Essential Home Safety Tips for National Safe at Home Week

August marks National Safe at Home Week, a great opportunity to proactively avoid potential accidents within the home. Physicians Premier is dedicated to helping you in maintaining your home as the secure sanctuary it should be, and for this purpose, we present these simple home safety tips.

The Home Safety Council’s most recent statistics reveal a troubling truth: annually, around 18,000 individuals in the United States lose their lives due to home-related injuries, and an astonishing 21 million visits are made to doctors and emergency centers to treat victims of home accidents. Regrettably, many of these fatal or severely injurious accidents are entirely avoidable. The medical teams at Physicians Premier have witnessed firsthand the heartbreaking impact these incidents have on families. 

Let’s make safety a priority and protect our loved ones within the comfort of our homes. By taking these important precautions, we can reduce the risk of accidents and create a safer living environment for all. Your family’s well-being is our priority, and with shared knowledge, we can make a difference in preventing unnecessary injuries.

Kitchen Safety Tips

• Always supervise children in the kitchen, even if it’s just for a short while, especially when cooking.
• Make sure that flammable items are kept at a safe distance from open-flame appliances, such as gas stoves, ovens, toasters, electric cooktops, and portable heaters.
• Exercise extreme caution when using cleaning solutions, and thoroughly wipe surfaces to avoid accidental poisoning. Ensure proper ventilation when cleaning ovens or stovetops.
• Store hazardous products, like cleaners, securely and out of reach of children and pets.
• Never leave sharp kitchen utensils, such as scissors and knives, unattended. Always return them to their designated storage after use.
• Allow enough space between appliances to promote proper ventilation and reduce the risk of overheating.
• Keep electrical cords away from heat sources to prevent potential hazards.

Bath Safety

• Ensure the bathroom is kept meticulously clean, as mold can lead to serious respiratory problems.
• Always maintain a safe distance between water and electrical appliances such as hair dryers, curlers, irons, and electric razors.
• Place non-slip bathroom mats and rugs to prevent slipping accidents.
• Store items like soaps, shampoos, perfumes, and creams out of the reach of children to avoid any potential accidents.

Floor and Staircase Safety Tips

Falls account for a significant number of home injury deaths. Both adults over 65 and young children are particularly susceptible to falls. To prevent falls, consider these safety measures:

• Keep floors clean, dry, and free of obstacles, especially in high-traffic areas and on staircases.
• Install stable railings on all staircases, including those on decks and front porches.
• Ensure that the distance between spindles on your staircase is narrow enough (4 inches or less) to prevent accidental falls of children and pets.
• Ensure proper lighting in every room to ensure clear visibility and reduce the risk of tripping and falling accidents.

Garage Safety Tips

• Properly ventilate your garage to prevent the risk of accidental carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Store all chemicals, including paint thinner, gasoline, heavy-duty cleansers, and others, in a securely locked place that is away from direct sunlight and out of reach for children and pets.
• Avoid leaving tools outside, as they can pose a hazard if they fall and cause injury, particularly to children.
• Store sharp gardening and power tools securely in a cabinet, out of reach from children.

Yard Safety

• Ensure that fences are well-maintained to prevent children and pets from wandering outside the yard and to discourage intruders.
• Put up a fence around pools and keep it locked to stop children from getting in without supervision.
• Always supervise gardening tools and never leave sharp ones unattended.
• Store potentially poisonous substances like weed killer, fertilizer, and insecticide out of the reach of children and pets.
• Keep the grill at a safe distance from flammable surfaces, including decks, tree branches, outdoor furniture, and curtains to minimize fire risks.

Take Care of Yourself and Your Loved Ones

Grab this opportunity to gather with your family and have a conversation about home safety tips, in order to minimize the risk of accidents in the future. Educate your kids on how to remain composed and respond during emergencies. Lastly, make sure that everyone has access to a list of important phone numbers, including local police, emergency services, a trusted neighbor, and the contact information and address of the nearest Physicians Premier facility.

Being prepared and informed can make all the difference in ensuring your family’s safety and well-being.

Sources:

“Safety at Home: 10 Common Safety Hazards around the House,” Stay Safe, https://staysafe.org/safety-at-home-10-common-safety-hazards-around-the-house/   
“22 Kitchen Safety Tips to Keep Your Family Healthy,” Love to Know, https://www.lovetoknow.com/food-drink/ingredients-supplies/health-and-safety-in-the-kitchen
“5 Kitchen Safety Tips for National Safe at Home Week,” La Jolla CA, https://www.lajollanurseshomecare.com/blog/5-kitchen-safety-tips-for-national-safe-at-home-week/
“Safety Precautions for Bath Time,” Mom’s Choice Awards, https://www.momschoiceawards.com/blog/safety-precautions-bath-time
“Safety Tips to Prevent Slips, Trips, and Falls on Stairways,” Weekly Safety, https://weeklysafety.com/blog/stairways
“Improving Garage Safety: A Guide for Homeowners,” Stay Safe, https://staysafe.org/safety/garage/