The National Home Safety Challenge

Sponsored by ACE

1.    Have you replaced your smoke detectors in the last 10 years?

According to the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA), smoke detectors should be replaced at least every 10 years.  As of 1997, only 94% of homes have smoke detectors.  Having working smoke detectors cuts your risk of dying in a house fire by half!

2.    Does your family have an escape plan if a fire should occur?

NFPA says that only 16% of households have developed and practiced a fire escape plan.  To help maximize your family's safety, you should have at least 2 ways out of every room and discuss and practice these routes at least twice a year.

3.    Parents, do you have anti-scald valves on all faucets and vent locks or gates on all windows?

Water temperature can fluctuate by as many as 30 degrees F.  Because of this, scalding is a leading cause of burn-related injuries among young children.  Also, bear in mind that window screens alone are not nearly strong enough to prevent falls. 

4.    Do you have a Class ABC fire extinguisher mounted near an exit on every level of your home?

Residential fires are a leading cause of death in the US for people over the age of one.  Fire extinguishers should be located on every level of your house, including the garage.

5.    Do you have ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) for receptacles/circuit breakers near all water supplies and damp areas?

GFCIs are designed to act like circuit breakers to eliminate shock hazards.  They protect a circuit by monitoring the current and shutting it down if any imbalance is detected.

6.        Do your stairwells have bright lights at both the top and bottom and are your basement steps painted with illuminating paint?

More than 42% of falling deaths result from accidents occurring on stairs or steps. Another helpful hint: secure all rugs and carpeting on or near your steps with rubber backing or double-stick tape.

7.    Do all of your exterior doors have deadbolt locks on them?

Deadbolts offer the greatest protection.  Use double cylinder bolts when there is glass in or near the door to eliminate a burglars chance of opening the bolt by hand.

How did you do?  Count up all of the times you answered YES to the questions above.

0-2    Your home is hazardous.  Take immediate measures.

3-5    Your family's well-being is important, but you still need to maximize your home safety.

6-7    Your family's safety is a top priority for you.  Great Job!