Homes can be made safer with items such as:
- smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
- fire extinguishers, fire blankets, and fire escape ladders
- auto-shut off stoves
- grab bars and railings
- good lighting and motion-sensing lights
- nonslip stair treads or carpets and nonslip rugs
- safe water heater temperatures
Knowing what to do in an emergency includes understanding what an emergency is and knowing how to call 9-1-1.
First aid kits usually have personal items like medications and emergency phone numbers, and medical supplies like different sizes of adhesive bandages, antibiotic ointment, antiseptic wipes, aspirin, bandages, gauze pads, a thermometer, and tweezers. You can buy first aid kits at a drug store or make your own. They should be checked and restocked regularly.
