National Safety Month: 5 Hidden Hazards

June is National Safety Month. Keep an eye out for these five often hard-to-spot safety hazards.

June is National Safety Month. Now is the perfect time to check your home for safety issues that could harm your family.

How safe is your home? Safety is easy to take for granted. Look around your home for these potential safety hazards.

Neglected alarms.

Have you checked your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors lately? Make sure detectors are installed on every level of your home. Test them regularly and change batteries according to manufacturer's instructions.

Harmful substances.

Cleaning products, insecticides, medicines and other substances can be tempting and harmful to children and pets. Make sure these items are safely stored away.

Unsecured furniture.

Heavy furniture - think dressers, bookcases, and TVs - can tip over and injure people or pets. Mount TVs to a wall, if possible, and anchor top-heavy furniture to wall studs.

Fall hazards.

Ensure each area of your home is adequately lit, and secure rugs with nonskid pads. Keep cords or other items that may present a trip hazard away from walking areas.

Clogged dryer vent.

Link buildup in your dryer vent can become a fire hazard. Clean your dryer vent at least once a year and clean your lint filter after each load.

Keep safety in mind.

Pay attention to little things around your home that could become significant risks this month and every month. Keeping your home and family safe should be a top priority year-round.