The new home is lovely, the neighbours are great, and you want it all to stay that way. There are a few things you can do.
Think about safety, for starters. Everyone in the household can contribute to home safety. Children can learn how to deal properly with cuts and scrapes, and understand indoor and outdoor safety basics, advises Kolby Walters, manager of training for St. John Ambulance.
"Don't focus on the really big stuff," but be sure they know where the first aid kit is kept and talk about how and when to call 911, for example, he says
Invest in a well-stocked first aid kit for the new house, and go through the contents from time to time to make sure it's all there and all is usable -- from small and large bandages to rubber gloves.
St. John Ambulance offers first aid kits of all kinds. Basic first aid training takes a day, while CPR is about a half-day. "Everybody should know it," Walters says.
When it comes to fire safety, families should do fire drills at least once a year. That way everyone knows the exits to use and has a muster point -- an outside meeting place where the family can gather and ensure everyone's out safely.
Some things to go over as a family:
Know what to do if the smoke detector goes off;
Know where each person's nearest exit is, and the alternative, in case it's blocked;
Stay low to avoid smoke;
Check doors before opening -- there could be flames beyond them;
If you have a second floor, determine a safe escape from there;
If necessary, buy a collapsible fire ladder that hooks onto a window frame -- available at stores like Rona and Canadian Tire and fire safety supply companies.
Some tips on preventing fires:
Never leave cooking or candles unattended;
Make sure smoking materials are out and disposed of properly -- smoking is a major cause of fires.
Always store flammables, like gasoline and paint, away from potential sparks or flames.
If you have a fireplace, install a spark arrestor, mesh with gaps under a half-inch (1.25 cm), and use only childproof lighters or matches.
Don't overload electrical circuits -- especially at Christmas time.
New homes should have one smoke detector per floor or level and should be wired in, with battery backup.
As well, install CO (carbon monoxide) detectors to warn of the odourless, tasteless killer.
Fire extinguishers aren't required in homes, but the fire department recommends having them. You want a multi-purpose fire extinguisher. Make sure it's serviceable -- most have expiry or "service before" dates -- and that everyone knows how to use it
-- Postmedia News
