Trauma and Injury Prevention

Household fires can be a serious risk to both your safety and property, often resulting from common causes like cooking accidents, electrical malfunctions, or improper use of heating equipment. To reduce the risk of fire, follow these fire safety tips to protect your home and loved ones.

Fire Safety Plan

• Create and practice a fire escape plan with the members in your house. Pick a meeting spot outside and practice the plan at least twice a year
• Make sure there is a smoke alarm on every level of your house Test the smoke alarm at least once a month and change the batteries when required
• Clean out chimneys and fireplaces at least once a year
• Always turn off the stove and oven when you leave the kitchen, and never leave cooking equipment unattended
• Place a fire extinguisher in your kitchen in case there is a cooking fire

Winter Home Fire Prevention

• Keep all items, furniture, people, and pets at least 3 feet away from heating equipment
• If you need to use a space heater, place it is on a level, hard and nonflammable surface. Do not place on a rug or carpet or plug into an extension cord
• Do not leave a fire in the fireplace unattended
• Do not use an oven or stove to heat your home
• Turn off portable space heaters when you leave the room or go to sleep
• Use battery powered flashlights instead of candles to see in the dark
• If there is a power outage, turn off and unplug all unnecessary electrical equipment

For more information on Fire Safety:

• RedCross.org - 15 Ways to Avoid a Fire in Your Home
• RedCross.org - 7 Ways To Prepare for a Home Fire
• RedCross.org - What to do if a Fire Starts

In the event of a power outage during severe weather or a winter storm, it's important to take precautions to stay safe and protect your household. Power outages can lead to a range of challenges, from staying warm to ensuring you have access to food, water, and essential supplies. By following these safety tips, you can help minimize risks and remain comfortable until power is restored.

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas that can cause sudden illness and death if inhaled.

• Be aware of the most common signs of carbon monoxide poisoning: headaches, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion
• Make sure there is a carbon monoxide detector on each level of your house and in the sleeping areas
• During a power outage, heat or cool your home safely and do not use a stove or oven to heat your home
• Never leave a vehicle parked in an enclosed or partially enclosed space such as a garage

Food Safety

• During a power outage, a freezer can keep food safe for 48 hours when the freezer door remains closed
• A fridge can keep food safe for 4 hours when the fridge door remains closed
• Throw away perishable food in the fridge such as chicken, poultry, fish, and eggs if the power has been off for 4 hours or more
• Throw out perishable foods in the freezer that have thawed out

Water Safety

• During a power outage, water purification systems may not be working. Check recommendations from the health department on boiling and treatment of water in your area

Medication Safety

• If the power has been out for a day or two, throw away any medication that need to be refrigerated unless the drug is labeled otherwise
• If someone relies on a refrigerated medication that has been stored at room temperature, use it only until a new supply is available

Extreme Heat

Know the signs of heat related illnesses:

• high body temperature (above 103 degrees Fahrenheit)
• hot, red, dry or damp skin
• fast, strong pulse
• headache
• dizziness
• nausea
• confusion
• losing consciousness

What to do if you notice any signs of a heat related illness::

• Move the person to a cool place,
• help lower the person’s temperature, and
• call 911 right away if it is a medical emergency

Extreme Cold

Know the signs of an abnormally low body temperature:

• Shivering
• Exhaustion or feeling tired
• Confusion
• Fumbling hands
• Memory loss
• Slurred speech
• Drowsiness

Store extra blankets, sleeping bags and winter coats in preparation for cold weather

What to do if you notice any signs of extreme cold:

• Take the person's temperature - if it is below 95° F, get medical attention immediately.
• If you are not able to get help right away, try to warm the person up and take additional steps to help the person while you wait for help.

For more information on power outage safety:

• CDC.gov - Natural Disasters > Response > What to Do to Protect Yourself During a Power Outage
• CDC.gov - Winter Weather > Safety > Safety Guidelines: During & After a Winter Storm
• CDC.gov - Food Safety > Foods > Keep Food Safe After a Disaster or Emergency

Mold can grow in your home when excess moisture is present due to roof leaks, window leaks, plumbing issues, or flooding. Exposure to mold can lead to health problems like a stuffy nose, sore throat, coughing, wheezing, irritated eyes, or skin rashes. To protect your home and your health, follow these steps to prevent mold growth and clean up mold.

Mold Prevention

• Use an air conditioner or dehumidifier to keep humidity levels low in your home
• Use an exhaust fan in the kitchen and bathroom to make sure air flows freely
• Make sure there aren’t any leaks in your home’s roof, walls or plumbing
• Clean and dry out your home within 24-48 hours if there is a flood
• Clean your bathroom with mold-killing products
• Remove carpets in places that have a lot of moisture such as bathrooms

Cleaning up Mold

• Wear rubber boots, rubber gloves, and googles when cleaning up
• Mold can be removed from hard surfaces with soap and water and bleach (do not use more than one cup of household laundry bleach for one gallon of water)
• Be careful when using bleach. Do not mix with ammonia or other cleaners and follow instructions
• Open windows and door for fresh air

For more information on Mold Safety:

• CDC.gov - Mold Health > Mold
• EPA.gov - A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture and Your Home
• CDC.gov - Mold Health > Homeowner’s and Renter’s Guide to Mold Cleanup After Disasters

Exposure to household air pollution has been associated with an increased risk of health conditions such as stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and lung cancer. By taking steps to improve indoor air quality, you can help lower these health risks and create a healthier living environment.

Air Filters
If your home has a central heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system (HVAC) here’s what you can do to improve indoor air quality:

• Make sure the filters are installed properly
• Change your filter every 3 months or according to the manufacturer instructions
• Use pleated filters instead of ordinary furnace filters
• Use ceiling fans to help improve air flow in the home

Radon Safety
Testing your home for unsafe levels of radon can reduce your risk to lung cancer and other health issues:

• You can purchase an at home radon testing kid at your state radon office, many hardware stores, or also order one through the National Program Services
• Once you have a kit, follow the instruction on there carefully. Making sure to place the device in the lowest level of your home
• Leave the test in place for the instructed amount of time
• If the radon levels and greater than 4pCI/L, test your home again and contact a professional to install a radon reduction system if the levels are greater than 4 pCi/L the second time

Gas Stove Safety

• Turn on your range hood every time you cook for ventilation
• If your kitchen does not have a range hood, open a window or door to the outside when cooking
• Use countertop appliances as alternatives to the gas stove or oven such as: air fryers, rice cookers, slow cookers, instant pot, toaster oven, and microwaves
• Install a carbon dioxide detector in your home to monitor levels while cooking

For more information on improving indoor air quality:

• CDC.gov - Improving Ventilation in Your Home
• CDC.gov - Radon > Testing > Testing for Radon in Your Home
• NYTimes.com - Worried About Your Gas Stove? Here’s What to Do