Your home should feel like your safe haven. However it is crucial to keep in mind that fatal home accidents are far more common than people think. Most people are not even aware of how to prevent the most common household accidents. Luckily, there are simple ways you can help avoid accidents at home and preserve your family’s health and well-being. Those who stay aware and cautious of home risks and injuries can avoid unwanted situations.
Common Home Injuries
The most common home risks and injuries in order of prevalence include:
- Poisoning
- Falls
- Suffocation
- Drowning
- Fires and burns
Home issues that commonly lead to injuries:
- Inadequate railings and banisters
- Unsafe storage of medications
- Water heaters set too high
- Firearms improperly stored or locked up
Note that drowning is the leading cause of death and injuries in children ages one to four.
Prevention Tips
While household injury statistics are alarming, there are many ways to prevent getting hurt in or near your home. Take advantage of these straightforward methods to avoid the most common home injuries.
Poisoning
Poisoning involves gas leaks and med mixups like overdoses, not just toxic chemical ingestion. It is best to store all cleaning products safely and out of the reach of children. Never use food containers to store hazardous materials. Secure all medicines away safely immediately after use. Label all containers and never mix household cleaning products together.
Make sure you have working carbon monoxide detectors. Keep a close eye on heaters and fireplaces. It is also advised to do an annual cleaning on them before the cold weather months.
Never leave children unattended near stoves, microwaves, or ovens.
Falls
Falls in the home can be fatal and are an especially common home injury threat for the elderly.
Keep your home clear of clutter. Consider using storage bins and using fewer rugs (or tape them to keep them from sliding).
Secure adequate handrails on both sides of the staircase and if there are small children in the home, secure safety gates at the top and bottom of the stairs, and use banister guards to prevent them from slipping between the banisters. Adding a non-slip runner to hardwood stairs can also provide more traction to prevent sliding.
Consider installing grab bars and non-slip mats in your bathroom and bathtub and never underestimate sufficient lighting and night lights.
Choking and suffocation
It is much too easy for kids to choke or suffocate. You can help prevent this by:
- Closely monitoring playtime and storing toys in a safe place.
- Keeping plastic bags out of the reach of children.
- Installing childproof locks.
- Keeping strings, ropes, and cords away from kids.
- Removing any objects from their bed that could cause them to choke or suffocate.
Water-related injuries
Never leave water running when you’re not around and always monitor your children while they are bathing.
Be very cautious to keep all electronics away from water and turned off when they are not in use.
If you have a swimming pool, install four-sided fencing around the pool. Under no circumstance should children be left unsupervised while swimming.
Fires and burns
There should be a smoke detector on every level of your home, most importantly in your kitchen, bedrooms, and basement. It is recommended to replace batteries every six months and test your alarm every month.
Do not leave your kitchen for too long when you are cooking, as you could be unaware that something is burning, which can quickly cause a fire.
Maintain your home’s heating system and make sure your chimney, fireplaces, and furnaces are kept clean.
Cover power outlets if you have mobile kids or pets and never leave candles lit overnight or when you leave home.
Also, it is smart to have multiple fire extinguishers in different areas of your home. Always be prepared for a fire with a safety plan that everyone in the household knows how to follow. Consider having an electrician come in and check your electrical wiring.
Home risks are more common than the average person might believe, which is why utilizing these essential tips can keep your family safe.
About Sine Insurance
At Sine Insurance Group, we are dedicated to providing you with custom-tailored insurance policies to protect your assets. Our comprehensive packages have been expertly crafted to serve St. Louis and the surrounding areas for the past 25 years. For more information about our products, contact us today at (855) 700-0889.