June is National Home Safety Month

Ask Americans where they feel safest and most will say their own home. However, unintentional injuries in the home result in nearly 21 million medical visits on average each year.

The Home Safety Council dedicates the month of June - Home Safety Month - to educate and empower both families and businesses to take actions that will make homes safe.

"We hope to bring attention to the serious problem of preventable home injuries and its leading,causes: slips and falls, poisonings and fires and burns," says Meri-K Appy, president of the Home Safety Council. "Just a few simple steps can dramatically reduce the dangers in most

homes and may even make a lifesaving difference."

Throughout Home Safety Month, the Home Safety Council encourages  

the public to consider their home's danger areas and take some simple steps to minimize their risk from potential

injuries, or even death.

Prevent Falls

· Have grab bars in the tub and shower.

· Have bright lights over stairs and steps and on landings.

· Have handrails on both sides of the stairs and steps.

· Use a ladder for climbing instead of a stool or furniture.

· Use baby gates at the top and bottom of the stairs, if babies or  

   toddlers live in or visit your home.

Prevent Poisonings

· Lock poisons, cleaners, medications and all dangerous items in a

  place where children can't reach them.

· Keep all cleaners in their original containers. Do not mix them              together.

· Use medications carefully. Follow the directions. Use child resistant lids 

· Install carbon monoxide detectors near sleeping areas.

· Call the Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 if someone

   takes poison. This number will connect you to emergency help in your     area.

Prevent Fires & Burns

· Have working smoke alarms and hold fire drills. If you build a new       home, install firesprinklers.

· Stay by the stove when cooking, especially when you are frying food.

· Keep space heaters at least three feet away from anything that  can      

   burn. Turn them off when you leave the room or go to sleep.

· If you smoke, smoke outside. Use deep ashtrays and put water   in      them  before you empty them. Lock matches and lighters in a place where children can't reach them.

· Only light candles when an adult is in the room. Blow the candle out if you leave the room or go to sleep.