Camelot I

CHECKLIST TO HELP PROTECT YOUR HOME & FAMILY

Jan 08, 2001

q Always secure the doors and windows when leaving the home.
q Install one inch deadbolt locks on exterior doors. If keys are lost, re-key locks.
q Make sure any exterior doors are solid-core construction, and install viewers.
q Use locks specially designed to prevent sliding or lifting of sliding glass doors.
q Ensure that garage doors are always locked as this is a favorite entry for thieves.
q Never leave notes posted that you are away.
q If you will be away more than one night, use a timer on lights, and have a neighbor pick up mail and newspapers (and perhaps keep walks and yard clean).
q Keep entries well lit.
q Keep shrubs around windows trimmed as they may prevent neighbors from noticing someone breaking in.
q Consider installing a security system - choice of a monitored system (response vehicles sent if triggered) or simple alarms.
q Report any suspicious people or vehicles to the police.
Tips:
1.If you return to your home and a window or door has been forced open, do not go in as the intruder might still be there. Go to neighbor to call police (and wait for them!).
2.Sliding glass doors and windows can be lifted from their tracks; check with your hardware store for security options.
3.Making your home appear difficult to break into will be a deterrent in itself.
*taken from www.chattanooga.about.com
PROTECTING YOUR HOME FROM FIRE
q Have you removed all combustible rubbish, leaves, and debris from your yard?
q Have you removed all waste, debris, and litter from your garage?
q If you store paint, varnish, etc., in your garage, are the containers tightly closed?
q Is there an approved safety can for the storing of gasoline for the lawn mowers, and trimmers?
q Do you keep your storerooms, and attic free from rubbish, oil rags old papers, mattresses, broken furniture?
q Are stoves, broilers, and other cooking equipment kept clean and free of grease?
q Are curtains near stoves arranged to prevent their blowing over the burners or flames?
q Do you always see that your portable space heater is placed well away from curtains, drapes, furniture, etc.?
q Are all of your electrical appliances, including irons, mixers, heaters, lamps fans, radios, television sets, and other devices are "UL" listed?
q Do all rooms have an adequate number of outlets to take care of electrical appliances?
q Have you done away with all multiple attachment plugs?
q Are all flexible electrical extension and lamp cords in your home in the open? ( None placed under rugs, over hooks, through partitions or door openings)
q Do you keep matches in a metal container away from heat and away from children?
q Do you extinguish all matches, cigarettes, and cigar butts carefully before disposing of them?
q Are all members of the family instructed not to smoke in bed?
q Do you know that the number to the Fire Department is 911?
q Do you have a home escape plan in case of a fire?
q Do you hold home fire drills at least once a month?
q When you employ babysitters, do you instruct them what to do in case of a fire?
q Did your entire family take part in completing this checklist?
q Do you at least have a smoke detector on every level of your home, and within 15 feet of your bedrooms?
Tips:
1. Change Your Smoke Detector Batteries
2. Vacuum Your Smoke Detectors
3. Change Your Flashlight Batteries
4. Install Fire Extinguishers
5. Take care with open flames-candles, fireplaces, etc..
6. If you have a holiday tree inside, kept tree moist and use UL approved lighting.
7. Plan and Practice Your Escape
Consider The Following:
f Each day, an average of three kids die in home fires -1,100 children each year. About 3,600 children are injured in house fires each year. 90% of child fire deaths occur in homes without working smoke detectors.
f Although smoke detectors are in 92 percent of American homes, nearly one-third don't work because of old or missing batteries.
f A working smoke detector reduces the risk of dying in a home fire by nearly half.