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:

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