June was declared National Safety Month by the National Safety Council in 1996 to make strides in reducing the leading causes of unintentional injury and death at work, on the road, and in homes and communities. Every year local entities, organizations, and non-profits use June as a time to educate communities about different safety-related topics. The Williamson County Fire Marshal’s Office is taking advantage of this time to share the following safety tips to help identify risks and hazards at home. With people spending more time at home these days, now is the time to ensure your home is the safest it can be!

Electrical Cords and Outlet

• Repair or replace any loose or frayed wires on all electrical devices
• No cords should run under rugs or across doorways
• If you have small children in the house, place plastic safety covers over unused outlets
•  Consider adding electrical outlets where you currently rely on extension cords
• Do not overload any one outlet or the electrical system

Home A/C and Water Heater

• Never store combustible and flammable materials near the A/C unit
• Check water heaters annually and make sure the temperature is no higher than 120 degrees to prevent burns
• Never store combustible and flammable materials near a water heater

Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

• Smoke detectors should be installed on each floor of the house and cover all sleeping areas
• Test alarms monthly
• Replace batteries annually

Home Escape Plans

• Create an escape plan with two exit routes in case of fire
• Choose a meeting place to assure everyone has made it out safely
• Practice the plan annually with the whole family

 Homes with Small Children

• Install safety latches on cabinets
• Make sure all medicines and vitamins have childproof caps
• Store sharp objects, matches and plastic bags out of children’s reach
• Lock up any guns and store them separate from ammunition
• Pools should be enclosed with a fence and childproof gate

Miscellaneous

• Put a first aid kit together
• Store flammable liquids away from flame sources, preferably outside of the house
• Keep flammable object away from the kitchen stove or other heat source
• Keep stairs clear of clutter to prevent slip, trip or fall hazards
• Make sure your house numbers are visible from the street in case of an emergency

For more on the Williamson County Fire Marshal's office, please visit the website https://www.wilco.org/Departments/Fire-Marshal.