#30 Home Hazard Hunt: Turn Safety into a Family Game

The holiday season is here, and home safety just got a lot more fun (and funny)! 🎄 Join Leigh and Angie in the latest episode of 38% Prepared as they take you on a Room-by-Room Home Hazard Hunt to make your home safer—all while keeping the whole family entertained. Here’s Leigh and Angie's very own, crafted initially Home Hazard Hunt Checklist!    Kitchen: [ ] Stove and oven clean and free of grease buildup [ ] Fire extinguisher easily accessible [ ] Knife block placed away from counter edge [ ] Cooking area free of loose, dangling clothing [ ] Pan lids readily available for potential grease fires [ ] Cabinets free of combustibles [ ] GFCI outlets installed near sink [ ] Matches and lighters stored out of children's reach [ ] Clear pathways, no trip hazards (cords, rugs) [ ] Small appliances secured   Living Areas: [ ] Rugs and carpets secured [ ] Clear pathways through rooms [ ] Bookshelves and heavy furniture secured to walls [ ] Valuable/irreplaceable items properly secured or relocated [ ] Blind and drape cords separated and secured   Bedrooms: [ ] Working smoke detectors installed [ ] Clear escape routes [ ] Heavy furniture secured [ ] Clear pathways to prevent tripping   Bathroom: [ ] Non-slip mats in place [ ] GFCI outlets installed [ ] Cleaning supplies and medicines in child-proof cabinets [ ] Glass bottles replaced with plastic when possible   General Electrical Safety: [ ] No frayed cords [ ] Outlets not overloaded [ ] Correct wattage bulbs in all fixtures [ ] No extension cords under rugs [ ] Damaged cords, plugs, or sockets replaced   Chemical Safety: [ ] Cleaning products stored out of reach [ ] Medications stored securely [ ] Dangerous substances in locked cabinets   Natural Disaster Preparedness: [ ] Tall furniture bolted to wall studs (earthquake areas) [ ] Water heater strapped to wall (earthquake areas) [ ] Flexible connections for gas appliances (earthquake areas) [ ] Heavy items stored on lower shelves [ ] Positive latches on cabinets [ ] Storm shutters installed (hurricane areas)   Outdoor Areas: [ ] Walkways free of trip hazards [ ] House number visible for emergency responders [ ] Tree branches trimmed away from house [ ] Dry vegetation and rubbish cleared (fire risk) [ ] Proper outdoor lighting installed   Garage, Attic, and Shed: [ ] Gasoline stored in approved containers, locked away [ ] Flammable liquids in original containers, stored low and away from heat [ ] No combustibles (e.g., newspapers) stored in attic   Final Safety Measures: [ ] Smoke detectors on every level, tested monthly [ ] Class ABC fire extinguisher accessible, additional ones considered [ ] Chimney inspected annually [ ] Water heater thermostat set to 120°F [ ] Emergency kit prepared and accessible [ ] Family emergency escape plan created and practiced [ ] Out-of-state emergency contact established Remember: When in doubt, secure it properly or consider relocating the item to a safer place!   Episode Highlights: Kitchen safety: Proper knife storage, safe cooking attire, and "keep an eye on what you fry." Living area: Prevent falls and secure heavy furniture. Bedroom & bathroom: Smoke detectors and GFCI outlets are essential. Electrical safety: Tips for the entire home. Outdoor safety: Manage vegetation to prevent fires. Natural disasters: Prepare for earthquakes, hurricanes, and more. Emergency prep: Assemble kits and create family escape plans. References: https://cms2.revize.com/revize/renvillemn/PublicHealth/10%20RC%20%20Home%20Hazard%20Hunt%206-10.pdf  https://www.co.polk.or.us/sites/default/files/fileattachments/emergency_management/page/2654/home_hazard_hunt.pdf