Safety and Maintainance
Homeowner Reminders
- Clean and/or replace your air filter monthly.
- Spray silicone on your garage door two times per year.
- Clean kitchen range exhaust hood filters at least every four months. Turn clips, remover filter, soak inwarm sudsy water, rinse, dry and then replace.
- Stainless Steel sinks can be cleaned and polished by using a solution of ammonia and water. Dry with a clean, soft cloth and apply a light coat of mineral oil.
- Wax cultured marble two times per year.
- Hard calcium rings in the toilet can be removed by rubbing the ring with a pumice stone.
- Test GFCI breaker (normally located in the kitchen and the garage) every month. The “R” buttonshould be in and the “T” button is the test button.
- Test smoke detectors monthly. Push the test button and you should hear a beep.
- Do not apply reflective film to dual glass windows, it can cause heat buildup and the glass can crack.We recommend shade screens.
- Turn thermostat fan to the “on” position before changing the filter.
Kitchen
- Use the back burners of the stove and keep the pot handles turned away from the front of your range.
- Check pots and pans for loose handles.
- Make sure towels, curtains and other flammable items are located away from the stove.
- Electrical cords should be placed away from the sink and stove areas.
- Store household cleaning products, knives, matches, and plastic bags away from children.
- Use safety latches for drawers and cabinets and put appliance latches on appliance doors.
- Warn children to stay out of appliances, such as refrigerators, stoves, and dryers.
- Electrical outlets should bear only a reasonable load.
- Have a durable step stool for use reaching high places.
- A non-slip floor mat should be used in front of the sink.
Living Areas
- Fasten drapes away from fireplaces and heaters.
- Clean chimneys annually.
- Ensure that screens or guards are in front of fireplaces, wood stoves, and open heaters.
- Tack down small rugs and runners to prevent slipping.
- Secure lamp, extension and telephone cords out of the flow of traffic.
- Check cords for exposed wiring and fraying.
- Exits and passageways should be kept clear at all times.
- Stairways should be well lit.
- Do not store anything on stairways, even temporarily.
- Secure wobbly railings on stairs.
- Use safety gates to block the top and bottom stairways, but do not use accordion style gates with large diamond shaped openings because young children can trap their heads in this type of gate.
- Use safety plugs to cover electrical outlets.
- Keep furniture children can climb, toys, and throw rugs away from glass doors and windows.
- Check furniture for sharp edges, especially coffee tables and other short items.
Garage/Workshop
- Power tools and hand tools should be in good working order with manuals nearby.
- Power saws should be used with their blade guards in place.
- Eye protection (safety goggles) should be worn at all times when working with tools (especially powertools).
- Check and maintain electrical cords regularly.
- Electrical tools and appliances should be used away from water and water sources.
- All chemicals cleaner, paints, and similar fluids should be kept in their original containers and locked away from the sight and reach of children.
- Gasoline and other flammable materials should be stored in airtight containers away from heat sources.
- Use the appropriate ladder for the job and safe climbing procedures. Halls
- Keep halls bright, evenly illuminated and have a light switch at each end, when possible.
Bathroom
- Bathroom floor mats should have a non – slip backing.
- Tubs and shower stalls should have a non – slip surface.
- Tubs and showers should have support bars on wall, where possible.
- Hair dryers, curling irons, electric shavers, and other electrical appliances should be used away fromthe tub area (pull the plug when appliance is not in use).
- Keep medicines and cleaning products in containers with safety caps and out of children’s reach.
- Flush all out – of – date prescriptions and mediations down the toilet.
- Store medicines in original containers with original labels.
- Use safety latches for drawers and cabinets.
- Never leave a child alone in the bathtub or near any water.
- Check bath water temperature with wrist or elbow before giving a child a bath.
Bedrooms and Playrooms
- Lamps and light switches should be located close to each bed.
- Ash trays, smoking materials, heaters, and other fire sources should not be located near beds or bedding.
- Turn off heating pads before going to sleep.
- Put infants to sleep on their backs in a crib with a firm, flat mattress.
- Place cribs away from windows, window blinds, or curtain rods.
- Make sure cribs are sturdy with no loose or missing hardware.
- Each bedroom should have a light to show the way to the bathroom or an exit.
- Electrical cords should be in good condition and routed where feet will not find them.
- Electrical outlets should only bear reasonable loads.
- Let electric blankets hang loose over beds, do not tuck in sides or ends, or cover with a bedspread.
Home Security
- Have locks in good working order on all of your windows and doors.
- Lock all windows immediately after closing them.
- Watch for and report any suspicious behavior by strangers in the neighborhood. (Call 911) Women either living alone or the head of the house hold, should always take extra precautions and seek out more detailed information on safe guarding their home.
