Dowagiac Department of Public Safety Director Thomas A. Atkinson encourages families to recognize September as National Emergency Preparedness Month by taking small steps each week to do something that will help prepare for an emergency.

As the school year is underway, the days (and hours of daylight) are getting shorter.

It is the perfect opportunity to share the following “hazard hunt” provided by Michigan State Police/Emergency Management Division with your families as an evening game activity.

It is a fun “scavenger-hunt” type of activity that helps you identify hazards in your home. 

Once the hazards are identified, you can take steps to make your home a safer place to live.

Get your entire family involved, using the checklist below. 

Anything that can move, break, fall or burn is a potential hazard. 

After you identify what needs to be done, devise a plan and do it!

Kitchen

Yes __      No __         Wear snug-fitting clothes when cooking

Yes __      No __         Do not leave food unattended when cooking

Yes __      No __         Keep pan handles turned in while cooking

Yes __      No __         Keep a pan lid nearby in case of fire

Yes __      No __         Keep cooking areas clean and clear of combustibles

Yes __      No __         Keep cords from dangling

Yes __      No __         Ensure outlets near the kitchen sink are GFI (ground fault interrupt equipped)

Yes __      No __         Keep sharp knives out of reach of children

Outside

Yes __      No __         Clear dry vegetation and rubbish from around the house

Yes __      No __         Use barbecue grills away from buildings and vegetation

Yes __      No __         Maintain a “greenbelt” around rural buildings

Yes __      No __         Check with the fire department before burning debris or using a burn barrel

Yes __      No __         Dispose of barbecue briquettes in a metal container

All Rooms

Yes __      No __         Insure floor coverings (rugs, carpets) are properly secured to prevent tripping hazards

Yes __      No __         Separate draw cords on blinds and drapes to reduce strangulation

Hazards

Yes __      No __         Insure room exits are unobstructed

Garage/Attic/Shed

Yes __      No __         Use gasoline as motor fuel only and never store it inside the home

Yes __      No __         Keep only a small quantity of gasoline, if necessary, in an approved container

Yes __      No __         Keep flammable liquids such as paints and thinners in their original containers and store on or near the ground and away from sources of heat, sparks, or flame

Smoking and Matches

Yes __      No __         Store matches and lighters out of reach of children

Yes __      No __         Use large, deep, non-tip ashtrays

Yes __      No __         Never smoke when drowsy or in bed

Yes __      No __         Dispose of ashes and cigarette butts in a metal can at least daily

Yes __      No __         Check furniture for smoldering cigarettes every night, especially after parties

How did you do?  Begin making a plan to address any items that need attention to enhance safety in your home.

Next week’s Safety Corner will continue the hazard hunt with the categories of electricity, clothes washer and dryer, fire extinguisher and heating equipment.

Child passenger safety event in Lawrence Sept. 25

A free car seat event will be held on Saturday, Sept. 25, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Van Buren Technology Center, 250 South Street, Lawrence.

Events will include free car seat inspections by certified technicians (car seats available), child identification, a safe sleep presentation and McGruff the Crime Dog.

If you have additional topics you would like included in future editions of Safety Corner, please contact Patty Klug at the Dowagiac Police Department at 782-9743, ext. 301.