As an insurance agent, we’re too often saddened by client losses that could have been prevented. Last month, I discussed twenty actions you can take to prevent serious injuries and fires. I would like to share another twenty things that you can do to help prevent accidents and disasters in your home.
Electrical:
• Never run cords underneath rugs or furniture.
• Inspect your electrical cords frequently. Replace or repair cords that are cracked or worn.
• Make sure all of your outlets and switches have cover plates.
• To reduce the threat of electrical shock, keep a bulb in all light fixtures, even in those burned out.
• Do not overload extension cords. They can cause fires.
• Use only the sizes and types of light bulbs recommended by the manufacturer of your lamps and fixtures to prevent overheating.
• Make sure you are using the right amp fuses for your circuits. Your fuse box should be labeled. Using a fuse rated higher than the amps called for can cause a fire.
• Avoid placing an electric heater close to furniture or curtains.
• Never nail wiring to baseboards or walls.
• For better protection, use Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) power strips for multiple outlets rather than extension cords.
Small Children:
• Keep electrical cords out of the reach of small children.
• Use “stock-stop” outlet plugs in all unused electrical outlets.
• Keep dangerous items out of the reach of children including pills, matches, batteries, sharp objects, etc.
• Check your handbag to make sure it doesn’t contain any dangerous objects. If it does, keep it out of the reach of your children.
• Post the number of a local poison control center on or near the telephone. 1-800-222-1222.
• Have syrup of ipecac available just in case you need to induce vomiting. Make sure you contact a poison control center before using.
• Always watch a child carefully while bathing. Never leave water in cleaning buckets, wading pools or containers. Young children can drown in even a small amount of water.
• Keep small items that could choke children out of their reach.
• If you have a pool, learn CPR before you let your children near it.
• Determine whether any plants in your yard are poisonous. If any are, get rid of them immediately.
Gregg L. Goodman, LUTCF is the CEO of the Gregg L. Goodman Insurance Agency, Inc. For more information, you can reach him at 661-254-6739.