Our homes can be a place of refuge, but they’re not without risks. An average of 14 out of 100 people suffered from preventable injuries in 2020. The good news is that there are a number of ways to make our homes safer by preventing accidents and mitigating other risks. Here are 25 tips you can use in your own home or share with others to help them make their homes safer, too.

1. Check first-aid supplies like bandages, topical ointments, and pain relievers to ensure those items are on hand if needed.
2. Store medication safely and dispose of expired prescriptions and over-the-counter drugs.
3. Make sure smoke detectors and carbon monoxide monitors are operational and have fresh batteries.
4. Install motion-sensor lights and a video doorbell to better see if someone approaches your home
5. Check the home for tripping hazards like rug edges or piles of clutter and address them.
6. Ensure that exterior dryer vents are unobstructed by brush, debris, or snow.
7. Keep doors and windows shut and locked, especially when you’re not home.
8. Use surge protectors to safeguard appliances, electronics, and other devices.
9. Inspect the home’s walkways to ensure there are no tripping hazards, such as uneven concrete or paving stones.
10. Check your garage door to ensure it’s in good working order.
11. During the winter months, ensure that shovels and rock salt are on hand and easily accessible in case of snow or ice.
12. Check older wiring to ensure it’s still in good condition, especially outdoors and connected
13. Install a grab bar in your shower.
14. Inspect carpeting edges to ensure it’s not loose, especially on stairs.
15. Keep an emergency supply of food and water that will last you at least two to three days in case of a natural disaster.
16. Keep a transistor radio handy, as well as extra batteries for it.
17. Use slip-resistant mats in your bathroom and kitchen.
18. Insert outlet covers over unused electrical outlets to keep children and pets from getting shocked.
19. Create a clear perimeter around the home free of brush, bushes, shrubs, and debris, especially in fire-prone areas.
20. Ensure your garden hose is in good working order and keep a fire extinguisher when you can easily access it.
21. Secure your wireless network and make sure you change your password regularly.
22. Store toxic household chemicals out of reach of children and pets.
23. Be careful what you share on social media, and don’t post vacation photos while your home is vacant.
24. Take care with candles and cooking. Never leave open flames unattended.
25. Create a home evacuation plan, including where you will meet outdoors once you leave the home, so you’re ready in an emergency.

 Looking for more ideas to make your home safer? Check out Create the Good’s “Home Safety Tips and Tools.”

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