If you ask almost anyone where they feel safest, they'll say at home. Interestingly, though, your home is where you are most susceptible to injury. But, fortunately, most home accidents can be prevented.
Here are some steps you can take to avoid them.
1. Be sure the inside and outside of your home are well lit. Lighting near stairs, sharp table edges, and the areas you may walk to and from in the middle of the night (kitchen, bathrooms, etc.) is especially critical.
2. If your electrical outlets fail, or if they spark when you plug in or unplug appliances, you may have a potential fire hazard. Call in an electrician immediately. Electrical fires kill hundreds every year.
3. You need a good smoke alarm in every room, no exceptions. Be sure all family members are aware of how to quickly exit your home in the event of a fire or other emergency. Practice.
4. If there are children in your home, use portable gates in front of your stairways, plug unused electrical outlets, place scissors, knives and other sharp objects out of reach, and hide or lock away weapons, matches, and potentially dangerous chemical products.
5. Never allow strangers access to your home. Be certain that all home entry points are locked securely, whether you are at home or away.
6. Be sure that everyone in your family realizes that they should under no circumstances tell a stranger they are alone, or when your home will be unoccupied.
7. Take all possible precautions when you are doing home repairs or maintenance of any kind. Remember that you are most at risk when climbing and/or using power tools.
8. Be especially careful of your hands. Make a fist in your off hand when chopping or slicing in the kitchen, and never reach into a disposal, jammed lawnmower, or similarly dangerous area.
9. Park your car so that you can see small children or pets that may be in your path when you enter or exit the area in which you park. Or, do as I do; walk around your car before backing out of driveways, garages, and parking spaces. It may be a little inconvenient, but it is well worth the time and effort because it ensures that I will never injure a child or pet because I fail to see them.
10. Never allow objects to remain on stairs, or in a position where they could fall onto stairs. Immediately shovel and use salt on outdoor stairs and walkways in winter weather.
Of course, there is no way to entirely eliminate accidents. But, common sense precautions like those above wll go a long way to make life safer for you and your family.
Here are some steps you can take to avoid them.
1. Be sure the inside and outside of your home are well lit. Lighting near stairs, sharp table edges, and the areas you may walk to and from in the middle of the night (kitchen, bathrooms, etc.) is especially critical.
2. If your electrical outlets fail, or if they spark when you plug in or unplug appliances, you may have a potential fire hazard. Call in an electrician immediately. Electrical fires kill hundreds every year.
3. You need a good smoke alarm in every room, no exceptions. Be sure all family members are aware of how to quickly exit your home in the event of a fire or other emergency. Practice.
4. If there are children in your home, use portable gates in front of your stairways, plug unused electrical outlets, place scissors, knives and other sharp objects out of reach, and hide or lock away weapons, matches, and potentially dangerous chemical products.
5. Never allow strangers access to your home. Be certain that all home entry points are locked securely, whether you are at home or away.
6. Be sure that everyone in your family realizes that they should under no circumstances tell a stranger they are alone, or when your home will be unoccupied.
7. Take all possible precautions when you are doing home repairs or maintenance of any kind. Remember that you are most at risk when climbing and/or using power tools.
8. Be especially careful of your hands. Make a fist in your off hand when chopping or slicing in the kitchen, and never reach into a disposal, jammed lawnmower, or similarly dangerous area.
9. Park your car so that you can see small children or pets that may be in your path when you enter or exit the area in which you park. Or, do as I do; walk around your car before backing out of driveways, garages, and parking spaces. It may be a little inconvenient, but it is well worth the time and effort because it ensures that I will never injure a child or pet because I fail to see them.
10. Never allow objects to remain on stairs, or in a position where they could fall onto stairs. Immediately shovel and use salt on outdoor stairs and walkways in winter weather.
Of course, there is no way to entirely eliminate accidents. But, common sense precautions like those above wll go a long way to make life safer for you and your family.
About the Author:
Genevieve Lewis is a housewife, mother, and journalism instructor who earned a PhD degree online after completing three traditional college degree programs. Her many article topics include home safety, international travel, online degree programs, women's health, exercise, and online college options for busy adults.
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