Home Safety

During a disaster ordinary objects in your home can cause injury or damage. However there are simple steps you can take to make your home safer. Start by viewing each room with a “disaster eye” and identify potential hazards – bookshelves that could tip over in an earthquake and block exits, heavy objects that could fall and cause injury, or reactive chemicals, such as bleach & ammonia, stored together under a kitchen sink.
Install smoke detectors on each level of your home and change batteries every 6 months.
Move beds away from windows.
Move mirrors and heavy pictures away from couches or places where people sit.
Clear hallways and exits for easy evacuation.
Store heavy items on the lowest shelves.
Keep ABC type fire extinguishers and know how and when to use them.
Strap down your water heater and fit it with a flexible gas supply line.
Store flammable or highly reactive chemicals securely and separate from each other.
Secure pictures, wall hangings and heavy items such as bookcases and file cabinets.
Know how and when to switch off your utilities.