With the upcoming time change (from Daylight Savings back to Standard Time), take a few minutes this week to make your home healthier for your family. Here are six tips:
- Test your smoke alarm and replace the battery. Using smoke alarms in your home cuts your risk of dying in a fire in half.
- Wash your hands with warm, soapy water for at least 20 seconds – enough time to sing “Happy Birthday” twice. Each year about 48 million Americans get sick from eating contaminated or improperly prepared foods.
- Make your home smoke free. Never let anyone smoke anywhere in or near your home. Parents are responsible for 90% of their children’s exposure to smoke.
- Program the number for poison control into your cell phone: 1-800-222-1222. If you use a land line, post the number near the phone. Each day in the United States over 300 children (ages 0-19) are in emergency rooms for poisonings.
- Do a 3-minute “clean sweep” Pick one small area of your home- like your junk drawer or stairs and take 3 minutes to sort the items. Get rid of what you do not need. Clutter can collect dust, mold, and other allergens and gives pests a place to hide. If clutter is on the floor or stairs, it can cause you to trip and fall.
- Check your locks. Make sure locks function correctly and that a child can operate them in an emergency.
