Injuries at home happen most often to small children and senior citizens. Putting extra effort into protecting your house will prevent you and your family in the long run from any possible dangers.
Common at-home injuries, like cuts, burns, poisonings, or even falls, can easily be prevented if you take the right actions before they happen. These suggestions are almost fool-proof when it comes to safeguarding you and your loved ones.
Install a Stair Lift
For the elderly, stairs can be a major hazard. Instead of moving or redesigning your house completely, consider adding a stair lift. Stair lifts are a cost effective solution to falling on staircases and are very easy to use. Motorized chairs, like those available from https://jamesonmedical.com/ are comfortable, quick to install, and allow you to stay at home.
Seniors aren’t the only people who can benefit from a lift, however. Those suffering from injuries like a broken leg or diseases like arthritis can keep their independence by using these motorized lifts. They are easy to use and a great solution for those with limited mobility.
Make the Bathroom Nonslip
Water is common to slip on, and can accumulate in large quantities on bathroom floors. By installing grab bars, everyone can stop themselves from falling and seriously injuring themselves. Bathmats with nonskid bottoms are also good tools to prevent slipping. Remember to always be diligent about cleaning up water on the floor, no matter how small a spill. You’ll prevent a broken bone or another serious injury!
Use Window Guards
Window-related falls used to be big problems in places like New York City, but with more window guards popping up, this has greatly decreased. Screens on windows are not strong enough to keep children from falling. Use window guards with a quick-release mechanism (for fires) to prevent loved ones from falling out of windows. Remember to always watch children around windows, and keep furniture away for safety purposes.
Keep Cleaning Products in Secure Places
Kids don’t know the differences between candy and laundry detergent pods. Storing potentially dangerous household chemicals in high cabinets or locked places is a great way to prevent the unthinkable. Cleaning products should also never be stored in places associated with eating or drinking, like soda bottles or food containers. Close your materials tight, lock them away, and clean all spills to prevent them from getting into unsafe hands.
Reduce Clutter
Clutter on the floors and in high-traffic areas like staircases are easy things for anyone to fall on. Cords and cables can also cause a lot of harm, so be sure to hide them behind furniture where nobody can slip. Remember: the more items there are on the floor, the higher chance there is of slipping on something and seriously injuring yourself.
Handle Knives with Care
While it may seem ironic, always keep your knives sharp, You are more likely to be careful with sharp knives, and dull knives may make you lose control of the blade and cut yourself. When cutting food, always slice away from your hand and hold the food with your fingertips. Always make sure your cutting board is secure with rubber grips or a damp towel for safety precautions.
Bottom Line
While you may consider home to be the safest place, things you never expect can be the cause of serious injuries. Making small adjustments to everyday life, like nonslip bathmats, window guards, or child locks, will stop you or a family member from getting into a preventable bad accident. It is well worth the time and investment to ensure everyone’s safety.
