Household accidents still a leading cause of death in US: How to prevent them

You may think of your home as a safe haven, but household accidents remain a leading cause of death in America. The good news: You can protect yourself with safe habits. And like any habit, the more you practice safety, the more effective it gets.

As you prepare for the change of seasons and the beginning of the school year, it’s an excellent time to review your home’s safety procedures.

Keep these factors in mind for home safety and peace of mind:

Fire extinguishers: You need a fire extinguisher on each home floor, including one near the kitchen. Check the unit’s pressure gauge monthly and make sure it’s still in the green.

When selecting a home fire extinguisher, look for an ABC-rated unit. A-rated extinguishers are best for wood, paper and textiles. B-rated units put out flammable liquids, and the C rating is for electrical fires. This covers most circumstances you’re likely to face in the home.

An extinguisher does no good if it’s not used. Place them in easily accessible spots, and ensure that all adults in the home know where they are and how to use them.

Smoke alarms: Smoke alarms are a critical line of defense if fire strikes your home, so don’t overlook them. An alarm should be on every floor, including the basement, and in each bedroom.

The National Fire Protection Association recommends getting interconnected smoke alarms. When one sounds, they all sound. This costs a bit extra but is well worth the cost.

Consider getting a combination carbon monoxide and smoke alarm; the NFPA recommends placing CO detectors everywhere you would place a smoke alarm.

Test your smoke alarms once per month. The internal sensors get less sensitive over time, so replace them after 10 years.

Maintenance and cleaning: If you use a fireplace regularly, hire a chimney cleaning service every year. Regular chimney inspections and cleanings help keep it in excellent condition and prevent buildup that could cause fires.

Have a pro clean your dryer vents once a year. Lint buildup in vents poses a significant fire risk. This work will also increase your dryer’s efficiency.

On average, chimney cleaning costs about $250 while dryer vent cleaning is about $140.

Escape plans: Make an escape plan with your family to determine the best path out of your home in an emergency. Practice the plan so that even the youngest family members know what to do if emergency strikes. Don’t forget to plan for what to do with your pets as well.

Electrical systems: If you have an older home, consider hiring an electrician to inspect your wiring and breaker system and ensure everything’s up to code. For instance, electrical outlets in any space that might get exposed to water, such as kitchens and bathrooms, should be GFCI outlets, which have their own internal circuit breakers that cut off power in the event of a surge. However, codes didn’t add these requirements until the 1970s and 1980s. Older homes may not be up to speed.