The Lawhead Team would like to share the following tips to keep you and your family safe at home.

Bedroom – Fire

• Since smoke can further hinder visibility, keep a rechargeable flashlight plugged in by your bedside to light your way or to signal firefighters.
• 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.
• 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 cpsc.gov.)
• Keep cords away from the crib.
• Keep the crib away from windows, if possible.

Bathroom – Slips, Trips, Falls

• For extra support getting in and out of a slippery shower, attach a grab bar to your shower wall installing it into studs.
• If your tub has a slippery bottom, add nonskid decals. Make sure your bath mats are nonslip, with rubber backings.
• If standing in the shower is difficult, use a handheld shower and a shower seat to prevent injuries.

Shocks

• Keep portable heaters out of the bathroom. Water and electricity don’t mix.
• Disconnect appliances like hair dryers and curling irons after use, and stow them away only when they’re cool.

Kitchen – Fire

• Don’t leave pots unattended on the stovetop.
• Turn the handles of pots and pans inward so you’ll be less likely to knock simmering food off the stove.
• Keep a lid close to the stove to snuff out cooking fires. Don’t use water, which can spread burning grease around the kitchen.
• Keep pot holders, towels, and other flammable items away from burners.
• Use only dry oven mitts―wet ones are a scalding danger.
• In case of an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the oven door closed. If there’s a microwave fire, keep the door closed and unplug the microwave.

Click here to read the entire article from Real Simple for more tips to keep your home safe.