Preventing Accidents At Home

Home Accidents

The National Safety Council offers these home accident avoidance suggestions:

  • Install handrails, grab bars and night-lights in homes to reduce the risk of falls, especially in homes where older people live or visit
  • Check prescriptions regularly to guard against unintentional overdose
  • Guard against fire injuries by installing smoke detectors and fire extinguishers
  • Check smoke detector batteries regularly, and develop and practice a fire escape plan
  • The National Safety Council offers information on home fire prevention and preparedness, at nsc.org/home-safety/safety-topics/emergency- preparedness/fire

Helmets

  • California state law requires anybody under the age of 18 to wear a helmet while riding a bicycle, scooter or skateboard, or while wearing in-line or roller skates. California law requires anyone on a motorcycle or motor scooter, regardless of age, to wear a helmet.

Firearm Safety

  • All firearms should be stored unloaded. Guns should be locked using a firearms safety device approved by the California Department of Justice, or should be kept in a gun safe. Secured firearm storage is especially important in a home with a child under the age of 18. You can obtain more information by visiting the California Department of Justice Bureau of Firearms at oag.ca.gov/firearms or by calling 916-227-7527.

Poisoning

  • Use safety latches and locks for cabinets and drawers that contain harmful materials in the kitchen, bathroom and other locations.

Computer Safety

  • Many people do not realize that their computer systems can be used to launch attacks against the government and industry — often to steal or destroy information such as financial data or even personal identities.
  • To Protect Yourself:
    • Be wary of communicating with strangers over the Internet
    • Report unusual activities to the authorities
    • Use passwords that cannot be easily guessed
    • Make regular backup files of critical data
    • Use virus protection software and a hardware firewall, such as that included in a router
    • Disconnect your computer from the Internet when you are not using it
    • Regularly download security patches from software developers that you trust

While online computer exploration opens a world of possibilities for children, they can be exposed to dangers. The FBI has produced A Parent’s Guide to Internet Safety​.

Home Security

A secure home is one in which:​

  • Entry doors are solid hardwood or metal-clad.
  • Entry doors are secured with a high-quality dead bolt lock.
  • Entry doors have a peephole that lets you look outside without opening the door.
  • Spare keys are not left hidden outside of the house.
  • Entry doors are kept locked.
  • Sliding glass doors have strong, working key locks.
  • A dowel or pin is installed so the sliding glass door cannot be lifted off the track.
  • Windows have at least two working lock devices.
  • Windows can be opened quickly for an emergency escape.
  • The address is clearly visible.
  • Shrubs are trimmed to eliminate hiding places.
  • Side entry gates are locked.
  • Outside lighting is installed and functioning.
  • The door leading from the garage to the house is solid wood or metal-clad, and is kept locked.
  • Windows in the garage have some type of covering to shield the interior from view.
  • Alarm systems are turned on.​