A Guide To Housing in West Virginia

A Safe Home is No Accident: A Checklist for your Family

Provided by Easter Seals and Century 21 Real Estate Corporation

  Yes      No    Check the following throughout your home
    1. Are electrical extension cords in good condition?
    2. Are electrical extension cords kept from being stretched across heavily traveled areas of your home?
    3. Are unused electrical outlets covered or locked?
    4. Are electrical outlets checked regularly for overloading?
    5. Do you know how to turn off gas and electricity in case of emergency?
    6. Are proper size fuses used for replacement rather than pennies or substitutes?
    7. Are floor surfaces nonskid?
    8. Are all floor coverings fastened down?
    9. Are fireplaces screened and protected?
    10. Are open flames such as candles kept away from walls and curtains?
    11. Do you have smoke detectors in your home, and have you checked the batteries lately?
    12. Is an approved fire extinguisher kept on each floor?
    13. Do you have emergency phone numbers - police, fire, doctor, utilities - handy to the phone?
    14. Is a sturdy stepladder available for climbing?
    15. Do interior doors such as those on closets or bathrooms have safety release locks that allow them to be opened from either side?
    16. If there are small children in your home, are open windows securely screened?
    17. Is lead-free paint used on all objects accessible to children?


  Yes      No    Take Steps to Check Stairs and Hallways
    1. Are stairway approaches kept uncluttered and free of throw rugs?
    2. Do stairways have strong banisters or railings?
    3. Are all steps in a flight the same height and width?
    4. Are steps kept free of toys, tools and other objects?
    5. Are stair treads or carpeting kept in good repair?
    6. Is the stairway well-lighted with electrical switches located at top and bottom?
    7. Are young children protected by gates placed at the top and bottom of stairway?
    8. Are night lights provided in hallways and bedroom-bathroom areas?


  Yes      No    Know What's Cooking in Your Kitchen
    1. Are window curtains out of the reach of the stove?
    2. Are electrical appliances disconnected when not in use?
    3. Is there a light over stove and sink?
    4. Do gas appliances have flue ventilation?
    5. Are freezer units and trash compactors locked to protect children?
    6. Are furnaces and flues inspected regularly?
    7. Are drawers and cupboards kept closed?
    8. Do you keep knives in a rack or compartmented tray?
    9. Are pan handles pointed away from the edge of the stove and other burners?
    10. Are all cleaning agents kept on shelves above children's reach?
    11. Are grease, water, and other spilled liquids or foods wiped up immediately?
    12. Do you have hot dish holders near stove?


  Yes      No    Don't Rest until You've Checked Your Bedroom
    1. Is a light within easy reach of the bed?
    2. Are room heaters turned off at bedtime?
    3. Do you keep your room properly ventilated when using a room heater?
    4. Is your infant's mattress firm and the bed free of pillows and loose blankets?
    5. Are small children's clothes checked for pins and detachable decorations which could be swallowed?
    6. Are infants and toddlers' toys soft and the individual parts too large to be swallowed?
    7. Are used plastic bags destroyed or kept out of children's reach?
    8. Do all family members refrain from smoking in bed?


  Yes      No    Clean Up Any Bathroom Hazards
    1. Are nonskid mats used in bath tubs and shower?
    2. Are all medicines kept in locked cabinets out of reach of children?
    3. Are medicines for "external use only" labeled as such and kept separate from others?
    4. Do you discard prescription drugs after their use has ended?
    5. Have hand grips been installed alongside the shower, tub and toilet, especially if bath room is used by elderly or disabled persons?
    6. Are infants and toddlers watched at all times when in the tub?
    7. Are all electrical appliances kept away from water and unplugged after use?


  Yes      No    Measure Your Yard For Potential Dangers
    1. Are nonskid mats used in bath tubs and shower?
    2. Is yard free from glass, nails, yard tools and all items with jagged edges?
    3. Are garden sprays nonpoisonous?
    4. Is play apparatus checked regularly?
    5. Are clothes lines strung high enough to clear pedestrian traffic?
    6. Are children kept from playing in streets and driveways?
    7. Do you use charcoal lighter fluid - never gasoline - to light your outdoor grill?
    8. Are children kept away from power mowers, hedge trimmers and snow blowers when such appliances are being operated?
    9. Does person operating power mower wear sturdy shoes?
    10. Do you limit the time you work in the hot sun?
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