It may surprise you to learn that nearly 45 percent of unintentional injury or deaths of children happen in or around their homes. Even though when you think of injury, you think harm that occurs somewhere other than your own home; It is an ideal thought that our homes should be the safest place for our family, loved ones, and ourselves. The best way to prevent accidents or injuries in the home is to make ensure you take the necessary safety precautions.
Here are some simple fixes you can make in your home to ensure that you do your best to prevent domestic injuries:
Clean up spills immediately: When there is a spill of liquids, grease, or anything else you could slip on, clean it up as soon as possible to avoid falls.
Secure rugs: To prevent rugs from moving around and causing slips, secure them with nonskid pads or preferably purchase rugs with slip-resistant backings. Another alternative is to use double-sided carpet tape to keep the rug in its place.
Beware of where you put hot liquids: If you have young children in the house, always be weary of where you put that cup of hot coffee. Refrain from placing hot liquids on a table that has a runner or table cloth hanging over as the child may pull on the fabric causing the liquid to spill on them. Also do not leave hot liquids in a place where children can reach it.
Install grab bars in the shower: For anyone who is unsteady on their feet such as an elderly family member, a shower can be a very dangerous place. Installing grab bars could help prevent disaster should they slip.
Check your hot water heater: Children and the elderly are more susceptible to burns from hot water. Make sure your hot water in the heater is always at 120 degrees Fahrenheit or lower to best avoid unintentional burns.
Keep electronics away from water: This seems to go without saying yet accidents involving electronics and water still happen every year. Do not keep electronics near water, in a place where they could fall into the water or a child could pull them in.
Check your basement and garage. These areas of the home are often used for storage, with that comes the risk of tripping over things. Check that these areas have a clear path to walk in and make sure boxes are stacked securely so that nothing falls on anyone.
Keep guards on all tools and store out of reach: Power tools come with safety covers for a reason. Be sure to keep all safety covers on the tools. Also, store the tools out of the reach of children or in a locked tool chest.
Stair safety: Stairs can be the cause of accidents for many different reasons. To best avoid falls make sure your handrail runs the full length of the staircase, carpets are secure, and do not put area rugs or mats at the base or top of the stairs. Also if you paint basement stairs it will be beneficial to add some sand to the pain to give the stairs more traction. For outside steps that are not well lit, paint the edges white so they can be seen in the dark.
Keep cleaning products out of reach: All cleaning products should be stored in a place where kids and pets cannot get to them. Put them in a cabinet with child-proof locks or better yet store them in a high cabinet.
Other Preventive measures include;
Never tell children drugs are “sweets” as this may give a wrong idea to children.
Choose toys appropriate to the age of children. Avoid toys with detachable small parts.
Never let children use milk bottle by themselves without adult’s supervision.
Never leave children alone in a bath tub or basin filled with water.
Bucket filled with water must be covered and kept away from children.
Keep floors free of toys and obstructions.
Windows and doors must be locked to avoid misadventure by children.
Avoid placing “step-stones” such as a chair next to a window.
Always store chemicals in their original containers with appropriate labels.
Accident cannot be completely avoided, but its occurrence can be minimized or prevented completely. Therefore, to prevent domestic accidents in children, adults should always pay more attention to home safety. Parents should also clear any hidden “hazards” in the house and teach children about safety. If accidents happen, it is advised to stay calm and call for help
immediately.Remember, taking the proper precautionary measures can help you escape deadly outcomes, and save numerous properties and lives.
Always be on the watch out for domestic accident.
