Accidents will happen - but There a number of things you can do around your home, condominium or vacation property to help lessen the chance of one occurring. here are some hazard prevention measures we've thought of - surely you can think of more:

Fire prevention:

• have at least one smoke detector on every level of your home and test them regularly;
• follow label warnings when working with, or storing, combustible materials (solvents, paint thinners, etc.);
• store gasoline (for lawn and garden equipment) only in small quantities in approved safety containers and only in a garage or storage shed, not in the house;
• don't leave burning candles unattended

Childproofing:

• cover electrical outlets;
• be sure your electric garage door has a safety reverse feature and check to make sure it is working properly;
• keep out of children's reach:
•     -medication, both prescription and over-the-counter,
•     -detergents and cleaning materials,
•     -tools (hammers, saws, nails, power-tools, etc.);
• prevent accidental drowning by not leaving children unattended near water, including bathtubs, wading pools and pails or buckets filled with water;
• prevent burning or scalding by turning down the temperature on your water heater.

Trip hazards:

• keep staircases, hallways, and othere frequently passed areas free of clutter and items that people can trip on;
• light staircases well, so that each step can be seen;
• make sure area rugs have non-slip backing materials and consider eliminating area rugs in high traffic areas.

Appliances and heating units:

• know where your fuse box is and which fuses or circuit breakers control each circuit;
• when using extension cords, ensure they are not damaged or cut and make sure they do not get hot;
• when using extension cords outside, only use those that are rated for outside use;
• when replacing light bulbs, be sure your hands are dry and be sure the fixture is turned off;
• do not use bulbs that exceed the wattage recommended for the fixture;
• do not hang paper towel racks, curtains or towels by a toaster oven, as they can ignite.

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Elaine has answers to your questions and more professional tips to make your real estate transaction more pleasurable. Call or e-mail Elaine or click on "Ask Your Own Questions." Elaine can send you information on any Property Listed For Sale on the Multiple Listing Service in the Ottawa area. If you would like her to help you locate a home, please fill out her Information Request Form. Surfing the Real Estate Board's web site or MLS.CA and found a house that you like but doesn't give you the civic address. Elaine can also help. Just fill out her Would like an address form, please ! Or perhaps you are considering selling your home in the near future, she can also offer you a Complimentary No- Obligation Market Evaluation Form Site Index: Home Page Properties For Sale   l   Info for Buyer's & Seller's   l   Our Newsletter   l   Your Winning Team Our Real Estate Market   l   Get in touch   l   Elaine's BIO   l   Links   l   Site Map Email Elaine Copyright 2007 www.ElaineSmallwood.com. All Rights Reserved. All information deemed to be accurate but not warranted. Performance Realty is independently owned and operated, Brokerage This web site is designed & maintained by: John Smillie / Lasting Impressions