During and immediately after a disaster, any household item that can move, fall, break or cause a fire becomes a home hazard.

You should inspect your home to find and correct potential hazards before disaster strikes. To begin, here are some suggestions:

Check Your Utilities

• Know where your main electric fuse or circuit-breaker box is located and how to shut it off safely.
• Know where your main water and natural gas shut-off valves are located and how to shut them off safely.

Identify Electrical and Chemical Hazards

• Replace frayed or cracked extension and appliance cords, loose prongs and plugs.
• Avoid overloading outlets.
• Be sure all extension cords are rated for the electrical load and the cord is as short as possible.
• Repair or replace appliances that overheat, short out, smoke or spark.
• Properly store flammable liquids in well ventilated areas and in original and safety containers.
• Move flammable items away from heat sources, gas appliances and open flames.

Use Safety Equipment

• Install at least one smoke detector on each level of your home.
• Install a Carbon Dioxide (CO2) detector if you have combustion appliances.
• Have a fire extinguisher (ABC-type) available for use.

Secure Loose and Heavy Items

• Check for items that can shift or fall.
• Anchor your water heater, large appliances, bookcases, tall or heavy furniture, shelves, mirrors and pictures to wall studs.
• Place large or heavy objects on lower shelves.
• Provide strong support and flexible connections on gas appliances, including the water heater.

Practice Home Evacuation Plans

• Plan how to escape from your home in case of an emergency.
• Identify at least two exits from each room.
• Conduct emergency drills.
• Practice day and night escapes, and pick a safe meeting place outside your home.

Additional Resources

• Make Your Home Safe Before a Disaster: www.cals.ncsu.edu/agcomm/writing/disaster/safe.htm
• Looking for a Home? Take the Opportunity to Make Your Home Safe for You and Your Family: www.redcross.org/services/disaster/beprepared/looking.pdf