Complete these home checks

Sometimes making safety upgrades around the house takes precedence over improving the aesthetics of a home.

Homeowners who take certain preventative measures can greatly reduce their injury risk. A Secure Life reports that more than 18,000 people in the U.S. die every year from injuries that take place in the home.

Periodic inspections for potential hazards can keep everyone safe. The following are a handful of ways for homeowners to ensure their homes are safe.

Check for sturdy handrails and prevent tripping hazards. Falls are one of the leading causes of home injuries. To help prevent falls, make sure that staircases feature sturdy railings and that there is ample lighting in walkways. Remove obstructions from frequently used paths inside and outside the home. In addition, insert nonslip padding beneath runners or throw rugs.

Check for frayed wires or faulty outlets. Sparks can lead to fires and poor wiring may cause unforeseen problems behind walls. Repair or replace any loose or frayed wires on all electrical devices. Be sure that cords do not run under doorways or rugs. Replace outlets that are in disrepair and install ones with ground-fault current interrupters as an added precaution. If small children live in the home, use plastic safety covers over unused outlets.

Practice window safety. Children excited to see the great outdoors may climb up to peer out windows, and open windows are falling hazards. Screens do not offer an adequate barrier against falls. Consider locking windows or use safety bars to guard against falls. Test to see how easily screens can be pushed out, replacing any that do not provide adequate resistance.

Check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Replace the batteries in smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors at least once a year, and test them to make sure they’re in good working order at least once per month. The National Fire Protection Association recommends replacing hard-wired smoke alarms every 10 years. Battery-operated alarms may need to be replaced even sooner. Most carbon monoxide detectors work for five to seven years. Check the back of alarms for a date stamp that indicates how old the product is and when it expires.

Safety checklists are an important part of home maintenance. A proactive approach can prevent injuries and damage to the home.