Every year thousands of people are injured in their homes by common hazards, ranging from simple injuries to fires. By adhering to some simple rules and being aware of your surroundings, you can help avoid these hazards and protect the ones you love. To be sure you're covered, reduce your risks and evaluate your home insurance policy.
Your home is your castle. Being aware of common household injuries that claim over 18,000 American lives every year can help you keep you safe and sound.
- Falls are the leading cause of home injury deaths, claiming nearly 6,000 lives a year. As a simple precaution, the Home Safety Council recommends installing grab bars in showers and bathtubs, and traction pads in the shower to help secure slippery surfaces. As an extra precaution, keep walkways clear of obstacles.
- Accidental poisoning accounts for the loss of over 5,000 lives each year, in mostly middle-aged and young-adult persons . To help protect from accidental poisoning, the Poison Help Hotline is standing by 24 hours a day to answer questions at 1-800-222-1222. Parents should also keep prescription and over-the-counter drugs out of reach of children.
Every ten seconds, American homes experience an unwanted fire. Most home insurance plans provide coverage for your home's structure in the case of a fire, to be sure if your home is covered, talk to your agent. With a few simple precautions, you can help improve the fire safety of your home.
- Smoke alarms: Every home or apartment should have at least one working smoke alarm. Working smoke alarms can double your chances of survival in the case of a fire, so be sure to test them monthly, replace the batteries at least once a year, and keep them free of dust.
- Electrical fires: Avoid overloading circuits or extension cords. Do not place cords and wires under rugs, over nails or in high-traffic areas. If you have an appliance or device that sputters, sparks or releases an unusual smell, immediately shut it off, unplug it and have it professionally repaired or replaced .
- Outlet safety: Use safety caps to cover all unused outlets, especially if there are small children in the home.
- Chill out: Give portable heaters the space they need. It is estimated that nearly 300 deaths are associated with portable or fixed space heaters every year. Keep anything combustible at least three feet away, as these types of space heaters may overheat.
- Clogged dryer exhaust ducts: Lint can build up in your dryer's exhaust ducts and catch fire. Take a few minutes to regularly remove the buildup with a do-it-yourself dryer duct cleaning kit.
Protect the little ones in your home by following these simple precautionary measures:
- Protect from tip-overs. Top-heavy furniture like TVs, dressers and stoves can tip over and injure young children. Make your furniture more stable by installing anchors and brackets.
- Magnets. Children may get their hands on small, powerful magnets and swallow them. If this happens, magnets can attract each other inside the body and block, twist or tear the intestines. The warning signs may not be obvious, so if you think your child has swallowed a magnet, seek medical attention immediately.
- Windows. Never place a crib or playpen near a window blind, as children may become entangled in the long cords. To prevent entanglement or strangulation, use cordless blinds or install safety devices on blind cords. You can also install window guards or stops to prevent falls through a window.
You're in good hands with an Allstate home insurance policy that can help protect you and your home. If you're curious about what kind of claims are made in your neighborhood, our Common & Costly Claims tool can help you get an idea for the kind of coverage you may need. Then contact an agent to help make sure you're covered should you or a guest be injured in your home or to request a fire insurance quote.
Get a no-obligation quote, find your local agent, or call us at 1-866-621-6900 to see how we can help you save money when protecting yourself and your home.