Here are 10 ways you can protect yourself, your family, and your guests against them:

1. Be absolutely certain that all areas of your home…inside and out…are well lighted. Stairs and areas you walk to and from when awakened at night are particularly critical.

2. If your electrical outlets fail, or if they spark when you plug in or unplug appliances, you may have a potential fire hazard. Call in an electrician immediately. Electrical fires kill hundreds every year.

3. Buy high quality smoke alarms, install them in every room, and test them often. Also, have an emergency exit plan in place and practice it with your whole family.

4. If there are children in your home, use portable gates in front of your stairways, plug unused electrical outlets, place scissors, knives and other sharp objects out of reach, and hide or lock away weapons, matches, and potentially dangerous chemical products.

5. Lock windows and doors at all times, and never invite strangers into your home.

6. Be sure that everyone in your family realizes that they should under no circumstances tell a stranger they are alone, or when your home will be unoccupied.

7. Homeowners are most at risk when doing maintenance and repair work, so always consider safety when working in your home or yard. Falls and power tools account for the bulk of in-home injuries.

8. Be especially careful of your hands. Make a fist in your off hand when chopping or slicing in the kitchen, and never reach into a disposal, jammed lawnmower, or similarly dangerous area.

9. Never back in or out of your driveway unless you can fully see that there are no children, pets, or others in your path.

10. Never allow objects to remain on stairs, or in a position where they could fall onto stairs. Immediately shovel and use salt on outdoor stairs and walkways in winter weather.

These ten simple tips can help make your home and yard safer for you, your family, and those who visit you at home. Employ them all.

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