Getting Prepared: Home Hazard Scavenger Hunt

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Gaye Levy, Contributing Writer
Activist Post

Ordinary items in our homes are lurking, waiting to cause injury or damage when disaster strikes.  Think about it:  anything that can move, fall, break, or cause a fire is a potential hazard. Why take a chance?

This week, let us go on a special type of Scavenger Hunt.  We are not going to collect objects during this hunt.  Instead, we are going to look for and identify potential hazards in our homes that so we take corrective measures now, before we are placed in a dangerous situation.  And remember, hazards exist regardless of whether you are living in a home, a condo, an apartment, a mobile home or even an RV.

• Look for and replace frayed or cracked extension and appliance cords, loose prongs and plugs.
• Make sure there is only one plug per outlet. Avoid using cube-taps or overloading outlets.
• Make sure your extension cords are rated for the electrical load and are no longer than what is realistically needed.
• Remove electrical cords that run under rugs or over nails, heaters, or pipes.
• Cover exposed outlets and wiring.
• Repair or replace appliances that overheat, short out, smoke or spark.

• Store flammable liquids such as gasoline, acetone, benzene, and lacquer thinner in approved safety cans, away from the living area of your home.
• Place containers in a well-ventilated area and close the lids tightly. Secure the containers to prevent spills.
• Move materials away from heat sources, open flames, gas appliances, and children.
• Keep combustible liquids such as paint thinner, kerosene, charcoal lighter fluid, and turpentine away from heat sources.
• Store oily waste and polishing rags in covered metal cans.
• Instruct family members not to use gasoline, benzene, or other flammable fluids for starting fires or cleaning indoors.
• Store weed killers, pesticides and flammable products away from heat sources.

• Clear out old rags, papers, mattresses, broken furniture and other combustible materials.
• Move clothes, curtains, rags, and paper goods away from electrical equipment, gas appliances or flammable materials.
• Remove dried grass cuttings, tree trimmings and weeds from the property.
• Clean and repair chimneys, flue pipes, vent connectors, and gas vents.
• Keep heaters and candles away from curtains and furniture.
• Place portable heaters on a level surface, away from high traffic areas.  Purchase portable heaters that are equipped with automatic shut-off switches and avoid the use of extension cords.

• Install at least one smoke detector on each level of the home, especially near the bedrooms. Test every month and change batteries at least once a year.
• Keep at least one fire extinguisher on each level of your home.  Maintain and recharge according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Show all family members where the fire extinguishers are kept and how to use them.

• Anchor water heater, large appliances, bookcases, tall or heavy furniture, shelves, mirrors and pictures to wall studs.
• Fit water heater with a flexible gas supply line.
• Place large or heavy objects on lower shelves.
• Install clips, latches or other locking devices on cabinet doors.
• Provide strong support and flexible connections on gas appliances.
• Brace overhead light fixtures.
• Hang heavy items such as pictures and mirrors away from beds and places where people sit.
• Repair any deep cracks in ceilings or foundations.

• Locate the main electric fuse or circuit breaker box, water service shut-off and natural gas main shut-off.
• Contact local utility companies for instructions on how to turn off the utilities. Teach family members when and how to turn off utilities.
• Clear area around shut-off switches for easy access.
• Attach a shut-off wrench or specialty tool to a pipe or other location close by the gas and water shut-off valves.
• Paint shut-off valves with white or fluorescent paint to increase their visibility.

• Plan how to escape from your home in the event of an emergency.
• Identify at least two exits from each room.
• Clear doors, hallways and stairs of obstructions.
• Conduct emergency drills.  Practice day and nighttime escapes, and pick a safe meeting place outside the home.

And the Winner Is . . .

How did you do?

You are a winner if you completed this home hazard scavenger hunt with a punch list of tasks that will correct the safety issues that were uncovered during this exercise.  I hope your list is a short one, but even if it isn’t, don your work gloves and your tool belt and get busy.  Your safety and the safety of your family depends on it.

Gaye Levy, the SurvivalWoman, grew up and attended school in the Greater Seattle area. After spending many years as an executive in the software industry, she started a specialized accounting practice offering contract CFO work to emerging high tech and service industries. She has now abandoned city life and moved to a serenely beautiful rural area on an island in NW Washington State. She lives and teaches the principles of a sustainable, self-reliant and stylish lifestyle through emergency preparation and disaster planning through her website at BackdoorSurvival.com. SurvivalWoman speaks her mind and delivers her message with optimism and grace, regardless of mayhem swirling around us.  Enjoy your next adventure through common sense and thoughtful preparation!