Prepare Your Home

While you can’t always anticipate when disaster will strike, you can take steps to make your home as safe as possible:

  • Don’t run wires under rugs or carpet
  • Place oily rags or waste in covered metal cans
  • Keep flammables away from heat sources
  • Don’t overload electrical outlets
  • Clean and repair chimneys, flue pipes, vent connectors and gas vents
  • Fix leaky gas connections immediately
  • Secure water heater by strapping to wall studs
  • Secure large appliances
  • Secure hanging plants
  • Place large, heavy objects on lower shelves
  • Hang pictures and mirrors away from beds
  • Brace overhead light fixtures
  • Repair cracks in ceilings and foundations
  • Fasten shelves securely to walls