Detect the hidden killer. Install a carbon monoxide detector in your home to alert you if there is a natural gas leak that could harm your family or create a fire hazard.
Avoid oil spills. An oil spill can hurt the environment, family health, and result in financial loss. Check your tank regularly for pinhole leaks, damaged fuel lines, leaking pump or filter, and overfilling.
Your roof is your first line of defence. Proper maintenance of your roof will protect your home from water, rodent, and wind damage. Check your roof regularly for loose shingles, flashing around the chimney, and proper ventilation.
Keep children away from gas fireplaces. The glass barrier on your fireplace can heat up to over 200°C (400°F) in about six minutes. It takes an average of 45 minutes for the fireplace to cool to a safe temperature after the fire is turned off.
Taking care in wet areas. Many slips and falls happen in bathrooms and areas where there is water or a slippery surface.
Watch your step(s). Many slips, trips and falls occur at home on steps, stairs and ladders. Make sure your steps and stairs are safe and that you use them properly.
Step ladders. Keep your stepladder or stool in good condition. When using a ladder, ask someone else to hold it steady and make sure the ladder is stable before climbing up. Never climb higher than the third step from the top of a straight ladder.
Keep stairwells clear of obstacles, such as toys, sports equipment or surplus furniture. Wear shoes with a good grip when using stairs, especially if the steps are slippery. Ensure steps and stairs are well and evenly lit.
Avoid personal injuries with a clear floor. Avoid slips, trips and falls by making sure floors are dry and clutter-free. Secure loose mats and rugs to stop them from sliding around.
Make sure paths are clear.
- Remove damp leaves and other vegetation from pathways.
- Fill in any potholes
- Small cracks and holes in paths or steps can be filled with an easy-to-use ‘instant’ cement mix, available from hardware stores.
- Cut back overhanging trees and branches along pathways to ensure unobstructed walkways.Install fencing around outdoor decks, and use child-safe guards at the top and bottom of steps. Keep the gate to the road securely shut.
Check regularly for broken bottles, glass and cans, and remove any that you find.
Identify and remove poisonous garden plants and keep children away from these.
Ensure that there is good ventilation when using paints and chemicals or when the car engine is running.
Supervise children at all times around water. Don’t rely on flotation devices to prevent drowning.
Empty your wading pool when not in use. Dismantle or deflate it and store in a dry area. Inadequate fencing and lack of supervision are common factors that contribute to children drowning in home swimming pools.
Home monitoring while travelling. When traveling, have a competent person check your home daily.
Advice and information contained in this publication is presented for general educational purposes and to increase overall safety awareness. It is not intended to be legal or expert advice, and should not be used in place of consultation with appropriate professionals. Red River Mutual disclaims all responsibility for any liability, loss, injury or risk which is incurred as a direct or indirect result of the use of any of the material in this publication.
