Install smoke alarms on every floor of your home.

Change the batteries in your smoke alarms each spring and fall when you change your clocks.

Have a fire extinguisher easily available and know how to use it, and don’t forget regular maintenance to keep it working properly.

Store all flammable materials in a safe place and away from children.

Clean your chimney regularly, and have your flue pipe and chimney checked annually for any signs of problems.

If you are installing or using a wood stove, make sure it is safety certified and clean burning.  Use extreme caution when operating your wood stove.

Install UC listed surge protectors on major appliances such as satellite dishes, home computers, and well pumps.

Don’t use extension cords for permanent outlets.

Don’t use extension cords that are badly worn or have been spliced.

Check regularly for loose or worn hoses to dishwashers, and washing machines.

Drain all outside taps before temperatures fall to freezing.

Make sure all air conditioning units are properly installed and allow for proper drainage.

Replace worn shingles and keep gutters clean of debris.

Make sure downspouts are secure and directing water away from the building.

When leaving your home for more than 4 days shut the water off or arrange for someone reliable to check your house daily.

Keep your doors locked at all times, even when you’re at home.

Mark your personal property for identification purposes.

Install approved alarm systems in your home and deadbolt locks on all exterior doors.

Place wooden dowels along the bottom track of any sliding glass windows and doors.

Keep the exterior and interior of your home well lit.

Put your lights on timer switches and vary the times the lights come on in each room to correspond with your daily activities.

Avoid leaving garden tools or sports equipment in your yard when you are not at home.  These items could be used to pry or break windows.

Store valuables in a safety deposit box.

Make sure all valuables stored in your vehicle are kept out of view.  The best place for them is in a locked trunk.

Keep your driveway clear of newspapers and snow and keep your lawn maintained.  A car in your driveway at all times will create a “lived-in look”.

Never say that you’re not at home on your telephone answering machine.

Report any suspicious activity in your neighborhood to local authorities and if possible join a “Neighborhood Watch” program.  If you don’t have one, consider forming one.

Keep your fencing in good repair.

Keep family pets under control.

Repair loose carpeting.

Keep your sidewalks and driveways clear of snow, ice, and other potential hazards.

Fence and gate swimming pool areas.