1
Before we start our room-by-room tour of your home, let's take a look at a few basic indoor ground rules:

• Make sure your home has at least two unobstructed exits in case of fire or other catastrophe. Know two ways out of every room and practice exit drills with your family.
• Install smoke detectors on every level of your home. (See Basic Fire Tips for more information.)
• Keep emergency numbers near the phone, and teach your kids about 9-1-1.
• Avoid the use of extension cords or multi-;lug outlets when possible; protect outlets from curios hands by using approved covers.
• Use GFCI plugs (plugs with red pop-out buttons on them) to protect your family in the event of power leaks and surges.
• Keep all harmful chemicals out of reach of children and out of pets' nose-range.

2
These days, basements are used for more than just storage; more and more, they're turning into rec rooms, workshops, laundry rooms, and guest bedrooms. As a result, basements are likely to contain flammable or combustible liquids such as turpentine, solvents, oil-based paints, stains, varnishes, bathroom cleaners, and charcoal lighter fluids. It's likely that your basement also houses your furnace, boiler, and hot-water heater. Here are a few things you'll need to keep in mind;

• Keep all flammable liquids in tightly-closed original container s or in approved and labeled safety containers.
• Store what liquids and chemicals you can outside the home, in the garage or a shed.
• Make sure all stairways, windows, doors, and other basement exits are easily accessible.

3
Children and pets gravitate toward the smells and gadgets that kitchens typically offer. Here's what you need to do to ensure all explorations are healthy ones:

• Make sure that a smoke detector is installed in your kitchen, not just in an adjacent hallway or dining room. (See Basic Fire Tips for more information.)
• Store all cleaners, polishes, and combustible liquids out of harm's reach and in secure, clearly marked containers.
• Keep all medicines at adult eye-level or higher, and make sure that they have child-proof caps.

4
Along with the kitchen, the bathroom is the room in your house most likely to attract curious hands. Though most parents are aware of the challenges involved, it's always good to review the basics

• Remember that many disinfectants, toilet bowl cleaners, drain-cleaning fluids and powders are extremely caustic, and can cause severe chemical burns.
• Most people store any number of toxic chemicals in a cupboard beneath the bathroom sink; it would be wise to relocate them to a less accessible location.
• Installation of anti-scald shower heads can help prevent the danger of hot-water burns.

5
Bedrooms aren't often taken into consideration where home safety is concerned. But smart families would do well to consider the following tips:

• Aerosol hair spray and similar products are highly flammable, and should never be used near a heat source or open flame. Never dispose of these items in trash that will be burned.
• Nail polish and similar fluids are also flammable, and can give off vapors that can be harmful if a person is exposed to them for an extended period of time. Pay special attention to cotton balls or tissues which have been soaked in these fluids.

6
Garages are a well known habitat for potentially dangerous fluids and sharp-edged objects. Some things to look out for:

• Use gasoline as a motor fuel only, and treat it with extreme caution. Store it only in containers designed and approved for that purpose.
• Keep all blades and tools out of the reach of tiny hands and in secure storage containers or on sturdy racks. Do not hang heavy or sharp tools from nails or exposed beams.
• Don't leave the keys in your vehicle, even in a secured garage.

7
Fire Extinguishers
Having the proper extinguisher is essential to fighting home fires. Extinguishers come in three classes: A, B, and C. For home fires, only Class B (flammable liquid) extinguishers are acceptable. Class A (paper or combustible) extinguishers can make chemical fires worse. Class C extinguishers are used primarily for energized electrical equipment fires. Therefore, you should only use extinguishers marked Class B or Class A:B:C (approved for all fires).

Smoke Detectors
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) estimates that more than 10,000 lives were saved in 1997 by smoke detectors. When purchasing a detector, you should look for one that fits your family's particular needs (such as extra-loud alarms for the hearing-impaired). Some detectors have better warranties and are more reputable than others; all of them are reasonably affordable and well worth the investment. When making this purchase, you shouldn't skimp; your family's safety is simply too important.

8
Here's a quick rundown of the gases most commonly encountered by homeowners:

Butane
Containers of butane and all aerosol cans should be stored in a cool place

Natural Gas
Natural gas and propane are extremely flammable and should be used with care. If you suspect a leak, contact the gas company, propane supplier, or fire department immediately.

Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide is a lethal, odorless gas that can be released through furnaces, gas water heaters, and chimneys. Because it's a notoriously hard gas to detect, it's vital that you install an approved carbon monoxide detector.

Radon
Radon is an odorless, tasteless radioactive gas produced by decaying underground uranium. It can be found in the basements of many older homes an din newer homes that have cracks or gaps in the concrete foundation. If you're concerned about the presence of radon in your home, visit your local hardware store and purchase an activated-charcoal canister to perform a simple test. You'll be glad you did.

9
Many homes -- particularly older homes -- have walls and other surfaces that have been coated with lead-based paint. Homeowners often take sandpaper or paint chippers to these surfaces, leaving lead dust or paint chips that can be extremely harmful if inhaled or ingested. If you think your home has a lead problem, purchase a home lead test at your local hardware store; if you have further questions, consult a home contractor or paint specialist.

10
Now that we've toured the inside of your home, let's stroll outside and take a look at some of the things you should watch for.

• Charcoal lighter and propane are commonly used for outdoor cooking. When starting a charcoal fire, apply starter fluid only to cold charcoal briquettes, and allow the fluid to soak in for a full ten minutes before lighting.
• Many times, pesticides, week killers, garden fungicides, and other chemicals are stored out in the open, leaning against a fence or the side of the house. Relocate them to a safe, out-of-the-way place like a shed or high garage shelf.
• If you have an unfenced pool, consider installing a chain-link fence to keep toddlers from accidentally wandering in. Keep all  lifesaving equipment close at hand, and keep all electrical devices away from the water.

Tomi Johnson
Realty One Real Living
3994 E. Harbor Rd
Port Clinton, OH 43452
888-807-4110 toll free
419-341-0276 cell phone
419-734-7260 fax
tomi@vacationlandconnection.com