The time you invest in "spring cleaning" can also be used to perform a simple Household Safety Check. An accident or injury can occur in any part of your home. Some safety hazards are obvious - such as a toys left at the top of the stairs - and others are not so easily identified - such as a stairway railing that has become loose. Use this checklist to make a safety check of your home. You should answer "Yes" to all of these questions (as they pertain to your home).

Preventing Common Household Accidents

Life can't be risk-free, but most household accidents can be prevented by utilizing a household safety checklist. This will help you identify and eliminate potential hazards in your home.

Kitchen:

• Is the table free of tablecloths and large place mats?
• Are knives, forks, scissors, and other sharp tools in a drawer with a safety latch?
• Are glass objects and appliances with sharp blades stored in a high cabinet?
• Is the garbage can behind a cabinet door with a safety latch?
• Are all appliances unplugged when not in use, with cords far from reach of children?
• Are all vitamin, aspirin, or medicine bottles stored in a cabinet far from reach of children?
• Is the cabinet under the sink free from cleaning supplies, dishwasher detergent, and dishwashing liquids?
• Are long telephone cords far from the floor?

Bathroom:

• Is the thermostat on the hot water heater set to 120 degrees F or lower?
• Are razors, blades, nail scissors, and other sharp tools stored in a locked cabinet?
• Are all hair dryers, curling irons, and electric razors unplugged when not in use?
• Are there nonskid strips on the bottoms of bathtubs?
• Are there specially designed pads under loose rugs to hold them securely to the floor?
• Are all prescription and nonprescription medications stored in a locked cabinet far from reach of children?
• Are bottles of mouthwash, perfumes, hair dyes, hair sprays, nail and shoe polishes, and nail polish removers far from reach of children?

Around the House:

• Are all unused outlets covered with safety caps?
• Are televisions and stereo equipment positioned against walls?
• Have excess cords from lamps been bound with twist-ties or special spools designed to hide extra cord?
• Are all wires in the house properly insulated?
• Are window blind cords tied up with specially designed cord clips or otherwise to prevent small children from playing with them?
• Are stairways clear of tripping hazards?
• Are there specially designed pads under loose rugs to hold them securely to floors?

Garage:

• Are all tools used for gardening, automotive, and lawn care stored in a locked container?
• Are all hazardous automotive and gardening products in a securely locked area?
• Are recycling containers far from reach?