Did you know that your home can be as hazardous as your workplace? Here’s a few things tips to make your happy home safer.
Falls
- Bathrooms: Anyone is susceptible to falls in the bathroom due to slippery wet surfaces. Whilst not the most hygienic type of flooring for a bathroom, those at risk of falling should consider having bathroom floors fully carpeted. Showers should have rubber mats to prevent falls from wet surfaces. Have mats or towels placed on the floor when getting out of the bath or shower.
Poisoning
- Any cleaning products and harmful substances if kept in the kitchen should be stored in cupboards out of the reach of small children in higher cupboards. If they are kept in lower cupboards, make sure you invest in inexpensive childproof locks for these cupboards.
- Store paint and pesticides in garages and sheds that are locked and on high shelves away from children.
- Label all unmarked containers and do not store products in food containers.
Fire Hazards
- Install smoke detectors in the kitchen, bedrooms and basement.
- Test your alarms monthly and ensure you replace the batteries twice a year.
- Be careful when cooking and NEVER leave a pan of oil for deep-frying unattended. If the pan catches fire, use a damp tea towel to deal with the flames, never try to put the fire out with water.
- Have your electrical wiring tested regularly by a qualified electrician.
- At Christmas, a major hazard and devastating tragedy is fires, which can start from faulty Xmas tree lights. Ensure your festivities are not ruined by a fire by switching off all Xmas lights before you go to bed.
- Keep matches and lighters away from children.
- If you smoke, take care to extinguish all cigarettes carefully. Better still smoke outside the home.
- Never leave a candle burning overnight.
- Have a fire safety plan that everyone knows and carefully plan how you will exit the home.
Drowning
- Always supervise babies and young children when bathing. If the phone rings at bath time, then leave it. It is not as important as your child’s safety. Ring them back when bath time is over!
- Keep toilet lids closed.
- If you have a swimming pool or pond then it should be in a fenced area. Never leave children in an unsupervised situation when water is about, including paddling pools.
- Don’t use electrical items in the bathroom.
Stoves
Stoves present a significant danger for a variety of reasons. Keep safe by following these tips:
- Use the burners at the back if children are about to make it more difficult for children to reach up.
- Pan handles should face inwards so that children cannot grab them.
- Correct installation is essential to make sure that the stove does not tip over.
