While you can’t always anticipate when disaster will strike, you can take steps to make your home as safe as possible:
- Don’t run wires under rugs or carpet
- Place oily rags or waste in covered metal cans
- Keep flammables away from heat sources
- Repair defective electrical wiring
- Don’t overload electrical outlets
- Clean and repair chimneys, flue pipes, vent connectors and gas vents
- Fix leaky gas connections immediately
- Secure water heater by strapping to wall studs
- Secure large appliances
- Secure hanging plants
- Place large, heavy objects on lower shelves
- Hang pictures and mirrors away from beds
- Brace overhead light fixtures
- Repair cracks in ceilings and foundations
- Fasten shelves securely to walls