You probably think that injuries occur someplace other than your own house. But you might be surprised to find that approximately 45% of unintentional injury deaths occur in or near the individual’s home. This is a frightening and scary thought, as everyone wants their house to be a haven for their loved ones and themselves. Thankfully, you can keep your home safe if you know what to do. This article focuses on ways to reduce the risk of accidents in your home.
Identify possible sources of fire and steer clear
Fire is one of the most prevalent home mishaps. Faulty electrical wiring, using low-quality and inferior plugs and sockets, unplugged electric appliances, overloading electrical outlets and extension boards, leaky gas cookers, and burning candles are common causes of fire dangers in the home. To minimize these potential fire hazards, use a reliable wire and socket outlet, and turn off your appliances when not in use or when you leave the house. Every home must have smoke detectors and fire alarms. These tools help to detect any fire related signs early to avoid causing greater damage. Installing fire extinguishers at vantage points around the home is also a smart way to help avoid large fires. Having a fire escape plan will also keep you and your family safe in the event of an unexpected fire outbreak.
Avoid dangerous and unsafe play areas
Your play area is one of the most common sites for children to fall, whether it is a designated room or your backyard. Check that your outdoor area is safe, stable, and devoid of rotting wood or rusted metal, or poisonous plants. Keep toys out of reach too.
Exercise caution while using equipment that can cause burns
Cookers, hot baths, and electric kettles can all produce burns. To reduce the dangers, arrange your items correctly and always use cooking gloves to protect your hands from hot materials, especially while checking the food on your stove, oven, or microwave. To avoid burning yourself in the bathroom, turn on the cold water first before carefully turning on the hot water knob.
Reduce clutter
It is important to keep your home free of clutter and obstructions as they can increase the likelihood of accidents, such as tripping or stumbling while walking or doing routine tasks around the house. Some common examples of clutter include shoes, toys, and other items left on the floor, electric cables running across walkways, furniture or large equipment that protrudes into walking areas, garden hoses, tools, or other yard equipment left out, unsecured or damaged outdoor rugs or mats, and tree roots or landscaping that grows into your walkways. It is advisable to maintain a clutter-free environment both indoors and outdoors and arrange furniture in a way that provides clear walking paths to minimize the risk of accidents. You can also utilize cable organizers and re-route extension cords away from walkways. Properly store garden hoses, tools, and yard equipment when not in use, and make sure that any landscaping doesn’t extend onto outdoor walkways. To prevent slipping, secure outdoor rugs or mats with non-slip pads or double-sided tape. It’s also important to regularly declutter and reorganize storage areas, creating space for new items in closets, garages, and sheds. This way, it’s easy to put things away before they become cluttered around the house or outside.
Avoid toxic substances
People with weaker immune systems and lower metabolism are more susceptible to poisoning. It is also crucial to have proper knowledge of prescription drugs and not take any medication that is not meant for you to avoid accidental poisoning or drug overdose. Additionally, it is important to note that keeping opened canned foods in the refrigerator for a long period can cause food poisoning. So, it is better to avoid consuming stale or moldy foods and always check the expiry date of any product before buying it. Always wash your hands before preparing food, and avoid foods that have been in the refrigerator for more than three days.
When it comes to medications, it is recommended to buy from trusted pharmacies, and when asking for medication prescriptions, always ask your doctor about the adverse reactions or side effects to prevent any health complications or accidents when using them at home. Lastly, it is essential to never abuse drugs and take only medications that your doctor or pharmacist prescribes. Always keep medications out of your children’s reach.
Hire professionals for high-risk repairs and home renovation projects
Many people choose to tackle DIY home renovation projects like gutter cleaning, painting, and changing fixtures such as door knobs and light fixtures or installing new window treatments. While doing these tasks on your own can help save you money, there are also risks involved. For example, if you need to clean the windows of your home that are too high to reach, it is advisable to pay for a window washing service instead of attempting to do it yourself. You may not have the appropriate equipment and gear to complete the task, which can lead to accidents such as falling. If you fall, you could suffer from severe injuries such as broken arms or legs.
Keep knives out of reach
It is important to keep all knives out of reach and properly secured whether they are being used or not. Always place knives on a flat, clutter-free surface to prevent them from accidentally falling, and store them in a designated container far from children’s reach. Do not leave dirty knives in the sink; instead, wash them immediately after each use. When carrying them, make sure to keep the cutting edge angled away from your body and leave the tip facing your side. Avoid carrying knives when there is a lot of commotion and chaos in the kitchen.
Your home should be your safe space, but some hazards can still be found. They can be deadly and costly if care isn’t taken. Hopefully, these tips will help you keep your home safe.