Build Safety Into Your Home

• Scalding from hot water can be severe. Set your hot water heater to a temperature of 110 to 120 degrees.

• Store your liquor, chemicals, cleaners, and medicines in cabinets (out of the sight of children) and put locks on the doors.

• Also put locks on cabinets where you store plastic garbage bags.

• Eliminate (or cover) sharp corners on countertops, tables, and hearths.

• Put safety stops on your drawers.

• All outlets within 6 feet of a sink should be a GFI (ground fault interrupted) outlet.

• Put outlet covers in other outlets that small children can reach.

• Have fire extinguishers fully charged and handy (especially near the kitchen).

• Have smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors installed.

• Use night lights.

• The range in the kitchen should have controls on top not on the front.

• Make sure the flooring near tubs, shower, and sinks is slip-resistant.

• Select hardware for bathroom doors that can be opened from both sides. This applies to children's bedrooms as well.

• Any glass at shower or tub enclosures should be safety glass, or acrylic.

• Have grab bars in the tub and shower.

• Soap dishes should be recessed so elbows or heads don't bump into them.

• Post emergency numbers, including the National Poison Control Hotline (1-800-222-1222) by each phone.

• Keep a stocked first aid kit near the kitchen and workbench areas.

• When working outdoors, use the heavy duty, UL rated extension cords; make sure your ladder is stable before using it; and wear safety glasses when using weed- whackers, hedge clippers, or other tools which will throw debris in all directions.