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Make Your Home Safer

Real Simple researched the leading causes of home injuries — from slips and falls to smoke and fires — to compile this complete guide to minimizing domestic mishaps

David Buttigieg

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Bedroom

Fire
statistic: According to the National Fire Prevention Association, in 1999 almost half of all home fire deaths resulted from fires that were reported between 10 P.M. and 6 A.M.

Since smoke can further hinder visibility, keep a rechargeable flashlight plugged in by your bedside to light your way or to signal firefighters. The Coleman Slimline Rechargeable Light ($12, 800-835-3278 for store locations) runs for five hours on a single charge.

Place space heaters at least one yard from anything flammable. Turn them off when you're not in the room.

If you live in a two-story dwelling, a rescue ladder that can attach to your windowsill adds another escape route during a fire. (Kidde Fire Ladder, $45, www.smokesign.com.)

Make sure security bars on windows have quick-release mechanisms.

Childproofing

Install window guards. They aren't a substitute for parental supervision, but they do provide reassurance.

Check the crib. Make sure it meets safety standards. (Request a list of recalled products from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission at www.cpsc.gov.) Keep cords away from the crib. Keep the crib away from windows, if possible.

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