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.
