Here are some tips for making sure your home is safe.
- Make sure you use slip-proof mats on vinyl or laminate flooring - especially in the bathroom and kitchen. If you have rugs, make sure they are secured to floors or have anti-slip pads underneath.
- Never leave things on the stairs, the top of the landing, or in doorways - you may fall over them.
- Plan an escape route and practice it so you know what to do if there's a fire in your home.
- Always remember where door and window keys are in case you need to get out in an emergency.
- Make sure cigarettes and matches are completely extinguished and dispose of them carefully.
- Be careful when you're doing DIY and always follow the manufacturer's instructions if you're using tools, chemicals etc.
- Put decorative markers on any glass doors to ensure that they are not mistaken for open doors.
- Place a list of emergency numbers next to each phone in the house.
- Ensure you have smoke detectors installed on each floor of your house and in all hallways and that the batteries are regularly changed.
Some extra tips for parents
If you have children, there are a few extra steps you should take to make sure your home is safe
- Install doorknob covers so your toddler can't leave the house.
- Ensure all sliding doors have childproof locks and shatter resistant glass.
- Install safety guards or window guards on upper-storey windows.
- Tie back window blind cords.
- Install barriers on stairs.
- Ensure that book shelves and other furniture is secured with wall brackets so that they can't fall over.
- Add protective padding to sharp corners on tables and countertops.
- Cover radiators and baseboard heaters with childproof screens if required.
- Ensure all working fireplaces have a screen.
- Cover all unused power outlets with safety plugs. Check for, and remove, any potential electrical hazards such as lose electrical wires of overloaded power adapters.
- Ensure all sharp objects in the kitchen are placed in a drawer with a child-proof latch.
- Install a dishwasher lock so you can ensure that your child cannot reach any sharp objects in the dishwasher.
- Unplug all appliances when they are not in use.
- Install child-proof latches on cupboard doors.
- Ensure all cleaning products, poisons, medicines and alcohol are stored out of your child's reach in a lockable cupboard. In the bathroom make sure that any razors and hair dryers are stored out of reach.
- Ensure all plastic bags are stored out of your child's reach.
- When cooking, place all pots on the back burners or with the handle facing inwards.
- Install a toilet seat lock on the toilet.
- Ensure that hot water from bathroom taps is set at temperature of 50°.
- Check to ensure that all kid's bedroom furniture meets Australian standards and are safe and suitable for the child's age.
- Make sure you have a fully stocked first aid kit ready for any minor day to day accidents.