cupboard locks to prevent doors from swinging open and contents falling out.
• If necessary, consult a trusted contractor regarding structural reinforcement.

Fire Hazards

• Keep fire extinguishers in or near utility room, kitchen, laundry room, garage, and any other room that contains a major heat source. Know how to operate properly.
• Have all HVAC systems, flue pipes, vents, and chimneys inspected and cleaned yearly.
• Keep curtains, potholders or other combustibles away from cooking ranges or other heat sources.
• Keep the stove, oven, and broiler clean of grease.
• Only store fuels like gasoline, kerosene, and propane in an out building away from the home.
• Clear brush, leaves, debris, and other combustibles from around your home. Use fire-resistant landscaping, and fire-safe construction.
• If the garage is attached, make sure a tight fitting, self-closing, fire door is used in the doorway between the garage and the house.

Evacuation and Escape Hazards

• Make sure there are at least two escape routes from every room.
• Make sure upper floor rooms have an emergency ladder or other means of escape.
• Make sure all exterior doors and windows have locks that unlock and open easily from the inside.
• Make sure all deadbolt locks have an inside thumb turn lock, not a key lock. A missing key could trap you inside.
• Make sure security bars have an inside release latch.
• Install night-lights and emergency lights in hallways and along emergency escape routes.

Utilities Hazards

• Keep a shut-off tool or adjustable wrench near the outside gas meter in case of a gas leak.
• After an earthquake, ONLY SHUT OFF THE GAS IF YOU SEE, HEAR OR SMELL A LEAK!!!
• Keep flashlights and spare batteries easily accessible and in working order in the event of a power outage. Flashlights are safer than candles.
• Only allow qualified electricians to install or repair your wiring.
• Have enough electrical outlets in every room to avoid the need for multiple plug attachments or long extension cords.
• Know how to safely reset breakers or replace fuses.
• Do not run extension cords under rugs, furniture, over hooks, or through doorways.
• Make sure all outlets and switches have properly fitting face plates.
• Make sure bulbs are the correct wattage for the lamps or light fixtures in which they are used.
• Too many appliances using the same outlet can cause a fire. Use outlets properly and use surge protectors as needed.
• Set water heater to 120o F to prevent scalding.
• Secure the water heater and any other gas appliance to wall studs with sturdy earthquake straps and make sure it is connected to the gas main with a flexible gas line.
• Teach all responsible people how, when and where to turn off main water, gas, and electricity.
• Make sure all appliances have an Underwriters Laboratories (UL) mark or stamp.
• Make sure all electrical outlets in bathrooms and near water use a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) to prevent shock.

Hazards that Affect Children

• Keep children away from the range when cooking.
• Use product safety caps and cupboard locks.
• Properly install toilet seat locks.
• Keep medicines, cosmetics and cleaners locked up.
• Keep window blind cords up out of reach and cut the cord loop in two pieces to prevent strangling.
• Install window guards in upper windows to prevent falling out.
• Install gates at the top and bottom of staircases.
• Install safety caps over electrical outlets.
• Store large buckets upside down to prevent collecting water and making a drowning hazard.