Indoor Safety Measures

Nearly all emergency response and management agencies publish lists of ways to improve home safety. Items included cover things ranging from earthquake preparedness to how to lessen fire hazards. Below are simple steps that can greatly reduce risks around the home.

Post emergency phone numbers by each telephone.

Have everyone learn how to shut off utilities at the source. Buy a special wrench specifically for the shut off valves and mount outside, on or immediately next to the meters.

Make sure electrical wiring is up to code. Call in an electrician or an officer from the fire department to do the inspection.

Fasten all shelves to wall studs and place heavy objects close to the ground.

Always keep stairways clear of obstacles.

Clean chimneys at least once a year, or hire a chimney sweep to do it. If you use a fireplace or wood stove as a primary heat source, the chimney should be cleaned once a month.

Never use a kitchen stove or oven for heat.

Be careful to put out all cigarettes before leaving or going to bed. Never smoke in bed.

Install smoke detectors outside each bedroom, plus an additional one on every floor. They should be placed according to the manufacturer's instructions; batteries need to be tested at least once a month and replaced yearly.

Central Emergency Services Fire Chief Len Malmquist recommends vacuuming smoke detectors regularly to keep them clear of dust and cobwebs -- the most common cause of malfunction.

Install at least one carbon monoxide detector on every floor of your home, especially if you heat with solid fuel or natural gas.

Keep multipurpose fire extinguishers in kitchens, laundry rooms and furnace rooms. Once a month, shake the canister to keep the powder from settling, and check the gauge to ensure proper charging. Teach everyone proper use.

Consider installing a home sprinkler system. Malmquist compared it to having a fireman on hand 24 hours a day.

"A home sprinkler is probably the best investment a home owner can make, assuming their family is more important than a boat, a snowmachine or a sprinkler system for their lawn," he said. "It costs about the same as those things."

Malmquist said, contrary to popular belief, it is extremely rare for a home sprinkler system to go off unnecessarily. Plus, most homeowners' insurance companies offer discounted premiums if they are installed.

Determine a disaster plan and the best escape routes from each room -- including meeting places and out-of-state contacts. Practice at least twice a year.

Install backflow valves or plugs in drains, toilets and other sewer connections to prevent flood waters from entering home.