Each year too many Americans are injured — and killed — by accidents that occur on their own property. The sad fact is that many of these accidents could have been prevented.

Here are some tips on making your home a safer place for everyone.

General

	Make sure there are smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms installed throughout your home. Check them monthly to ensure they are working properly.
	Have fire extinguishers throughout the home — especially in the kitchen, garage and laundry room. Make sure everyone in the home can operate them.
	Have emergency telephone numbers clearly displayed next to the telephone.
	Have an emergency preparedness meeting with everyone who lives in the home. Make sure everyone knows what to do in the event of a fire or other emergency. Practice an emergency evacuation.
	Have a first aid kit and check it regularly to ensure it has necessary supplies.
	Keep cleaning supplies and medicines — including topical ointments and sunscreens — in a locked cabinet, away from children’s reach.
	Put non-skid mats under area rugs.
	Make sure hardwood stairs have either a runner or non-slip adhesive strips to reduce the risk of falling.
	Install gates at the top and bottom of the stairs if there are young children in the home.
	Ensure blind and drapery cords are out of reach of young children.
	Use non-skid mats in the tub and shower.
	Have the chimney inspected and cleaned regularly to avoid creosote build-up.
	Turn down the water heater thermostat to between 120 degrees and 125 degrees to avoid scalds.

Electrical

	Avoid overloading electrical outlets.
	Make sure space heaters are not near any flammable object. Turn off and unplug when not in use.
	Never run electrical cords under rugs, or drape them along a baseboard heater. Run them along the wall instead.
	Keep space heaters, radios and other electrical appliances away from bathtubs and sinks.

Lighting

	Install good lighting throughout the home — especially in work areas, such as the kitchen, basement and garage.
	Make sure stairways have good lighting.

Outdoors

	A swimming pool should have a barrier surrounding it on all sides. If the house is part of the barrier, ensure doors and windows are secure to prevent small children from accessing the pool area unattended.
	Store chemical cleaners and pesticides away from children’s reach.
	Fill holes in the ground that may cause someone to fall.
	Repair damaged or rotten rails, steps and deck boards immediately.

Home security

	Install a peephole to see who is outside.
	Use timers to turn lights and radios on and off when away from home — even for just one night.
	Use motion detector lights on entrances and dark areas around the property.
	Plant thorny shrubbery under windows to discourage break-ins.