Electrical Cords and Outlets

• done!Check for frayed wires.

  Repair or replace any loose or frayed wires on all electrical devices.

• done!Follow the path of cords.

  No cords should run under rugs or across doorways.

• done!Baby-proof.

  If you have any small children in your house, place plastic safety covers over unused outlets.

  Related: Childproofing Checklist
• done!Rethink extension cords.

  Consider adding electrical outlets where you currently rely on extension cords.

• done!Check for a faulty electrical system.

  Feel all outlets and plugs to see if any are warm; if so, have an electrician check them.

• done!Don’t overload the system.

  Make sure that you’ve followed manufacturers’ directions about maximum wattage of lamp bulbs and outlet requirements for plugs.

• done!And don’t overload any one outlet.

  Be certain that you have no more than one high-wattage appliance plugged into a single outlet.

Home Heating

• done!Examine the outside vents.

  They should be properly sealed and clear of obstruction to prevent carbon monoxide buildup in the house. Recheck during and after a snowstorm.

• done!Pick the right wood.

  If you use a fireplace or a woodstove, stock up on dry seasoned wood, which burns without producing a lot of creosote. A buildup of creosote—soot—in the chimney or flue can be dangerous, causing chimney fires.

• done!Hire a chimney sweep.

  Have flues and chimneys inspected and cleaned by a professional annually.

• done!Inspect wood-burning stoves twice monthly.

  Make sure the door latch closes properly. The room should have a working smoke detector. And never let a child use the stove unattended.

• done!Inspect water heaters annually.

  The temperature should be set at no higher than 120 degrees to prevent burns. Never leave children alone near a water heater, and keep combustible and flammable materials well away from it.

Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

• done!Install smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors generously.

  These should be on each floor of the house, covering all sleeping areas.

• done!Test alarms monthly.

  Replace any that don’t work. (In any case, alarms should be replaced every 10 years.)

• done!Replace batteries annually.

  Or sooner, if the alarm chirps.

• done!Clean all detectors.

  Vacuum each grille.

• done!Post the fire department’s carbon-monoxide-reporting emergency number.

  If it differs from 911, keep the number by every phone.

• done!Demonstrate the sound of each detector.

  Family members need to know the difference.

Fire Extinguishers

• done!Place extinguishers strategically.

  Keep one in the kitchen and one on every floor. And learn how to use them.

• done!Replace extinguishers when necessary.

  Follow the schedule suggested by the manufacturer, and always replace an extinguisher that appears damaged.

  Related: When to Replace a Fire Extinguisher
• done!Consider installing a sprinkler system.

Escape Plans

• done!Create an escape plan with two exit routes in case of fire.

  Practice it twice a year (once at night) with the whole family. For details, see the National Fire Protection Association’s website, nfpa.org.

• done!Choose a meeting place.

  Set a plan for meeting up in case of a local or national disaster. See nfpa.org.

• done!If you live in a two-story house, buy a rescue ladder.

  It should attach to an upper-level window casing to provide an alternate escape route.

In Homes With Small Children

• done!Lock the cabinets.

  Install safety latches and locks.

• done!Install window guards on every window.

  Make sure one window in each room can be used as a fire exit.

• done!Install safety gates .

  Bar the top and bottom of stairs.

• done!Lock up hazardous materials.

  Place any poisonous or hazardous products in locked cabinets. Post the poison-control hotline’s number (800-222-1222) by every phone.

• done!Make sure all your medicines and vitamins have childproof caps.

  Store them out of children’s reach.

• done!Stow away sharp knives.

  Scissors and cosmetic tools, too, as well as matches and plastic bags, should be kept out of children’s reach.

• done!Lock up any guns.

  Be sure they are unloaded and separate from ammunition.

• done!Install padding on furniture with sharp edges.

  And put doorknob covers on entry doors so kids can’t get out unattended.

• done!If you have a pool, fence it in.

  A pool should be enclosed with a four-sided fence and a childproof gate.

• done!Teach children their address and how to dial 911.

  As early as possible, children need to know these fundamentals.

Burglarproofing

• done!Install a sturdy deadbolt lock on every door to the outside.

  This should include the door into the house from the garage.

• done!In any room with window bars, make sure at least one has a quick-release mechanism.

  Replace or retrofit as needed.

• done!Install motion-sensing floodlights in the backyard.

• done!Keep your house looking lived-in when you’re away.

  Arrange for the lawn to be mowed, stop mail delivery, install timers for selected lights, leave a car in the driveway, and leave drapes or shades open at least a bit.

• done!Advertise prominently any home security system you have installed.

  You might think about putting up signs even if you don’t have a system.

• done!Examine your landscaping.

  Trim shrubs and trees near windows and doors that provide hiding places for burglars, and prune limbs that serve as ladders to upper windows.

• done!Purchase a metal bar or a solid-wood dowel to insert in the tracking of sliding glass doors.

  This will prevent anyone from opening them.

• done!Put your street number, not your name, on your mailbox.

• done!Give a spare key to a trusted neighbor or nearby friend.

  Thieves know all about fake rocks and other hide-a-key tricks.

Miscellaneous

• done!Make sure your house number is visible from the street.

  It should be easily spotted, in case an emergency vehicle needs to look for it.

• done!Store flammable liquids away from any flame source.

  It’s preferable to store them outside the house.

• done!Keep flammable objects away from the kitchen stove.

• done!Plug a rechargeable flashlight into a socket by your bed.

  You’ll be able to light the way through smoke in a fire or signal to firefighters.

• done!Install nonslip decals or a nonskid tub mat in your tub.

• done!Put lights and light switches at the top and bottom of the stairs.

  Prevent falls in the dark.

• done!Paint the bottom basement step white so it’s more visible.

  You’ll be less likely to mistake it for the floor.

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