7 Safety Hazards to Watch for Around the House

There is danger lurking all around us. Wherever we go, there is always something that can go wrong. Even in your home, there are hazards that could put you and your family in danger of injury and sometimes death. Luckily, with our helpful advice, you can take precautions and keep your family safe.

Falls

Falls present as one of the most common household hazards, as they are especially detrimental for young children and people ages sixty and up. Usually, it is not the fall itself that is the biggest problem, but the aftermath. To avoid the risk of falls in your home, make sure that you cover slippery surfaces in your bathroom with non-slip mats in your shower and on the floor. Also, be especially careful with ladders, and have stable handrails on stairs. Install a bright light on the basement stairway to make them visible, as dim lighting is a major fall hazard. And keep your driveway clear of snow and ice. Shovel snow regularly and sprinkle salt to keep the ice away. Finally, do not forget to secure cabinets and drawers from toddlers and young children. Anchor furniture to the wall to prevent it from tipping over.

Drowning

Drowning is the number-one cause of death in toddlers. Most often, this includes swimming pool accidents and bath time accidents. It only takes a few inches of water for a small child or infant to drown. This is why you should never leave your child alone in the bathroom, and always supervise their bath time. Swimming pools and hot tubs should be kept covered when not in use. Install a gate around your pool and keep it locked. Also, do not keep large containers of water unsupervised. This includes kiddie pools, buckets, and even coolers.

Burns

Burns are most likely to affect small children, but they can pose a threat to everyone. Use the back burners of stoves if you are not in the kitchen while cooking so children cannot accidentally knock over pots and grab something hot. Electrical burns can affect adults when dabbling with instillations, or DIY electrical work, which is illegal in many countries. For instance, in Australia, you must call a licensed electrician in Frankston or any other area you`re living, if you want something fixed or installed. We recommend you call an expert to do your electric work anytime, no matter what the law says.

Fires

Fires are the third biggest killer as far as home accidents are concerned. Kitchen fires are the most common cause of house fires. Not just that, but malfunctioning heating equipment is the leading cause of fire deaths. There are steps you can make to reduce the risk of fire, like installing fire alarms and changing batteries in your existing alarms. Most deaths occur in homes with non-existent or non-working fire alarms. Next, invest in a fire extinguisher and keep it within reach. Also, make sure that small kitchen appliances like toasters and blenders are unplugged when not used. Candles should be put out when leaving the room because an open flame is highly risky. And never leave space heaters unsupervised. It is also advisable to keep them away from blankets, curtains, etc.

Choking

Besides drowning, choking is one of the lead house accidents that cause death in infants and toddlers, since they have a tendency to put small objects in their mouths. Always supervise your child at play. Inspect their toys for any choking hazards like small detachable pieces, buttons, and batteries. At mealtime, cut your baby’s food into appropriate pieces they can chew. Avoid giving hard candies, whole grapes, and chewing gum to children under the age of 4. Adults are also at risk of choking. Make sure that you never laugh or talk with your mouth full, and eat slowly.

Cuts

Though often not fatal, cuts can be extremely dangerous and can lead to further health issues. Tetanus and infections, serious injuries, blood loss, and in some cases death can all be prevented if you see to it that your knives are properly stored. Always place them with the blade facing downwards in your drawer. Additionally, keep your garden tools, like rakes, saws, and lawnmowers safely locked away in your shed. Never let your children play with sharp objects, and keep razor blades out of reach. Teach your children not to touch knives and blades.

Poisoning

Poisoning can affect people of all ages. Several household items present poisoning hazards, like drugs, cleaning supplies, and even paint. Teenagers and adults are most at risk of appetite suppressants, antidepressants, sleep medication, caffeine, and alcohol. Young children can get into cleaning supplies, and they can even overdose on vitamins and other medication without adult supervision. This is why you should lock away all cleaning supplies, away from children. Keep cleaning products in their original packaging, and never place them in juice or soda bottles, since this can also confuse other adults, not just children. Store medicines out of children’s reach. Avoid placing them on tables and countertops. Be responsible for taking and disposing of medication. Always follow the prescription.

Even though there are so many potential threats in your home, not all is lost. This post was not meant to scare you, simply inform and help you recognize potential threats and how to deal with them. You can hire professionals like electricians and insurance agents to help you.