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Home Safety
What is Home Safety
When we talk about Home safety, we are referring to the sum total of awareness of risks, education about risks and potential dangers these risks could cause in and around a home. These risk may result to bodily harm, injury, or even death to those residing in and around the physical structure of a home.
It covers, the identifying, evaluating, mitigating and preventing unwanted dangers using testing, research, and accepted standards of applications and practices.
Importance of Safety At Home
The importance of home safety is synonymous with the importance of practicing safety in its entirety. Keeping your home free of dangers and equipped with home safety products can prevent mundane accidents such as falls and can protect you from emergencies like fires. Practice some good habits around your home to keep you and your loved ones safe.
Home safety is especially important for seniors with limited mobility. Make sure your aging parents, who use a wheelchair or mobility scooter for indoor use, can get around the house safely and comfortably.
Hazards
Here are hazards that are prevalent in the home:
· Fall: Falls are the leading cause of death when it comes to home accidents. They make up a third of all fatalities. The elderly are most affected by this type of accident.
· Fire: Fires at home can be highly dangerous, not only to your property but also to you and the people you live with. Be sure to have working smoke alarms in the house tested regularly, and a fire plan with safety protocols in place.
· Poisoning: Several household items present poisoning risks, such as cleaning and maintenance supplies, medications and petrol. Keeping these things locked away and out of reach of children can reduce the chance of them being accidentally ingested. And when storing these items, try not to keep chemicals or petrol in bottles that could be mistaken for something that’s drinkable, like a soft drink bottle.
· Carbon Monoxide: Carbon Monoxide is a silent killer. Unlike gas, it cannot be detected be smell.
· Choking: Choking is a hazard for small children who have a tendency to put small objects in their mouths.
· Sharp Objects: We all have plenty of sharp objects around the home that are necessary but in the hands of small children, they can be lethal.
· Allergies: Mould grows when water condenses onto surfaces, like walls and window frames, and is directly related to humidity within your home. If you have an allergy to mould, symptoms can include sneezing, itchy eyes and headaches.
· Slippery surfaces: On the cause of domestic activities, slippery surfaces could be established which could result to fall and injury.
· Gas leak: Since most homes cook with gas, there is tendency of gas leak which could be cause explosion.
General Home Safety Tips
1. Keep fire extinguisher and smoke detector on every floor.
2. Use extreme caution when smoking. Never smoke when alone or in bed.
3. Avoid using slippery wax on floors.
4. Skid-proof the tub and make sure the bath mat has a non-slip bottom.
5. To avoid scalds, turn water heater to 120 degrees Fahrenheit or below.
6. Store all medications out of reach of children.
7. Secure all caps on medication bottles.
8. Store syringes behind a closed door and do not talk about the fact that you have syringes in your home.
9. Never expose medications to sunlight. (This precaution also applies to injectable medications, such as insulin)
10. Mark cold and hot faucets clearly.
11. Use door locks that can be opened from both sides.
12. Wipe up spills promptly.
13. Avoid standing on ladders or chairs.
14. Have sturdy rails for all stairs inside and outside the house, or if necessary, purchase a stairlift.
15. Use only non-glare 100 watt or greater incandescent bulbs (or the fluorescent equivalents).
16. Always get up slowly after sitting or lying down. Take your time, and make sure you have your balance.
17. Wear proper fitting shoes with low heels.
18. Use a correctly measured walking aid where necessary.
19. Remove electrical or telephone cords from traffic areas.
20. Make sure that all stair cases have good lighting with switches at top and bottom.
21. Staircase steps should have a non-slip surface.
22. Use recommended bath aids, securely installed on the walls of the bath/shower stall and on the sides of the toilet.
23. If possible, bath only when help is available.
24. Keep floors clean and uncluttered.
25. Illuminate work areas.
26. Mark “ON” and “OFF” positions on appliances clearly and with bright colors.
27. Store sharp knives in a rack.
28. Use a kettle with an automatic shut off.
29. Store heavier objects at waist level.
30. Store hazardous items separate from food.
31. Avoid wearing long, loose clothing when cooking over the stove.
32. Make sure food is rotated regularly. Check expiration dates.
33. Cover electrical outlets to prevent children from inserting objects.
34. Check electrical cords for wear. Do not use cords that are frayed or have exposed wires. Be sure to check the junction between the cord and the plug.
35. Ground all three-pronged plug adapters.
36. Check heating pads for cracks prior to use. Do not use if present.
37. Review your medicines frequently with your doctor or pharmacist and when you take new medication.
38. Make sure medicines are clearly labeled.
39. Read medicine labels in good light to ensure you have the right medicine and always take the correct dose.
40. Dispose of any old or used medicines.
41. Never borrow prescription drugs from others.
42. Check with your doctor or pharmacist before you mix alcohol and your drugs.
43. Have medication dispensed in a bubble pack or convenient dispenser.
44. Check with your doctor or pharmacist before mixing non-prescription drugs and prescription drugs.