Living with Diabetes

A safe, healthy, comfortable home is important to your family's physical and mental well-being. Here are some checklists and tips to help you maintain a healthy home, and some guidelines to help you protect what's important to you.

Complete this checklist to see how healthy your home is.

Safety Equipment

Smoke Alarms

• Do you have at least one on every floor?
• Do you check the batteries regularly and replace them at least once a year?

Fire Extinguishers

• Do you have a fire extinguisher in the kitchen and near every fireplace or wood burning stove?
• Does everyone in the family know where the fire extinguishers are and how to use them?
• Are they easily accessible?
• Are they within the expiration date?

Exterior Doors

• Do you have deadbolt locks on all exterior doors?
• Do you make sure to lock the deadbolts, especially when you go out or turn in for the night?

Plumbing

Check the following on a regular basis to make sure they're secure and leak-free:

• Hot Water Heater
• Washing Machine
• Dishwasher
• Icemaker
• Toilets

Heating

• Is your heating system cleaned and checked every year?
• Are the filters changed/cleaned periodically (at least four times a year)?

Electrical

• Are extension cords properly used and not overloaded?
• If you live in an older home (built before 1970), is the wiring up to code?
• Do you check periodically for frayed wires?
• Do you have computers, TVs, entertainment equipment, air conditioners and other high voltage items plugged into surge protectors?

Roof

• Have you had the roof checked lately for leaks or structural damage?
• Are the gutters cleaned each fall to prevent backups and leaks?

All Around The House

• Are flammable materials (like paint thinner) safely stored?
• Are your steps and sidewalk level with railings where needed?
• Do you have a carbon monoxide detector?
• Do you have a radon detector to check indoor air quality?

If you have children

• Are matches/lighters out of reach?
• Are cleansers and other poisons in locked cabinets?

KEEP THIS NUMBER POSTED NEAR YOUR TELEPHONE
Poison Emergency Center
1-800-222-1222

Insuring Your Home and Its Contents
Homeowners or renters insurance is critical to protect your home and valuables. Here are some tips to help you find the most appropriate insurance, and to help you make sure that you are properly protected.

• It is recommended that you insure your property and valuables at replacement cost.
• Keep a good inventory of your property and keep receipts for major purchases.
• Store your inventory list somewhere other than your home, such as a bank safe deposit box.
• Remember to keep your insurer up to date on recent major purchases, like televisions, computers, appliances and jewelry.

Planning for a Healthy Life

• Diabetes and How It Affects You
• A Healthier You
• Keeping Your Family Healthy
• Safe at Home
• Your Financial Health
• Planning for Your Later Years
• Tough Decisions Made Easier