UM yl SAF uD RU ETYSEN mim bot feat nit a oy Bey, Take A Hands-On Appro ach To HomeSafety (NAPSA)—What you may not know about home safety could pose a potential risk to you or your family. In fact, research conducted by the Home Safety Council, a nonprofit organization dedicated to reducing the risk of homeinjuries, found that home injuries cause nearly 20,000 deaths and 21 million medical visits each year. Slips and falls, poisonings, and fires and burns are some of the most common injuries sustained in and around the home. When it comes to avoiding these injuries, a new national survey conducted by the Home Safety Council found that 60 percent of parents know that there are actions they can take to increase the safety of their homes. Most cited either lack of time or not knowing what to do as the primary reasonsfor not taking steps to find and fix potential home dangers. “Families can easily take a hands-on approach to increasing the safety of their homes by completing some very simple steps,” said Home Safety Council president Meri-K Appy. “Actions such as locking away poisons, testing your smoke alarm or keepinghallwaysclear of clutter do not take much time and can makea significant difference in the health and safety of families nationwide.” Simple Ways to Become Hands-On HomeSafety Despite 71 percent of parents claiming that they are confident their home provides a safe family environment, Home Safety Council research shows that many are not taking somebasic precautions. Hands-on Home Safety: Use nightlights in dark hallways to preventfalls. To make a difference in your home today, follow these three easy steps: Know the Number: 1-800-222-1222 Nearly 75 percent of families do not have the Poison Control Center toll-free number, 1-800-222-1222, posted next to every phone. The hotline will connect callers to their local Poison Control Center. Lowerthe Water Heater Temperature Nearly four out of five parents do not know the proper hot-water heater setting. Help prevent scalds by checking the setting of your water heater and makingsureit’s set no higher than 120 degreesF. Brighten the Lights Falls are the most common home injury and a hazard that is easily overlooked. Use bright lights at the top and bottom of stairs and make sure hallways and dark areas in the home are well lit at night with nightlights. For a complete home safety checklist and tools to help protect your family, visit www.homesafety council.org.
