Common Dangers In and Around the Home

Window Blinds

Window covering cords with loops are a serious strangling risk, especially for young children. The cords used to adjust window blinds are often looped together, or can form loops if tied improperly. A child can get tangled in these loops, with serious consequences, including death. While most new blinds today are made without loops, it's important to adapt older blinds. Repair kits and tie-downs are available free from the Window Covering Safety Council at www.windowcoverings.org. Cord wind-ups can be purchased at most window covering stores and home centers for about $2.

Poisons

Poisoning remains a serious problem, even with safety bottle tops and childproof containers.

- Keep medicine out of the sight and reach of children
- Keep all products in original containers.
- Destroy and discard old medications.
- Store food and poison products separately.
- Use child safety locks on cabinets and drawers.

Pool safety rules

There are several safety rules that pool owners should follow to prevent accidents and decrease potential liability exposure.

- Install a fence around the pool area. This will help prevent people from using the pool without your knowledge and keep small children and animals out.
- In addition to the fence, door alarms, locks and safety covers create a barrier of protection around the pool.
- Never leave small children unsupervised in or around the pool -- even for a minute.
- Keep children away from pool filters. The suction may injure them or prevent them from reaching the surface.
- Be sure all pool users know how to swim. Teach your children to swim as early as possible.
- Develop a buddy system - don't swim alone or allow others to swim alone.
- Don't allow anyone who has been drinking alcohol to swim in the pool.
- Never dive into an above ground pool. Always check the water depth before plunging into an in-ground pool
- Don't allow your children to let their friends use the pool without your permission and supervision.
- Don't allow glass bottles or other potential hazards into the pool area.
- Keep radios, CD players, blow dryers, and other electrical devices away from the pool.
- Keep a secure cover on the pool during the off season.
- Keep a first aid kit, ring buoys and reaching poles near the pool in case of emergency.
- Consider having the adults in your home take basic first aid and CPR training.

For more information about household safety, contact your local Erie Insurance Agent or log onto www.erieinsurance.com.