How safe is your home?

While most people think of spring as the best time for a massive home cleaning spree, really any time of the year is a great time for cleaning, organizing and making sure your home is a safe place for you and your family.

How safe is your house? Take a few moments to run through this safety checklist from the National Safety Council:

• Test your smoke alarms. It’s a good idea to change the batteries in your smoke detectors at least once a year. It’s recommended that smoke detectors be replaced every 10 years.
• Test your carbon monoxide detectors. Make sure your carbon monoxide detectors are working properly. Replace older models every 5-7 years. Don’t have them? Install at least two in your home.
• Check your fire extinguisher. It’s recommended that you have an extinguisher for each floor of your home. Make sure you know how to use them. (Most people don’t.)
• Make a family escape plan. Does every person who lives in your home know what to do in the event of a fire? A family escape plan is a must for every household.
• Make a family emergency plan. Is your family prepared for a disaster? Get started at Ready.gov.
• Check your first aid kit. Do you have a first aid kit for your home? Replace any missing supplies — you never know when you may need them!
• Clean out your medicine cabinet. It’s a great time to dispose of any expired or unused medications. Don’t flush them down the toilet and contaminate the water supply. Talk to your city or county government trash and recycling service, or your local pharmacist for proper medicine disposal in your area.