HOME SAFETY CHECK

Call me paranoid but an experience over the weekend involving a gas cooker, a burning oven glove and a distinct lack of a sound from the smoke alarm, made me realise that maybe my little nest isn’t quite as safe as I thought it is for me and mine.

It certainly got me thinking about taking your safety at home for granted and peace of mind may only be found if you’re confident that you and your family are safe and sound by day and by night. Here’s a useful health and safety checklist.

Smoke alarms

Cheerful fact of the day - you are twice as likely to die in a house fire if you do not have smoke alarms.  There’s no excuse for not having them as battery operated smoke detectors are cheap and easy to install. Position them above doors or on the ceiling in hallways and landings.  They may be affected by steam, so don’t fit in the bathroom.  The batteries should be replaced regularly - we all know that there is nothing more annoying than the regular sad beep of a smoke alarm battery that needs replacing – that is after you’ve spent several hours isolating the source of the noise!  A brilliant idea is to change the batteries twice a year when you put the clocks forward/back (why have I never thought of that!?)

Fire safety

Make sure everyone knows how to get out of your home safely in the event of a fire. Chances are that you keep your doors locked, especially at night, but make sure that all family members know where the keys are kept and make sure this is easy to locate and near the door, as you may need to locate them in the dark and/or in thick smoke.  For useful home safety tips go to www.fireservice.co.uk/safety

Fire extinguishers

Got one? Get rid! Although many people feel safer with an extinguisher in the home, the UK Fire Service advice is to get out of your home as soon as possible in the event of an emergency and call 999. Trying to tackle the fire yourself can lead to dangerous delays and most of us don’t know how to do it.  Don’t waste that time – get out and dial 999.

Carbon monoxide detectors

Carbon monoxide poisoning can take effect slowly and without you even realising it – nausea, headaches, aching limbs and fatigue.   Position your detector near to your central heating boiler.  As with the smoke alarms, always make sure the batteries are working and replace regularly.  Equally important is the fact that the device is dust-free.

First aid kits

A basic necessity in our house, as I am the proud owner of one of the planet’s clumsiest children! Luckily A&E is just around the corner for the breaks and sprains (of which there have been many!)  but experience means I know to keep a well-stocked first aid kit  - plasters of all shapes and sizes, adhesive tape, antiseptic ointment, bandages, cold pack, disposable gloves, gauze dressing, hand cleanser, spray “plaster”, scissors and tweezers and a triangular bandage. We keep one in both the house and the car.  Make sure all members of the household know where to find the kit too.  The main rule here is that if you are in any doubt about how to treat an injury, seek medical help as soon as possible.

Electrical safety

Ensure kitchen sockets and any sockets near sources of water are equipped with ground fault systems and circuit breakers. This type of socket can prevent electrocution, shocks and some types of electric fire. Wherever possible, use one socket for one appliance, especially items like the television, washing machine and dishwasher.  Inquisitive fingers and plug sockets do not mix, so place socket covers over all electrical sockets to reduce the risk of electric shocks.
 Check electricity cables and any burn marks around plugs

Storing cleaning products and other chemicals

Keep these out of reach of children, preferably in a locked cupboard or drawer. Keep the phone number of your local poison control centre next to your telephone or check out www.hpa.org.uk.

Stair safety
Keep stairways and halls clear of clutter which may cause trips and falls, especially with the young and the elderly.

There are potential hazards in all our homes but a little bit of common sense, a decent first aid kit and some basic safety knowledge goes a long way.  Have a look around your home now and see if you need to make any adjustments.  Stay safe everyone J