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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link="#0563C1" vlink="#954F72"><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal>Good Afternoon Ohio Members,<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>On behalf of the Senior Division, here are a few safety tips that everyone should keep in mind.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Yes, you youngins too!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>Home Safety Checklist:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>ELECTRICAL CORDS & OUTLETS -<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>* Check for frayed wires. Repair or replace any loose/frayed wires<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>on all electrical devices.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>* Follow the path of cords. No cords should run under rugs or<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>across doorways.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>* Baby-proof if you have any small children in your house! Place<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>plastic safety covers over unused outlets.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>* Re-think extension cords. Consider adding electrical outlets<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>where you currently rely on extension cords.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>* Check for a faulty electrical system. Feel all outlets and plugs<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>to see if any are warm; if so, have an electrician check them.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>* Don't overload the system. Make sure that you've followed<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>manufacturer's direction about maximum wattage of lamp bulbs and outlet<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>requirements for plugs.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>* Don't overload any one outlet. Be certain that you have no more<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>than one high-wattage appliance plugged into a single outlet.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>HOME HEATING - <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>* Examine the outside vents. They should be properly sealed and<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>clear of obstruction to prevent carbon monoxide build-up in the house.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>Re-check during and after a snowstorm.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>* Pick the right wood. If you use a fireplace or a woodstove, stock<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>up on dry seasoned wood, which burns without producing a lot of creosote. A<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>buildup of creosote (soot) in the chimney or flue can be dangerous, causing<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>chimney fires.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>* Hire a chimney sweep. Have flues and chimneys inspected and<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>cleaned by a professional annually.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>* Inspect wood-burning stoves twice monthly. Make sure the door<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>latch closes properly. The room should have a working smoke detector.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>Never let a child use the stove unattended.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>* Inspect water heaters annually. The temperature should be set at<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>no higher than 120 degrees to prevent burns. Never leave children along<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>near a water heater, and keep combustible and flammable materials far away<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>from it.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>SMOKE & CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTORS -<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>* Install smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors generously.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>These should be on each floor of the house, covering all sleeping areas.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>* Test alarms monthly. Replace any that don't work. (In any case,<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>alarms should be replaced every ten years).<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>* Replace batteries annually; or sooner, if the alarm chirps.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>* Clean all detectors. Vacuum each grille.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>* Post the fire department's carbon-monoxide reporting emergency<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>number. If it differs from 911, keep the number by the phone.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>* Demonstrate the sound of each detector. Family members need to<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>know the difference.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>FIRE EXTINGUISHERS -<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>* Place extinguishers strategically. Keep one in the kitchen and<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>one on every floor. Learn how to use your extinguishers BEFORE it is<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>necessary!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>* Replace extinguishers when necessary. Follow the schedule<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>suggested by the manufacturer, and always replace an extinguisher that<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>appears damaged.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>* Consider installing a sprinkler system; if your budget allows for<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>it.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>HOME ESCAPE PLANS -<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>* Create an escape plan with two exit routes in case of fire.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>Practice it periodically with the entire family. For details, see the<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>National Fire Protection Association's website - <a href="http://www.nfpa.org"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'>www.nfpa.org</span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText><<a href="http://www.nfpa.org"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'>http://www.nfpa.org</span></a>> .<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>* Choose a meeting place. Establish a plan for meeting up in case<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>of a local or national disaster.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>* If you live in a two-story house, buy a rescue ladder. It should<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>attach to an upper level window casing to provide an alternate escape route.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>HOMES WITH SMALL CHILDREN - <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>* Lock the cabinets. Install safety latches and locks.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>* Install window guards on every window. Make sure one window in<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>each room can be used as a fire exit.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>* Install safety gates. Bar the top and bottom of stairs.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>* Lock up hazardous materials. Place any poisonous or hazardous<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>products in locked cabinets. Post the poison control hotline's number 1 800<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>222 1222 by every phone. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>* Make sure all your medicines and vitamins have childproof caps.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>Store them out of children's reach.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>* Stow away sharp knives, scissors, and cosmetic tools; as well as<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>matches, and plastic bags. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>* Lock up any firearms. Be sure they are unloaded and separate from<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>ammunition. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>* Install padding on furniture with sharp edges. Put doorknob<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>covers on entry doors so kids can't get out unattended.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>* If you have a pool, fence it in. A pool should be enclosed with a<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>four-sided fence and a childproof gate. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>* Teach children their address and how to dial 911. As early as<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>possible, children need to know these fundamentals. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText> BURGLARPROOFING - <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>* Install a sturdy deadbolt lock on every door to the outside. This<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>should include the door into the house from the garage.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>* In any room with window bars, make sure at least one has a<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>quick-release mechanism. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>* Install motion-sending floodlights in the backyard.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>* Keep your house looking "lived-in" when you are away for extended<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>periods of time. Arrange for the lawn to be mowed, stop mail delivery,<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>install timers for selected lights, leave a car in the driveway, and<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>consider leaving drapes/shades open a bit.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>* Advertise prominently any home security system you have installed.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>You might think about putting up signs even if you don't have a system.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>* Examine your landscaping. Trim shrubs and trees near windows and<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>doors that provide hiding places for burglars, and prune limbs that serve as<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>ladders to upper windows.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>* Purchase a metal bar or a solid-wood dowel to insert in the<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>tracking of sliding glass doors. This will prevent anyone from opening<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>them. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>* Put your street number, not your name, on your mailbox.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>* Give a spare key to a trusted neighbor or nearby friend. Thieves<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>know all about fake rocks and other hide-a-key tricks.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>OTHER -<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>* Make sure house number is visible from the street.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>* Store all flammable liquids away from any flame source and keep<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>flammable objects away from the kitchen stove.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>* Plug a re-chargeable flashlight into a socket by your bed. You'll<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>be able to light the way through smoke in a fire or signal to firefighters.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>* Install nonslip decals or a non-skid tub mat in your tub.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>* Put lights and light switches at the top and bottom of the stairs<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>to prevent falls in the dark. If this is not feasible, purchase<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>battery-operated stick up lights at tops and bottoms of stairs and be sure<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>to change batteries when they begin to go dim.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>* Paint the bottom basement step white so it's more visible. You'll<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>be less likely to mistake it for the floor.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>Suzanne Turner, President<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>NFB Ohio Senior Division<o:p></o:p></p></div></body></html>