Importance of home safety is synonymous to the importance of practicing safety in its entirety, but the importance here only concentrates in our homes. Keeping your home free of dangers and equipped with home safety products can prevent mundane accidents such as falls and can protect you from emergencies like fires. Practice some good habits around your home to keep you and your loved ones safe.
Home safety is especially important for seniors with limited mobility. Make sure your aging parents who use a wheelchair or mobility scooter for indoor use can get around the house safely and comfortably.
Home hazard
In this sub-point we will highlight hazards that are predominant in our home. Home hazards includes:
- Fall: Falls are the leading cause of death when it comes to home accidents. They make up a third of all fatalities. The elderly are most affected by this type of accident.
- Fire: Fires at home can be highly dangerous, not only to your property but also to you and the people you live with. Be sure to have working smoke alarms in the house tested regularly, and a fire plan with safety protocols in place.
- Poisoning: Several household items present poisoning risks, such as cleaning and maintenance supplies, medications and petrol. Keeping these things locked away and out of reach of children can reduce the chance of them being accidentally ingested. And when storing these items, try not to keep chemicals or petrol in bottles that could be mistaken for something that’s drinkable, like a soft drink bottle.
- Carbon Monoxide: Carbon Monoxide is a silent killer. Unlike gas, it cannot be detected be smell.
- Choking: Choking is a hazard for small children who have a tendency to put small objects in their mouths.
- Sharp Objects: We all have plenty of sharp objects around the home that are necessary but in the hands of small children, they can be lethal.
- Allergies: Mould grows when water condenses onto surfaces, like walls and window frames, and is directly related to humidity within your home. If you have an allergy to mould, symptoms can include sneezing, itchy eyes and headaches.
- Slippery surfaces: On the cause of domestic activities, slippery surfaces could be established which could result to fall and injury.
- Gas leak: Since most homes cook with gas, there is tendency of gas leak which could be cause explosion.