As an insurance agent, we’re too often saddened by client losses that could have been prevented. Over the past two months, I discussed 40 actions you can take to prevent serious injuries, robberies or fires. I would like to share another 20 things that you can do to help prevent accidents and disasters in your home. Keep in mind that each one of these preventative measures could have prevented claims our insurance company has received.
On stairways:
• Never place items on the stairway, even temporarily.
• Make sure that the stairway is well lit from top to bottom, especially so the edges of the steps are easy to spot.
• Each step should be of the same size and height.
• Each step should allow for firm footing. Remove any loose or torn carpeting.
• Make sure your handrails are fastened securely. They should run continuously from the bottom to the top.
• Never leave items with wheels at the top of the stairs.
Home Security:
• Keep the outside of your home well lit.
• Make sure all of the locks are secure and work properly. This includes doors and windows.
• If you decide to keep a gun in the home, attend a firearm safety course.Store the gun unloaded and disassembled, use a trigger lock, keep it locked in a drawer or cabinet out of the children’s reach and place ammunition in a separate, locked location.
• Participate in or start a neighborhood watch program.
• If you’re looking to add a dog to your household, choose one that can help watch your home.
The Yard:
• Install safety rails on porches, decks and other areas where children can fall.
• Remove dead or dying trees that could fall during a storm or strong Santa Ana winds.
• Identify and have bee and wasp nests removed.
• Use ground outlets with reset buttons for outside use.
• If you have an in-ground swimming pool, your fence must have a self-closing and self-latched gate, and it must be at least four feet high.
• Never allow yourself or anyone else to swim alone or unsupervised, no matter how well you or the other individual swims.
• Securely anchor jungle gyms and swings. Use low-impact foundation materials like wood mulch or chips. Check the equipment frequently for repair.
• Seed or sod bare spots on the lawn.
• Keep walkways clear, clean and dry.
If you have any questions regarding safety in your home, you are welcome to contact me.
Gregg L. Goodman, LUTCF is the CEO of the Gregg L. Goodman Insurance Agency, Inc . He is an agent for Farmers Insurance and provides life, health, homeowners and auto insurance, as well as commercial insurance programs. You can reach him at 661-254-6739.