Electrical
- Repair or replace loose or frayed wires
- Baby-proof unused outlets with plastic safety covers
- Consider adding electrical outlets where you currently rely on extension cords
- Check for a faulty electrical system. Feel all outlets and plugs to see if any are warm. If they are, have an electrician check them
- Don't overload the system. Follow manufacturers' directions about the maximum wattage of lamp bulbs and outlet requirements for plugs
- Don't overload any one outlet by having only one high-wattage appliance plugged into a single outlet.
Heating
- Ensure outside vents are adequately sealed and clear of obstruction to prevent carbon monoxide buildup in the house. Recheck during and after a snowstorm.
- Stock up on dry seasoned wood for a fireplace or wood stove - it burns without producing a lot of soot buildup which can cause fires.Have flues and chimneys inspected and cleaned by a professional annually.Inspect wood-burning stoves twice a month.
- Inspect water heaters annually. To prevent burns, set the temperature no higher than 120 degrees.
Emergencies
- Install smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors on each floor of the house, covering all sleeping areas.
- Test alarms monthly and replace any that don't work. In any case, replace alarms every 10 years.
- Replace batteries annually (or sooner if the alarm chirps).
- Demonstrate the sound of each detector so that family members need to know the difference.
- Keep one fire extinguisher in the kitchen and on every floor. Read the instructions and be sure the whole family knows how to use them.
- If you live in a two-story house, buy a window rescue ladder for an alternate escape route.
