Razor-sharp knives, blenders, burning-hot stovetops, and sinks in close proximity to electric cords and outlets! When you think of all these hazards confined to one space, you may believe that the kitchen would be the most dangerous area in a home. However, that is not true. Note that when it comes to the most prevalent household injuries and accidents, kitchen-related injuries and mishaps rank surprisingly low. So, other places in your home could be even more dangerous.
You may feel secure in the comfort of your home. It is your cozy haven, after all. However, it is surprising how many people get hurt in at-home accidents each year. But hey, don’t worry! There are some ways to keep the danger at bay and turn your crib into a safe haven. Here are some common reasons for household injuries and how you can minimize risks in your home and steer clear of any unplanned trips to urgent care. If you do suffer preventable harm, a personal injury lawyer in Portland may be able to help.
Slips and Falls
Wet floors, cluttered bedrooms, loose rugs, and spills are all accidents waiting to happen. Falls are the ultimate party crashers. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says they are the top cause of nonfatal injuries for kids and a major troublemaker for older folks, sending more than 8 million people to the ER every year.
Stairways are some of the common locations for falls and slips to occur. However, wet and slippery surfaces are another major contributor that you cannot ignore. These include bathroom floors and showers, slick hardwood, and icy sidewalks and driveways.
But hey, don’t stress too much! There are ways to kick these accidents to the curb, such as using non-slip mats in your splashy zones and cleaning up spills. You should also keep your place clutter-free.
Here are some other tips:
- Keep bedrooms, walkways, and bathrooms well-lit
- Keep all high-traffic areas in your home free of clutter and furniture
- Secure any loose rugs with tacks, double-faced tape, or a slip-resistant backing
- Install grab bars in the tub or shower and handrails on stairways
Fires and Burns
Hot beverages, such as piping hot coffee, are responsible for most burns or scalds in kids under five years of age. That is pretty scary, right? So, keep your little ones at a safe distance from stoves, campfires, and irons. The same is true for matches and hair straighteners, as they can be hazardous, too. If someone is hurt, the burn must be placed under running cold water for at least 10 to 15 minutes and then be checked. You should cover the affected area with a clean plastic film. A burn on the hand may be covered with a clean plastic bag. Safety first, peeps!
Poisoning
This may come as a surprise to you, but poisoning accidents are more common than you think. TheNational Safety Council (NSC) revealed that 52,000 individuals died in their homes from poisoning in 2017, considerably more than slipping and falling (23,300) and choking (2,700).You should know that most poisoning accidents at home involve medications, cosmetics, and cleaning products that we often have in our homes. So, you have to be super careful and keep anything that could be, like, dangerous out of the kiddos’ reach.
Household poisoning prevention is often largely geared toward kids, which makes sense. This is because, according to the CDC, over 300 children are brought to the ER daily as a result of poisoning. You have to keep your home safe, especially for the little ones.
Here are some tips and hacks to prevent household poisoning straight from the CDC:
- Keep all the medications, detergents, chemicals, and cleaning stuff in their original packaging and stash them where kids can’t get to them.
- Save Poison Control’s number in your phone – it is 1-800-222-1222!
- Always read the label on meds before taking or giving them to your kiddos.
- It is best to toss out any old or unneeded medicines, even the over-the-counter ones and vitamins. Let’s keep it fresh!
Safety first, and we can avoid those pesky poison scares!
Cuts and Lacerations
Cuts and scrapes are common occurrences in homes. Cuts and scrapes are like unwelcome guests at your home party. From little nicks to full-on lacerations, they can pose serious threats. So, who’s at risk? Literally everyone, all ages included! Grown-ups can get cut while they are shaving, cooking in the kitchen, or even tinkering around the house. You know, those home repair and renovation projects!
And kids? Oh boy, they’re not safe either. They might get scrapes from everyday oopsies or cross paths with sharp and pointy things. But hey, we’re not letting those cuts and bruises have a free pass! Here’s how you can show ’em who’s boss:
- Keep those scissors, sharp kitchen knives, and razors tucked away in childproof drawers or cabinets.
- Dishwashers, where all the sharp objects hang out, should have safety latches.
- Tell your kids to stay away from the toolbox and keep it out of their reach.
- Arts and crafts supplies, like scissors, sewing needles, or protractors, should either be kept out of reach or kept separately from the sharper stuff.
Wrapping it Up
These essential tips and tricks are designed to bring household accidents and injuries to a minimum. However, accidents do happen, even with the best precautions in place. So, take the above steps to prevent household injuries and accidents and keep your family, especially kids, safe.
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