Making Your Home a Safe Environment

June is Home Safety Month. According to the Home Safety Council, home related injuries result in nearly 20,000 deaths and 21 million medical visits on average each year. Fortunately, many accidents -- for both children and adults -- can be avoided if simple safety measures are taken.

Household Safety

• Wear protective footwear and eye wear when mowing the lawn, operating power tools, working with a chisel, or hammering metal on metal.
• Keep tools away from children until they are old enough to use them properly.
• All stairways should have a sturdy hand rail. Don't leave objects on stairways. Make sure that carpet on stairways is securely fastened.
• All entryways should have bright lighting.
• Unplug appliances when they are not in use.
• In the bathroom, use non-slip floor mats. Put non-slip appliques on the bathtub.
• Don't use any electrical appliances when you are wet or in the bathtub, shower, or pool.
• Keep guns locked up and unloaded. Firearms and ammunition should be stored separately.
• Make sure your house number is easily visible from the street.

When You Go on Vacation

• Arrange for friends or neighbors to pick up newspapers and mail.
• Notify a neighbor you'll be gone.
• Arrange to keep your lawn maintained.
• Use timing devices for your lights.

For more home and general safety tips, visit our Health Library at http://www.franciscanphysicians.org/.