Owning a home is part of the American dream. Don’t let an unexpected mishap put your home or family at risk. Here are some tips that will help you create a safe environment.

01

Kitchen Fires
Cooking is the No. 1 cause of fires in the home. Purchase a fire extinguisher for the kitchen – rate for class ABC fires.

02

Electrical Safety
Appliances have a wide variety of electrical demands. Be careful not to plug too many items into one outlet or power strip or you may overload the circuit. Unplug small appliances when not in use. Clean house and dryer vents regularly and the lint screen after each use.

03

Water Hazards
Water leaks aren’t always obvious. Check water sources regularly for leaks. When moving your refrigerator, for cleaning or remodeling, be careful not to crimp the water line. Make sure to inspect pipes annually to identify any wear or rusting. Water damage from frozen and broken pipes causes the most extreme damage when homeowners are away from their house.

04

Fireplaces
A wood burning fireplace is a wonderful addition to any room. Be sure you know how to safely use your fireplace and what is necessary to maintain it and the chimney. Remember to clean your wood burning fireplace and chimney at least once a year, more often if used regularly.

05

Smoke Detectors
Test smoke alarms with your family so they know what is sounds like if it goes off. Let them know that they should never tamper or disconnect it.

06

Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Protect your family against this silent killer. Test carbon monoxide detector alarms with your family so they know what it sounds like if it goes off. Let them know that they should never tamper or disconnect it.

07

Decks
Proper care and maintenance, like cleaning and staining, can extend the life of your deck. Be sure your deck has railing/banisters – they should be between 36 and 42 inches high, and rails should be no more than four inches apart.

08

Landscaping Safety
Whether planting a tree or planning a garden, always have a professional check for buried lines before you start to dig.

For more information on home safety and maintenance go to amfam.com and click on the “Learn and Plan” section.

These recommendations were developed using generally accepted safety standards. Compliance with these recommendations is not a guarantee that you will be in conformance with any building code, federal, state, or local regulation regarding safety or fire. Compliance with these recommendations does not ensure the absolute safety of your occupation, business or residence.

Need Help?
Here’s your go-to

Tony Porter
Tony Porter Agency, Inc.
(573) 893-3088
2717 W. Edgewood Dr., Ste. 101,
JCMO
tonyporteragency.com