1. Fireproof Your House
The typical home is rife with potential fire hazards: electrical outlets, stove burners, water heaters, chemical cleaners and even a simple cup of microwaved hot chocolate can all cause serious injuries to family members. In a single afternoon, you can significantly reduce the danger to your family. Buy outlet covers and attach them to open outlets around the house, so prying children (or pets) will be far less likely to 'play' with the outlets and get shock burns.
Add a heat shield over your stove to prevent grease spatters from burning you while you cook (and to guard against pets and kids enticed by whatever you're stirring up.) Similarly, watch how you orient your pots and pans. Don't leave the handles sticking out where they can be knocked over. Instead, tuck them to the side.
Keep electrical appliances away from water. If your home has experienced a flood of any kind (or if there has been a spill near an appliance), evacuate the area and reassess. You may be able to turn off the power and dry the area yourself. But don't hesitate to call in an electrician or handyman. Remember, an electric shock from an outlet can not only burn, but can also cause heart problems and other health issues. Finally, attach a lightning rod to your roof, and stay away from showers and sinks in the event of lightning storms.
2. Guard Against Sun Damage
Buy high-grade sunscreen that guards against both UVA and UVB damage. Most experts recommend using an SPF grade of at least 15, but it doesn't hurt (or cost much more) to bump up to at least SPF 30. When you're tanning or out in the sun for a while, apply a new coat of sunscreen every half an hour. Remember that sun damage is cumulative over a lifetime, so pay particular attention to areas that may have been burned in the past. Also, you can get burned even if it's cold out, so be careful, high-altitude skiers!
3. Memorize and Teach Fire Safety Tips
The Burn Survivor Resource Center, an independent organization, estimates that burns account for almost a third of all fatal accidents involving small children. Drill your family in your fire escape plan and test your smoke detectors regularly (every few months). Keep the number for Poison Control at the ready. Get trained in basic first aid for burns and stock your first-aid kit with the appropriate balms and medications. Most importantly, keep your skills sharp by reviewing the basics every 6 months.
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