Remove dust from smoke alarms every six months by vacuuming them, and test the battery by waving a stick of incense or a candle under it. Pressing the tester button may only tell you whether the battery is charged, not whether the unit is working. Consider installing carbon monoxide detectors also, especially if you have a fireplace or wood stove, an oil or gas furnace, and gas appliances. The units should be installed near sleeping areas.
If you rely on well water or a source other than city-treated water, test it twice a year for coliform bacteria as well as fluoride and nitrate levels. Take a water sample in to your public health unit or ask for a water-testing kit.
When planning the baby's room, place the crib away from radiators and the cords of window blinds. Don't string anything across the crib, and hang mobiles out of reach. If you're using a diaper pail, choose one that has a secure compartment for the deodorizer or don't use a deodorizer at all.
First aid kits
Buy two first aid kits, one for the car and one for home. heady-made kits from an established organization such as St. John Ambulance provides a good model to start with. Make a list of emergency phone numbers and post a copy by every telephone in the house. This list should include: poison control, police, fire, doctor, taxi, ambulance, and 911 or it's equivalent in your area. Also post your own address and telepone number, in case an emergency makes the baby sitter or a visitor forget the information, and the phone numbers of grandparents, neigbours, friends, and workplaces.
Page 2 of 4 - Find out safety rules for your home on page 3.
