It's true, making home improvements is always very appealing. However, before you start knocking down walls and spilling paint, consider these simple steps to help make your home safer.

Improving your home is a great way to add value and comfort to your home. However, before embarking on the next big change, consider implementing some of these simple changes to help make your home a safer place, especially if you have young children.

The Home Safety Council (homesafetycouncil.org) says that any time is a good time to evaluate how safe your home is, identify any hazards and then fix them before an accident occurs. These are some of the tips the Home Safety Council recommends:

• Installing grab bars and non-slip decals in the bathroom areas where slippage often occurs.


• Cabinets that contain medications and/or other harmful products, such as cleaners, should be well organized and locked.


• Liquids that are flammable and combustible should be stored outside in a locked shed or garage.


• Make sure you replace the batteries in all essential items, such as smoke detectors, once a year.


• If you have young children, install window guards that have a quick release mechanism in case of emergency.


• Provide adequate lighting in all stairwells, hallways and porches.


• Provide nightlights in guestrooms, walkways and bathrooms.


• Place UL (Underwriters Laboratories, Inc.: an independent, not-for-profit product-safety testing and certification organization) listed carbon monoxide (CO) alarms in places where you may be at risk from carbon monoxide poisoning.


• Install safety covers on electrical outlets and anti-scald devices on faucets.


• If you have a pool, make sure it is protected with four-sided isolation fencing and a self-latching gate.

By following these simple yet effective guidelines, you will be well on your way to making your home a much safer place for your and any children. Now you can focus on that next big home improvement project you have been waiting to start!