• Improve lighting in the darker areas of your home.  It's easy to trip or run into something when you can't see where you're going.  At the top of stairs install glow-in-the-dark light switch covers or place glow in the dark stickers on existing covers.

• Have emergency lighting or flashlights available in case of an unexpected power outage or blackout?  Store flashlights with fresh batteries at the tops and bottoms of stairwells, and where they can be easily reached in an emergency.   Check the battery life frequently.

• Mount smoke detectors near bedrooms, and at least one on each floor. Remember to change your smoke detector batteries whenever you change your clocks.

• Do you have a carbon monoxide monitor? Carbon Monoxide levels above 10ppm can cause illness and permanent disabilities.  With a carbon monoxide monitor you'll know there's a problem before your home environment reach dangerous, even deadly carbon monoxide levels.

• Do you have a fire extinguisher in your home? Make sure you know how to use your in-home fire extinguishers before an emergency takes place. Always read directions carefully.

• Keep a phone in your house that is reachable from the floor in case of emergency.

• List important emergency phone numbers on or near the phone, including Police, Fire Department and a neighbour.

• Establish emergency plans for your family including fire escape routes and paths to designated storm shelter areas. Take time to practice.

• Keep stairwells free of clutter that can cause an accident, especially in a power outage or emergency situation.

• To avoid trips and falls, make sure rugs and runners are slip resistant, or attached with adhesive tape.

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