Houlton Police Corner

    Make your family safer, step-by-step, only you can make that difference. Here are some tips:
    Sound the Alarm: Install smoke detectors on every floor of your home and carbon monoxide detectors near sleeping areas. If already installed, test them! Tip: Replace the batteries every daylight-saving time change.
    Avoid Overload: Check for overloaded extension cords – usage should not exceed the recommended wattage.
    Don’t Get Tippy: If young children are in the home, bookshelves and other furniture should be firmly secured with wall brackets to prevent tipping.
    Paint Safe: Check walls for loose paint. If re-painting, do so in a well-ventilated area and consider VOC-free paint.
    Childproof, Childproof, Childproof: Check your local library or online for complete lists of childproofing suggestions, particular danger include outlets, appliances, electronics, stairs and windows.
    Cover Outlets: Cover all unused outlets to prevent children from sticking a finger in the socket.
    Watch Cord Placement: Extension cords should not be placed under rugs or heavy furniture, tacked up or coiled while in use.
    Get Grounded: All major appliances should be grounded. Be sure to check your ground fault circuit interrupters regularly.
    Plan Your Escape: Practice a fire escape plan with your family where you identify two exits for every room and what to do with young children.
    Give Your Air Heater Some Space: All air heaters should be placed at least three feet from beds, curtains or anything flammable.
    Keep Extinguishers Handy: Place all-purpose fire extinguishers in key locations in your home – the kitchen, bedroom and basement. Be sure to check expiration dates regularly and know how to use them safely.
    Create a Safe Exit: In addition to alarms and extinguishers, consider an escape ladder if your home has two floors. Keep emergency numbers and contacts readily available by the phone.
    Unplug Appliances: Unplug appliances and electronics when not in use and store them out of reach.
    Go New in the Nursery: Check that all painted cribs, bassinettes and high chairs were made after 1978 to avoid potential lead paint poisoning.
    Cool Your Jets: Set your water heater below 120 degrees Fahrenheit to avoid potential burns and to save energy.
    Put Away Medications: Take medications and medical supplies out of your purse, pockets and drawers, and put them in a cabinet with a child safety lock.
 These tips brought to you by 2012 UL LLC at WWW.safetyathome.com.