General safety tips.

[Rufus]

Safety tips for a bunch of random subjects.

Home security

-Do install deadbolt locks, window grates, bars, and smoke/fire/burglar alarms.
-Do install exterior lights with motion detectors out of easy reach.
-Do trim back trees and shrubs from around doors and windows.
-Do establish a routine to assure regular locking and activation of alarm systems.
-Do notify police if suspicious strangers are seen in your neighborhood.
-Do arrange to have mail stopped or picked up while away for extended periods of time.
-Do stop newspaper delivery when gone for any long period of time.
-Do ask a friend or neighbor to dispose of circulars that are left while you are away.
-Do ask dependable neighbors and police when you plan to be away for a long time.
-Do not give personal information to unidentified telephone callers.
-Do not announce personal plans in ads or public notices.
-Do not leave house keys with vehicle keys in a commercial parking lot with an attendant.
-Do not “hide” keys in “secret” locations outside your home.

Pool safety

-Construct fencing around the pool area to prevent unauthorized access and use.
-Never leave young children unsupervised – even for a few seconds.
-Keep children away from pool filter devices.
-Keep electrical devices a safe distance away from wet surfaces.
-Regularly check the area for dangerous articles and potential hazards.
-Stay out of the pool during rain or lightning storms.
-Don’t swim alone or allow others to swim alone.
-Assure that all pool users know how to swim or are accompanied by someone who does know how.
-Don’t swim when tired or immediately after eating.

Outdoor grills

-Wear a heavy apron and oven mitts when barbequing.
-Use only specially designed fluids to start; never add more fuel if the fire is too low.
-Keep grills on a level surface away from children, the house, garage, and landscaping.
-Soak coals with water before disposing them in the trash.
-Store fuel cylinders outside away from the house.
-Check valves and hoses for leaks regularly and just prior to each use.
-In case of burns, run cool water over the injury for 10-15 minutes and seek medical attention.

Lawn mowers

-Check the lawn to remove any dangerous material prior to using your lawn mower.
-Read the owner’s manual before using your mower for the first time.
-Check the blade and wiring for safety hazards prior to use.
-Wear clothing that will protect your body from harm.
-Always start the motor outdoors.
-Never leave a mower running and unattended.

Winter weather

-Trim trees and remove dead branches.
-Remove debris from gutters.
-Check smoke and fire alarms for proper operation.
-Check for adequate insulation in attics, basements and walls.
-Repair and insulate pipes.
-Annually service furnaces, boilers, and chimneys.
-Maintain a minimum temperature inside your home of 65 degrees.
-Consider hiring a licensed contractor to survey your home for structural damage.
-Have someone check your home on a regular basis while you are away for an extended time.

Holiday decorations

-Keep live trees indoors away from heat and flame.
-Provide adequate water daily to indoor live trees.
-Remove trees promptly if they show signs of drying out.
-Use caution to prevent overloading electrical circuits with too many lights.
-Turn off all decorative electrical lights when not at home and when retiring for the night.
-Have an emergency escape plan known by all family members in the event of a fire.

Mold hazards

-Install exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms.
-Use air conditioners and dehumidifiers to maintain humidity level at 30% to 60%.
-Don’t let water accumulate under house plants.
-Don’t install carpets in damp areas such as bathrooms and basements.
-Watch for indications of mold growth, such as musty smells or watermarks on walls & ceilings.
-Remove mold promptly by cleaning thoroughly with bleach and water.

Remodeling

-Contact your insurance agent to increase coverage to reflect rebuilding costs.
-Keep receipts of additional purchases and add them to your home inventory.
-Assure that contractors and sub-contractors have adequate insurance.
-Ask to see a copy of the contractor’s workers compensation insurance coverage.

Dog bites

Insurers may charge more for certain breeds of dogs known to be vicious or known to have any risk where a previous dog bite history exists. Over a 20 year period, the following types are listed in declining order of fatalities:

“Pit Bull”
Rottweiler
German Shepherd
“Husky”
Malamute
Doberman Pinscher
Chow Chow
Great Dane
Saint Bernard

[paulyt]

Thanks mate. There's some good useful tips there.