Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 26, 2000
 

SAFER BY THE DOZEN
Lowe's Home Safety Council Encourages Homeowners to Make Monthly Safety Resolutions in the New Year

WILKESBORO, N.C. - Year after year, it appears the New Year's resolutions topping most Americans' lists - quitting smoking, losing weight and managing finances better - are also those most likely to be broken before February. Recognizing this, Lowe's Home Safety Council created a list of easy-to-follow home safety resolutions that encourage homeowners to start the year off right and ensure a happy and safe 2001.

"While some resolutions are more difficult to keep than others, Lowe's Home Safety Council hopes that homeowners won't procrastinate when it comes to home safety," said David Oliver, executive director of Lowe's Home Safety Council. "After all, simply paying attention to the little things can make your home safe."

Here are some monthly "around-the-house" safety tips that homeowners can resolve to follow in the coming year to help make their families and homes safer:

January

• Create a smoke alarm checklist - A new year means a new start. Lowe's Home Safety Council encourages all homeowners to test their smoke alarms once a month. What better time to begin than New Year's Day? Homeowners should have smoke alarms on each floor of their home, and one in each bedroom.

• Install or check carbon monoxide alarms - Around Valentine's Day, homeowners should take the extra steps necessary to protect loved ones by installing carbon monoxide alarms in the home, especially if they use fuel-burning furnaces or home appliances.

• Lock poisons out of children's reach - According to the National Safety Council, nearly 300,000 people each year suffer from poisonings, with more than 6,000 cases resulting in death. One way to prevent poisoning is by storing all cleaning supplies, hazardous chemicals and medications out of reach of children and in a locked cabinet.

• Install non-skid backing or tape under all area rugs - Statistics show that 50 percent of "foolish," preventable injuries occur in or around the home. Since falls are the leading cause of home injury for children and seniors, people should place a non-skid backing or tape underneath all area rugs. Installing slip-resistant finishes or mats in the shower or tub can also help prevent nasty falls.

• Fence in your pool - Memorial Day marks the beginning of swimming pool season. Ensure safety for your family and neighbors by installing a tall fence with a locked gate around your swimming pool.

• Conduct a home safety inspection - Lowe's Home Safety Council has a home safety checklist at loweshomesafety.org and at Lowe's stores. To ensure your home is as safe as can be, conduct a home safety assessment.

• Clean your outdoor grill - Nothing says summer like a blazing barbeque. Lowe's Home Safety Council encourages homeowners to clean grills after each use to prevent grease buildup that can catch fire. Even after cooking the grill will remain hot, so be sure to keep children away.

• Install deadbolt locks on exterior doors - August is both the end of summer and the beginning of a new school year. With the number of latchkey kids increasing each school year, parents can help ensure their children are safe inside the home by installing 1-inch deadbolt locks on all external doors.

• Check miniblinds - Place cribs away from windows and blind cords out of reach of children to help prevent strangulation.

• Change your smoke alarm batteries - Daylight-saving time usually ends on the last Sunday in October. Starting in January, you've been checking your smoke alarm each month; this month is the time to change your smoke alarm battery as you inspect and adjust every clock in your home.

• Check your fire extinguishers - The start of the holiday season also marks an increase in cooking and grease fires. Remember to keep a fire extinguisher handy for the amateur - and experienced - chef, and make sure you know how to use it.

• Decorate with delight - According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, each year hospital emergency rooms treat about 7,500 people for injuries related to holiday lights and decorations. Make this a safe and festive holiday season by purchasing miniature lights tested by an independent laboratory, such as UL.

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