ANDY’s Helpful Tips!
Home Safety
Home safety is an important part of preventative home maintenance. In case of an emergency, all adults in your household should know where the following controls are located and how to turn them off:
- Heating fuel (gas) main shutoff
- Main electrical fuse/breaker box
- Main water shutoff
- Water shutoff valve for each toilet and sink in your home and your washing machine.
It’s also a good idea to keep a wrench nearby each of these vital shutoff valves. As well, every home should have a fire extinguisher in the kitchen and in the garage.
You can avoid personal injury by following a few safety tips.
- Avoid overloading extension cords and electrical outlets.
- Turn off appliances when you are not using them.
- Do not store flammable liquids such as paint supplies near heating units.
- Keep flammable objects such as dish towels, curtains, and aprons away from stoves, and don’t wear loose fitting clothing while cooking.
- If a pan catches fire on the stove, cover it with a lid and turn off the heat.
- If a fire gets out of control, immediately leave the house and call the fire department using a neighbor’s phone or a cell phone.
Develop an escape route out of your house and practice it monthly with your family.