Home Safety Hazards That You Should Deal With Immediately

Your home is where you and your family likely spend most of your time. As such, you want it to be a safe place. You might have heard that most accidents happen at home, and that’s not just a saying. Shockingly, it’s true! According to the National Safety Council, 53% of all injury-causing accidents occur at home. If that percentage scares you, you’re not the only one. There are plenty of home safety hazards hidden in plain sight. Knowing how to recognize and deal with them can make all the difference. Here are some common and dangerous home safety hazards that you may find in your own home.

Falls

Falls are by far the leading cause of death when it comes to accidents that happen in the home. Many people may suffer broken bones and head injuries due to falls. This type of hazard is particularly fatal for the elderly, who can incur much worse injuries than the average young person.

To minimize the risk of slipping, tripping, or falling, there are a few things you can do. Clear out any objects that are lying around on the floor, such as toys or tools. Cover slippery surfaces, such as those in the bathroom with carpets and rugs. Although this might go against the aesthetic you’re going for, it’s a good idea to have sufficient lighting so that everyone can see where they’re going. Safety first!

Fires

Fires are also one of the biggest killers when it comes to home accidents. From being burnt to smoke inhalation, the consequences of leaving something on and forgetting about it are far too horrible.

To minimize the risk of fires, install fire alarms throughout your home. It’s also a good idea to purchase a fire extinguisher and keep it near your kitchen. Check your fire alarms and fire extinguisher annually to make sure they’re in proper working order. The fire alarms will probably need a battery change once a year, and fire extinguishers do expire after some time.

This should go without saying, but do not leave anything on if you’re not going to supervise it, especially things like candles or stoves. One forgotten item can cause your whole house to go up in flames!

Mold

Mold and mildew can be very dangerous to humans. Mold spores can cause allergic reactions in some people, and they only get more severe with consistent exposure. This can be an issue indoors, where the air can get quite stagnant.

It’s difficult to control your home’s air quality. One simple thing you can do is purchase a dehumidifier for small rooms in your house, where the airflow is much worse. Ventilate your home often, and don’t ignore any leaks in your roof, pipes, or walls.

Carbon Monoxide

Carbon Monoxide poisoning has claimed many lives. CO is almost impossible to spot, as it has no color or smell. Low CO levels cause dizziness and headaches, while high levels can easily cause death.

A carbon monoxide detector is a great investment for this very problem. It will alert you if CO reaches dangerous levels in your home. Apart from that, the only thing you can really do is make sure that your home is well-maintained and everything is in proper working order.

Poisoning

Poisoning is the second leading cause of death in the US. The most common victims are innocent but curious children, who don’t think twice before putting something poisonous in their mouths. Here are some ways you can poison-proof your home.

Keep your medication in its proper place to avoid confusion. It’s not a good idea to leave medicine out in places that are easily accessible to children. Make sure to label your medication so that your family members know not to take it. Any cleaning products or harsh chemicals, such as bleach, paint, or pesticides, should be locked away out of the reach of children.

Home Safety Hazards – Drowning

Drowning doesn’t only pose a risk when you’re out at sea or at the pool. Plenty of people, especially young kids, have drowned in their bathtubs. Drowning is typically silent, so here is how you can minimize this risk.

Supervise your young children while they’re in the bath. Don’t rely on auditory cues. Infants and young kids don’t know how to call out for help when they’re drowning, and a few seconds of negligence can be fatal! If you have a pool, make sure that it’s safe and that you have pool safety equipment nearby at all times.

Your home is where you’ll spend most of your time. It’s definitely worth making sure that it’s a safe place for you and your family to live in. Some accidents are purely up to chance, but there are a couple of things you can do to minimize the risk of suffering an injury in your home. Go through this list, and you’ll be on your way to creating a safer home.