Take a walk on the safe side . . . at home

From Garage to Storage Hell

For lots of people, garages have become the traditional storage place for just about anything, including a host of flammable materials. If you work with wood, remember to sweep away sawdust and wood chips immediately after you're done. (Or use it in the garden as a weed repellant.) These small pieces (think kindling) are much more combustible than larger boards, so getting rid of them quickly will eliminate a big potential source of fire.

Bumps in the Basement

Like your garage, your basement is the kind of place where many projects and activities take place. Consequently, different types of accidents are possible. Teach your kids to put away toys and to be aware of their surroundings. Big kids should also play safe when it comes to using tools and putting away sports equipment. It's a great idea to keep a first aid kit in view and in reach. And it's an even better idea to learn how to use it.

Safe Room, Safe Kid

Your child's room is the one place where you feel comfortable leaving your child alone for an extended period of time. So remember to use furniture pieces that won't tip over easily and fall on your child. If you are unsure, walk through your child's room and attempt to pull down anything freestanding. If the furniture tilts, even just a bit, consider removing that item from the room and finding another solution. Same goes for anything resting on the furniture, like televisions, that might be prone to tipping over.

Kitchen Confidential

The hub of domestic life, the kitchen, is also prone to safety hazards. Keep all flammable materials at a safe distance from the stove/oven. Also, never, ever, wear loose-fitting clothing while cooking. Take off the bathrobe and replace it with a less flowing garment… or nothing at all! (This last tip doesn't apply if you're cooking bacon.)

Bathroom Blunders

Electrical items in the bathroom are sometimes necessary, but they can lead to accidents or injury. Don't plug in an electrical item near an area where water is present and could cause electrocution. This includes the bathtub, toilet, and even the sink. And if you like to keep things old school, you still need to stay sharp. One false move using your grandfather's straight-edge razor could turn you from "that guy with the nice moustache" to "that dude with the scar".

In the end, it's all about attitude, and we hope these safety tips will shift yours to lead a safer lifestyle where it matters most.