The safety of family, home and belongings is critical to all of us. Being prepared and alert can save time, injury, and possibly your life. Here are some things to do to help keep your family safe around your home.

 

• Store medications and small items such as jewelry and coins where toddlers can't reach. Be alert for items that would stick in a child's throat.

• Lock unloaded guns in a secure place and store guns and bullets in separate places. Do not let children see where the guns or bullets are stored.

• Put razors, cosmetics, and other health and beauty items out of reach.

• Do not leave hair dryers, curling irons, or other grooming appliances out after use or unattended while cooling.

• Install child safety latches on cabinet doors and drawers.

• Do not store prescription drugs in the bathroom. Find a cool, dry spot in the house that is out the reach of children and check for childproof safety caps for all medications.

• Set your water heater at 120 degrees Fahrenheit or lower to prevent burns and scalds.

• Turn pot handles away from the outside edge of the range.

• Store cleaners and chemicals in their original containers in places where children can't get to them. Never store them under the kitchen or bathroom sinks, even if the doors are protected by child safety latches.

• Keep knives and other sharp objects out of the reach of children.

• Tuck away cords of electrical appliances so that small children cannot grab them.

• Replace electrical cords that are frayed or cracked or that become hot when the electrical appliance is being used. Do not overload outlets and extension cords. Never run electrical cords under carpets - hot electrical cords could start the carpet on fire.

• Put safety caps on all unused electrical outlets.

• Place house plants out of reach of children. Some plants are poisonous if eaten and others could injure your child if a heavy pot fell on the child.

• Secure bookcases to the walls to prevent toddlers from pulling the book cases over.

• Keep tools and garden chemicals out of the reach of children.