Pool Safety

- Always watch children when they are in or around the pool.
- Teach children basic water safety tips (no running, how to recognize when someone is in danger of drowning, etc.)
- Know how to shut off pool equipment in case of an emergency and post instructions so others can quickly do so.
- Never leave toys or floats in the pool when not in use – they can make tempting targets for toddlers to reach out for.
- Share safety instructions and pool rules with anyone who might at some point be in or around the pool.
- Teach your children to swim or enroll them in swimming lessons. Be sure you know how to swim as well.
- Learn how to do CPR on children and adults and update these skills regularly.
- Keep the pool area free from electrical devices, glass, and other hazards.
- Never let anyone swim alone.
- Limit alcohol use around the pool area. (The CDC reports that alcohol is a factor in many adolescent and adult deaths related to water recreation.)
- Place life-saving devices such as rings and poles within easy reach of the pool.
- Install pool and gate alarms along with a 4 foot tall fence around the perimeter of the pool.

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HOME SAFETY BEFORE YOU LEAVE ON VACATION

1. Put your mail and newspaper on hold or have a neighbor gather each day.
2. Timers on you lights to go on and off at various times. If possible, have your television or radio come on to give the effect someone is home.
3. If possible, park a car in your driveway.
4. Let a responsible neighbor know that you are going away and a contact number to reach you in an emergency.
5. If you have an answering machine, make sure the message indicates you can’t get to the phone not that you are away.
6. Make sure window and doors are secure and locked. Sometimes when rushing to leave on vacation, the locking of the door is overlooked.
7. Arm the security system and advise Alarm Company you are out of town.
8. Hire a house sitter that you trust.
9. Check that all electrical appliances are turned off.
10. Remove perishable foods from the refrigerator.
11. Adjust thermostats to save on electricity.
12. Arrange for lawn care if going for a long period of time.

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Home Safety Check List

1.) Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms tested and new batteries installed annually.
2.) Fire extinguishers located on each floor of home and every household member knows where they are located and how to operate.
3.) Electrical cords are not frayed and are not under rugs. Electrical outlets are not overloaded. Consider adding outlets to avoid using extension cords.
4.) Hire a chimney sweep and have flues and chimneys inspected and cleaned annually.
Inspect water heaters annually and keep combustible materials away from heater.
5.) Clean clothes dryer vents.
6.) Inspect washing machine hoses for signs of leaking.
7.) Install a sturdy deadbolt on every door to the outside – including door to garage.
8.) Trim shrubs and trees near windows and doors that provide hiding places for burglars.
9.) Install motion-sensing floodlights.
10.)Put your street number on your mailbox not your name.

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