Injuries can happen anywhere, but they are most common in the home. From falls to scalds to cuts and scrapes, it’s important to be aware of how to prevent injury in your home. Read on for six tips on keeping yourself and your family safe.
Practice Fire Safety
Fire safety should always be a priority when it comes to prevention. Teaching children how to prevent and respond to fires is essential.
Make sure all smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are working properly. You must check fire extinguishers regularly and keep them in an accessible location. Also, ensure that any flammable materials, such as paper, fabrics, or cooking oils, are kept from any heat source.
Furthermore, having a fire escape plan is key. Make sure all family members know what to do in case of an emergency, and practice it regularly.
Secure Your Furniture and Appliances
Falling furniture is one of the leading causes of home injuries. Running children and pets may cause furniture to tip or move, so it’s important to anchor them. This will help ensure that everyone is safe from falling furniture.
You should also ensure that appliances like televisions or microwaves are properly secured. This is, so they don’t risk falling off shelves or counters. You can also use L-brackets or straps to reinforce the furniture and keep it in place.
For added peace of mind, purchase outlet covers for all unused outlets throughout your home and cabinet locks. This is so curious little ones don’t get hurt by poking around inside cupboards.
Immediately Replace Glass if Needed
Broken glass is a primary culprit of injury at home. Therefore, investing in high-quality residential glass and seeking professional help when installing ensure maximum safety.
Whether it’s from an accidental drop or high winds, cracked or broken glass from windows and skylights should be replaced immediately. Additionally, the shards may cause severe cuts and cause further damage if left untouched.
Remember to teach small kids never to play with broken glass and to immediately report it to an adult. Also, keeping a broom and dustpan near can make clean-up more manageable and less dangerous.
Be Mindful Of Flooring and Steps
Carpets provide comfort underfoot. However, they also create a tripping hazard if not appropriately secured. Likewise, rugs should have a non-slip backing and be regularly vacuumed. This is to reduce the risk of slipping or tripping over them.
Suppose you have a hard floor. You must ensure that they are kept dry at all times. Also, consider putting down mats in wet areas such as near sinks. Checking steps for loose boards and carpeting is another way of making sure they are safe to walk on.
Moreover, installing handrails and night lights in dark or narrow areas are great ways to prevent falls. They can also give children and elders, who may be more prone to falls, an added sense of security.
Keep Bathroom Areas Clean and Clear
Bathroom slips are common. However, they are easily prevented when certain precautions are taken.
Make sure that bathmats have non-skid backing and replace them when necessary. For added security, you may also install grab bars near showers, tubs, and toilets. Doing this is highly beneficial for seniors and those with mobility issues. Also, it is important to keep floors dry by wiping up spills immediately after use.
Clearing away any clutter that might obstruct pathways in bathrooms or hallways reduces the risk of injuries as well. Try assigning a designated area for bath items and keep them stored in cupboards or shelves.
Have Proper Lighting Throughout The Home
Poor lighting can lead to falls. This is why ensuring adequate lighting throughout your home is vital. Strategically placing them also helps make dark areas safe to pass through.
Consider installing light switches at the top and bottom landings of stairwells if possible. This is so lights can be turned on before descending stairs and turned off once someone reaches their destination safely. You must also check bulbs regularly and replace dead ones promptly.
For more convenience, consider installing motion-sensor lights. This is because they will automatically turn on and off when needed. Plus, they are energy-efficient and cost-effective in the long run.
With these six tips on staying safe at home, you’ll be better prepared than ever when it comes time for potential risks or accidents. While no house is fully accident-proof, following these simple steps will drastically reduce injury risks within your own four walls. This provides everyone peace of mind knowing they’re doing their best to protect themselves from harm’s way!
