Health Tip: Home Safe Home

(HealthDay News) -- The last place you want to worry about hurting yourself or loved ones is at home.

The American Diabetes Association offers these suggestions to reduce the risk of accidents at home:

• Install a smoke alarm on each floor of your home, and replace batteries each year.
• Keep fire extinguishers in the kitchen and near any stoves outside the kitchen. Make sure family members know how to use them.
• Make sure each door to the outside of your home has a deadbolt lock, and that you lock it when you leave the home or go to sleep.
• Regularly inspect all plumbing fixtures, heating systems, roof and appliances to look for any leaks or problems.
• Never overload electrical outlets, and check for frayed wires.
• Make sure that toxic materials are kept out of the reach of children, and that flammable materials are secured in a safe place.
• Install carbon monoxide and radon detectors if applicable to your home.