Reduce Home Hazards
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In a disaster, ordinary items in the home can cause injury and damage. Take these steps to reduce you risk.
- Keep the shut-off switch for oxygen equipment near your bed or chair, so you can get to it quickly if there is a fire.
- Have a professional repair defective electrical wiring and leaky gas connections.
- Place large, heavy objects on lower shelves, and hang pictures and mirrors away from beds.
- Use straps or other restraints to secure tall cabinets, bookshelves, large appliances (especially water heater, furnace and refrigerator), mirrors, shelves, large picture frames, and light fixtures to wall studs.
- Repair cracks in ceilings and foundations.
- Store weed killers, pesticides and flammable products away from heat sources.
- Place oily rags or waste in covered metal cans and dispose of them according to local regulations.
- Have a professional clean and repair chimneys, flue pipes, connectors, and gas vents.
