Page 26 THE VILLADOM TIMES I & IV • October 5, 2011 (ARA) Making your home a safe haven for your family - no matter how big or small, young or old - should be a top priority. But according to the Home Safety Council, less than one-third of homeowners make any safety improvements. Why? Forty-two percent of homeowners say they’re unsure of what actions to take, while 19 percent say they don’t have enough time. Luckily, updating your home safety doesn’t have to be a daunting task. Instead of viewing it as one big project, break it up into several smaller projects. Within seven days, your home will be safe, sound, and secure. Day 1: Bathrooms. Despite the small size, there are many opportunities for safety updates. To start, locate medicines and dangerous chemicals, like nail polish remover or mouthwash, and place them together in a locked cabinet. Next, set the water heater below 120 degrees. More than 3,800 scalding injuries happen every year, and the simple task of setting your hot water heater at a lower temperature will help eliminate possible harm. Finally, install grab bars to help prevent falls. Don’t worry. Today’s grab bars won’t make your bath look institutional. In fact, Moen Home Care offers a variety of designer grab bars, including three grab bars with accessories. These “disguised” safety devises include a grab bar with a toilet paper holder, a towel bar for the shower or tub, and a shelf to keep shower items handy and keep a firm grip in the shower. Moen’s unique SecureMount anchors will allow you to install grab bars safely and anywhere on the wall without the need for studs, within minutes. Day 2: Kitchen. With the sharp objects and potentially hot and wet surfaces, there are many danger zones in the kitchen. Start your safety update by ensuring hazardous items are out of reach. This includes knives, scissors, cleaning supplies, plastic bags, and cords from small appliances. Next, if you have young children, install childproof latches on all cupboards, oven doors, and stove handles. Finally, keep a fire extinguisher within arm’s reach of your oven. Day 3: Hallways and Stairs. The stairway/hallway rank third as the most hazardous area of the home, according to a Home Safety Council study. To prevent against falls, Make your home safe and sound in seven days ensure there is bright lighting near stairs and remove or secure any tripping hazards, such as throw rugs, from the area. Next, be sure working smoke detectors are in the hallways on each floor, and change their batteries at least every six months. Finally, provide secure railings on both sides of the stairs; that includes stairs leading to the second level, basement, and garage and entry doors. For an attractive look, add a decorative hand grip in a stylish finish and design from Moen Home Care. Day 4: Electrical/Heating. With fires and burns making up 37 percent of home injuries, it’s important to pay attention to your electrical and heating systems. To start, place safety plugs in all electrical outlets. Next, create barriers around any hot surfaces, such as baseboards, radiators, and fireplaces, to keep children’s hands from being burned while also ensuring that there is a clear distance from other objects, such as curtains and furniture, that could catch fire. Finally, be sure that all electrical outlets near water sources feature ground fault circuits to help prevent electrocution. Day 5: Bedrooms. The soft bed, blankets, and pillows make the bedroom seem safe, but there is still room for improvement. If you are in an older home, be sure the walls have a safe, non-lead paint. Next, look for any dangling cords from blinds and pin them up to remove strangulation hazards. Finally, window guards are also available to prevent accidental falls from open windows. Day 6: Family Room. To fully enjoy the many electronics in your family room, make sure they are safe. Place all large equipment on a wall and make the wires and cords inaccessible. Next, secure any shelves or bookcases (that may look like ladders to kids) to the wall to avoid tipping hazards. Finally, if you have toddlers, be sure to add corner pads to any furniture with sharp corners. Day 7: Rest and Enjoy. Now you can sit back and breathe a sigh of relief that your home is safe and sound for your family. For more information, visit www.moen.com/homecare and www.mysafehome.org.