SAFETY RULES

This article was published on Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Have good electric cords and check them when they are unplugged.
Keep appliances/lamp cords as short as possible. Wind or tie the extra cord with a rubber band or tape to the wall, furniture or unused floor section.
Never pull out a plug by the cord. Doing so will loosen or break the connecting wire that is tied to the plug
Electrical fires – never use water. Use..baking soda. FILL IN HERE _____.
Always keep floors dry as they can be very slippery when wet. If you spill something while cooking in the kitchen take a few minutes to wipe up the spill while you remember and know exactly where it is. This action may prevent a fall later. Put salt on a spill to define its location is a good idea.
Put a rubber mat in the bottom of the bathtub or shower for traction. Install a handlebar or “grab bar” on the wall.
Always test bath water before stepping in.
When getting out of the tub, be sure one foot is firmly planted before lifting the other.
Before placing an item into the oven, reserve a “parking space” for the hot pan When removing baking dishes from the oven, always start by clearing a place before opening the oven door.
If you have a cooking fire, turn off the burner or oven, stand back and toss a handful of baking soda at the base of the flames. Have an ABC extinguisher in your home safely hung on the wall within easy reach for use in case of fire. They are best for covering a large area.
Always turn the handles of pots and pans toward the center of the stove.
Keep all work surfaces in the kitchen clean and dry.
Wash and store sharp knives separately and never use sharp knives to chip the frost from the refrigerator. Most have frost free refrigerators these days and use pans for hot water to defrost old freezers.
Never cook with draping sleeves (esp. bathrobe).
Use back burners when possible.
Never turn on a burner without having a pan on it.
Never place cleaning products within reach of children or pets. Make sure the lids are on tight.
Never mix bleach with ammonia, bowl cleaner, rust cleaner, oven cleaner. In general do not mix cleaners as mixing the chemicals may cause toxic fumes.
Mark all containers of cleaners, insecticide, medicines and store all of these separately from each other and from all food. Wait for a sighted person if you are unsure of the contents of a spray can or bottle. Beware of similar shaped spray cans, (Pam, Raid, hairspray cans all feel alike!)
Wash hands with soap and water after using insecticide, strong cleaner, hot peppers. Keep hands away from face and eyes.
Put all medications in a high or locked placed. Seal covers if there is no safety covers so they can’t be opened hurriedly or by mistake. All medications should be labeled.
Keep all doors fully open or fully closed. Keep halls, doorways, pathways free from obstacles, make sure all exits are clear.
Never bend from the waist. Hold head erect and bend knees. Review basic protective techniques.
Have emergency telephone numbers available in some form or review dialing “911, or “0” for operator. Depending on where you live, the numbers may be different. Familiarize yourself with these.