Common hidden dangers in your home
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) released a list of the most hazardous items in the home. Almost all were recalled but many are still found in the home. Do not buy or sell these products at yard sales, garage sales, thrift shops and do not donate them to charity. It is best to destroy rather than try to fix these items. Here are some specific home safety tips.
Old Power Tools
Danger: Electrocution.
In this case, "old" is anything made before 1980. Old power tools don't have modern safety features to protect you from getting zapped. Many were made with metal housings, don't have proper grounding or may have frayed wires. Replace your old power tools to be safe.
Old Extension Cords
Danger: Fire or shock.
Old extension cords, power strips and surge protectors may have undersized wires, loose connections, faulty components or improper grounding. Old extension cords fail to meet current safety standards and should be replaced with new ones.
Window Blind Cords With Loops
Danger: Strangulation.
Window blinds purchased before 1995 are a strangulation hazard for children. Window blinds with pull cords that end in a loop or inner cords that can form a loop if pulled are dangerous. Although The Window Covering Safety Council offers free repair kits, it is best to destroy these blinds.
Halogen Torchiere Floor Lamps
Danger: Fire.
Lamps placed too close to drapes or combustible materials are a serious fire risk unless the lamps have a wire or glass guard and a bulb that is 300 watts or less. It is best to destroy these lamps although you can also get free wire guards by sending a postcard to Catalina Lighting Consumer Services, 18191 NW 68th Avenue, Miami, FL 33015.
Old Cribs
Danger: Entrapment, strangulation, suffocation.
Baby cribs with more than 2-3/8 inches between crib slats or those that have corner posts or cut-outs on the headboard or footboard present suffocation and strangulation hazards. Get rid of these baby cribs and buy a new one.
Hairdryers Without Immersion Protection Devices
Danger: Electrocution.
Hairdryers made before the early 1990s do not have a built-in shock protection device to prevent electrocution if the hairdryer falls into water. Buy a new hairdryer to be safe.
Old Disposable and Novelty Lighters
Danger: Not child-resistant.
Lighters made before 1994 do not meet current child-resistant safety standards and should be destroyed.
Neck Drawstrings on Children's Jackets and Sweatshirts
Danger: Strangulation.
If you have old jackets or sweatshirts with pull strings, pull out or cut the neck drawstrings to make them safe.
Source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
