Accidents are bound to happen, no matter how careful you try to be. Some accidents happen more often than others, and might even lead to serious injuries. Being aware of these risks will help you reduce the chances of them happening. Below are some of the most common accidents that happen at home and how you can avoid them:
Falls
Slips and falls are one of the most common household accidents, particularly for children and the elderly. It can lead to serious injuries like broken bones, concussions, and in some cases, even death. Here’s how you can reduce the instances of it happening:
- Seek out dependable concrete repair services in Salt Lake City to even out cracks and uneven surfaces on your floor
- Install extra precautions like gates around stairs and grab bars in showers
- Clear out any hazards on the floor like wires and clutter
- Clean up spills of grease or liquid
- Secure rugs on the floor and stairs
Burns and Fire Hazards
Your kitchen is a hot zone for painful burns, but it’s not the only place you should be watching out for. The following are some other things you should keep an eye out for when it comes to burns and fire hazards:
- Keep the temperature on your water heater to below 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Regularly test smoke alarms to see if they’re working
- Keep fire extinguishers around and have a dedicated escape route agreed by the whole family
- Always be mindful when using hair straighteners or hair curlers
- Store matches out of reach of children
- Install covers on radiators
- Avoid placing hot liquids on a table runner or table cloth where children can reach it
Cuts
Minor cuts and scrapes are extremely common accidents that happen at home. Store knives away securely and always be careful when handling scissors. You can also get cuts from broken glass, so opt for plastic cups and utensils to avoid the chances of them breaking. In the event that you happen to break some glass, use a powerful vacuum cleaner to get rid of tiny fragments of glass that you might not immediately see.
Poisoning
You, your family members, and even your pets are susceptible to poisoning if you’re not careful. Both pets and children may accidentally ingest medication or cleaning supplies if you don’t store them properly. Keep them out of reach of children and pets by storing them in a secure cabinet outfitted with childproof locks. Meanwhile, adults are at risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. This can be avoided by regularly testing the batteries in your home’s carbon monoxide alarm.
Choking
Choking is a type of accident that mostly affects children. Always keep an eye out for small objects that your children can ingest such as small and brittle toys, small food like nuts, and pen tops. When feeding your children, always grate or mash hard food before putting it in their mouths. Encourage your child to sit up while eating and to chew their food thoroughly if they’re able to do both on their own.
While you cannot completely avoid getting into accidents forever, it’s enough to make sure that you’ve reduced the risk of it happening within your own home.