Home and Health – Safety Hazards to be Aware Of

While thinking of safety, most people tend to think of workplace safety or vehicle safety. However, our homes also have safety hazards, some of which are not obvious but can result in the need for immediate medical attention. Being aware of these safety hazards is the first step to preventing them. Listed below are some of the unexpected safety hazards in our homes:

1.  Loose Clutter

Clutter can be underestimated, but it may lead to severe falls. These falls can further lead to more severe health problems involving back pain, head injury, hip fracture, and a broken bone. All of these will eventually lead to expensive medical attention to heal. One may also need constant supervision and long-term care before they are back on their feet.

One may categorize clutter as bulky furniture, but it includes simple things like scattered items, dangling chains (from curtains and blinds), rugs, loose power cords, etc. So, before anything, address the clutter situation by allowing the junk removal experts to clean up the mess. Also, ensure that every walkway is clear of tripping hazards.

2.  Mold

Mold thrives in poorly ventilated areas in warm, damp, or humid conditions. The common areas in which mold grows in a home environment are; the bathroom, under the carpet, under leaky roofs, damp basements, inside home-heating appliances, furniture, paint, and windows. Constant inhaling of mold can cause severe allergic reactions, leading to conditions like asthma, pneumonitis, and coughing. To prevent this, ensure that all rooms are well ventilated and fix the moisture problem.

3.  Staircase

The staircase adds a beautiful walkway for any home, but it can cause serious falls. If you have children, you know how much they get fascinated playing on the staircase. Since you cannot always be there to give constant supervision, you must put safety gates from the top to the bottom of the stairs.

With this in place, they can only access the staircase under supervision. Additionally, ensure that every staircase in your home has solid handrails, is well-lit, and is clear of loose clutter. With such additions, seniors can swiftly move around the house without the fear of falling.

4.  Fires

Residential fires are also another significant leading health hazard, and it also poses a considerable risk to your property. It is almost inevitable not to use fire mainly since we depend on it to make our meals or for extra warmth at the fireplace. Sadly, the result of most fires is death.

A significant drawback when a fire breaks out is to retrieve property over saving lives. Therefore, as a precautionary measure, you must advise every household member to reach for safety first before anything else in such a case. Additionally, ensure that the smoke alarm or carbon monoxide detector works correctly and undergoes regular maintenance.

5.  Poison

Poison is another home health hazard that is ingested mostly unintentionally and affects all ages. It can happen through consuming home cleaning products, pesticides, lead, personal care products, poisonous gases (carbon monoxide), medication, houseplants, paint, etc. Ensure that all toxic products are safely stored away from children. Additionally, ensure that they are not mistaken for drinkables by not using store bottles that resemble those of edible products.

6.  Electrical Hazards

Children are fond of playing with power sources. Therefore, it is necessary to ensure that there are no damaged appliances or power points with live wires that can cause electrocution. Also, ensure that the safety switch works and shuts off the power in case of an electrical fault.

7.  Scalding

Did you ever think that your bathroom water could cause skin scalding? Your shower should never exceed 50 degrees while using it. However, for children, the recommended temperature is 37 to 38 degrees.

The older water gadgets may not adhere to this rule which is why you should ask your plumber to retrofit a tempering valve to reduce the water temperature to the required temperature. Ensure that your children are always supervised while bathing and if you are not around, ensure that the elder kid keeps watch of the younger kid as they shower.

Nothing is more important than keeping your family’s safety first. Despite knowing that accidents happen, ensure that all home safety precautionary measures are enhanced. You will never be in distress while away from home with those in place.

About the Author

Jenn Walker is a freelance writer, blogger, dog-enthusiast, and avid beachgoer operating out of Southern New Jersey.