We live in the comfort of our homes. No matter how big or small it is, it provides us with safety and security and loads of happiness. The warmth and coziness of our homes makes us forget that there can be certain potential safety hazards at home also. No matter how harsh it sounds but there can be some hidden dangers lurking in the homes. Home is supposed to be the safest place on earth. But many serious injuries, accidents, sometimes even fatal ones occur in home only. Also there are places in the home which can pose some safety issues which we tend to overlook. This blog will discuss about certain safety and security measures that you should undertake in your home to stay safe and secured in a complete way.
What is the purpose of home safety?
The purpose of home safety is very simple. It is to identify and eliminate risks within the home that can lead to serious injury and even death. The sole purpose is to make our homes as much safe and accidents free as possible. Our aim is to minimize the injuries that can happen at homes. It can be an injury to your health/body and to your home itself so do not jeopardize your safety.
Don’t neglect safety housekeeping
Housekeeping is a very significant aspect in home safety. Do not keep clutter in front of staircases, doors because you might trip and fall. Keep it where it should be kept or if its garbage then kindly give it to the housekeepers who come in the morning to collect it. Children sometimes leave balls or round objects on the floor. This is a sure shot way to make you trip and take a nasty fall and injure yourself. So keep the toys, balls away as soon as playtime is over. These minor housekeeping habits will save you from potential risks.
Keep away sharp or dangerous objects and chemicals
We are sometimes aware of things that can cause accidents. But freak accidents can happen even if you very cautious. Freak accidents can happen with objects or situations that you have never thought would harm you in a million years. Keep all the sharp objects around the home at a place where you can reach when necessary but not in places where there slightest chance of keeping it exposed and also it should not reach the hands of small children. We store a number of important things in the drawers, cupboard and cabinets and we open them every now and then. But remember to close them when the work is done. You can easily get hurt if they are open. Your home probably has some potentially dangerous solvent and cleaners, so make sure chemicals or other hazardous materials are safely and properly stored. In the kitchen, keep appliances off or unplugged when not in use. Keep kitchen knives and graters away from children in locked drawers. Store sharp knives with shields to cover the blades and take care when washing. Remain vigilant to avoid accidents.
Maintain adequate home security
Security of a home is very important. It is required while you are inside and also outside. Fires, invasion, floods or any other worse scenarios are tragic occurrences which we all should be ready for. We should install security cameras at strategic points in and around our homes and have them synced in our mobile phones so that we can track and check even if we are not at home. Smoke detectors are also very crucial. They will save you from fire hazards. Make an emergency action plan and have it discussed with all your family members. Share where you keep your spare key or emergency codes only with your family members and the ones you trust. And a very important thing in the age of social media is not to share your whereabouts when you go on a trip or won’t be there at home for long periods. Do not share where and when you are going or for how long you will be out in any social media platforms.
Falls
Falls are another leading cause of death at homes. The seniors or elderly people are mostly affected by this type of accident. But that doesn’t mean it won’t happen to the younger ones. Anybody can accidentally take a fall. Falls are the leading cause of death when it comes to home accidents. After a long period of time and usage, the floors of our home can become slippery. This mostly happen in bathrooms. And when floor becomes slippery, it becomes a huge risk to all. Proper anti-skid measures should be taken against it. Atleast a good mat must be kept outside the bathroom. Even if there is a plastic lying around, it can also cause a big accident because people might slip on it and fall. Staircases should be guarded by safety gates and railings as children might tumble down it.
Suffocation
Toddlers and young children are at risk of suffocation in your home. They have a tendency to play with ropes and cords and in doing so it can get tangled around their necks. Either the children should play under supervision all the time or the following said items should not be in their vicinity at all. Pay attention to any object with cords as it might end up causing fatal damage to children.
Eliminate electrical risks
Electricity, though incredibly convenient, can also pose a lot of safety threats if not adequately maintained. Use the following electrical safety tips to eliminate potential electrical hazards. Replace all damaged or frayed wires and cords, and throw out old or faulty appliances. Make sure to follow the correct procedures when replacing light bulbs. Never overcrowd your electrical outlets, use extension cords if necessary, and only buy electrical products evaluated by the nationally recognized laboratory. Additionally, all electrical systems should be repaired or installed by a certified professional.
Dishwashers
Dishwashers are very useful household items but they can be dangerous. When you are putting forks, blades, knives, put them facing downwards. Once the cleaning is over, unload the dishwasher quickly because children are at great risk in getting their hands on sharp objects. Make sure that your dishwasher is properly latched and can’t be opened in mid-cycle. If it is not securely fastened then it can cause burn from hot water and steam.
We at Healthy Homes hope that you find this blog helpful and useful to keep your family safe and sound.
