The following strategies should be adopted to provide reasonable occupant safety and household security.
Fire/smoke protection
– Install at least one smoke detector on each floor level.
– Store one hand operated fire extinguisher in/near the kitchen area and/or in the garage.
– Install a carbon monoxide (C.O.) detector at/near the sleeping quarters. Additional C.O. detectors can be installed at each floor level.
– Exposed foam plastic insulation should be covered with drywall.
– All openings in the garage walls and ceilings, common with the home, must be gas proofed.
– Any door leading from an attached garage into the dwelling must be equipped with a self-closing device.
– Do not store flammable materials in the furnace room or next to your hot water tank.
Security
– Front entrance doors should have a window or be equipped with a door viewer.
– Have all locks/keyed cylinders changed upon taking possession of a new house. All doors should be equipped with a deadbolt.
– Basement windows should be protected with quick release security bars.
– Install motion activated lighting at secondary exits and access points of your property.
– Ensure that all basement and main floor windows have operable locking mechanisms.
– The digital combination on automatic garage door openers and remotes should be changed.
General Safety
– Ensure that adequate ventilation is provided to rooms containing gas/oil fired furnaces/boilers and gas/oil fired hot water tanks.
– Handrails must be installed alongside all staircases containing more than two steps.
– Eliminate/repair any trip hazards or flooring defects.
– Do not overload electrical circuits. Do not install screw-in fuses (if applicable) over 15 amps. for general purposes.
– Avoid permanent electrical extension cord use.
– Clear access must be maintained in front of the electrical panel, the furnace/boiler access panels and the main water shut-off valve.
– Emergency and family contact telephone numbers should be displayed permanently at/near the kitchen telephone.
Copyright (2003) CBCG – Reprinted with permission