Home and Family: Safety

by Sherry Holetzky | More from this Blogger

12 May 2006 05:42 AM

Keeping our families safe is one of our greatest duties, and is often one of our most pressing concerns. Unfortunately, there are so many things to take into consideration, that safety can become an overwhelming job.

These tips will help simplify some things:

Check Your Smoke Detector and Carbon Monoxide Detector Regularly

To help you remember when your smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector were last tested or when the batteries were last replaced, perform these tasks at each Daylight Savings Time change (if you observe Daylight Savings in your area). Change your reminder to "spring ahead, fall back, check the detectors." This is also a good time to test fire extinguishers and check their service dates, and to check the dates on batteries and canned foods.

Safety Drills

Prepare fire, tornado, and other emergency drills with your family. Write each plan down on paper and practice these drills from time to time. Set up a meeting place nearby the home, but far enough away from any danger that may exist. Everyone should report to this area immediately if separated during an emergency. This is to insure that everyone is accounted for so no one goes back into the home under dangerous conditions if it is unnecessary. Knowing what to do if an emergency arises can mean the difference between life and death.

Preparing a Family Survival Kit

If you don't already have a family survival kit, now is as good a time as any to prepare one. Purchase an airtight storage container and fill it with flashlights, batteries, a weather radio, drinking water, canned foods, a first aid kit, medicines, and copies of prescriptions and medical information. It is also a good idea to keep a protective container filled with copies of vital information such as birth certificates and social security cards, in case of fire, flood, tornado, or other emergency. See my article on survival kits, and visit the Preparedness Blog for more information.

Learn more about Sherry Holetzky

Sherry Holetzky is a work at home mom and freelance writer. Married to her best friend, Sherry and her husband are raising their family in a quiet rural setting in the beautiful Ozark Mountains.

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