When it comes to familiar spaces and familiar places, people tend to feel the safest. This is typically true of our cars and our homes. Yet if someone is going to get seriously hurt, sick, or otherwise harmed, statistics tell us it’s probably going to either happen on the road while they’re driving or at home while they’re minding their own business.
While there is no way to completely guarantee safety and avoid harm, families can take steps to minimize risk and maximize their chances of overcoming a bad accident or unfortunate circumstance in their own space.
Drive Defensively
Cars have never been safer, yet despite these leaps in motor vehicle safety, serious car accidents still occur in every city every day. A family van or SUV is a place where many happy memories are made, but it can quickly be the scene of something horrible if a collision occurs. Safe driving is essential but not enough, it needs to be supplemented with defensive driving. Driving defensively sounds scary but basically means watching out for bad drivers in hopes of avoiding a crash before it has the chance to happen. While first responders, insurance adjusters, and Pines Salomon injury lawyers would be the first to tell you accidents still happen, proper driving habits play a critical role in making them as unlikely as possible.
Purchase a Carbon Monoxide Detector
We get so caught up worrying about fires that we often forget about a silent killer, carbon monoxide. According to the CDC there were 5,149 deaths due to carbon monoxide poisoning from 1999-2010. Very high concentrations of this gas have the ability to kill a person in five minutes. Therefore, it is very important for everyone to purchase a reliable carbon monoxide detector. Make sure you have fresh batteries in it every six months. If it goes off, get out of the house and dial emergency services.
Watch Out for Falls
You and your family could easily take a tumble down the stairs or in the shower if you are not careful. Luckily, there are easy ways to remedy this problem. If you have hardwood or slick steps, purchase carpet step runners to attach to the stairs. This gives you and your family extra cushioning as you walk up and down. Look for them online or at a local home improvement store. For your shower or tub, always apply adhesive non-slip stickers to prevent slips and falls. These can be bought online and at most stores.
Check for Mold
Mold can grow in many places, especially in the basement or the bathroom where there is a lot of moisture. Breathing in mold for an extended period of time can cause a person to develop serious health issues, such as asthma and allergies. However, it is easy to prevent. You will want to eliminate as much moisture in the air as possible. In the bathroom, make sure there is an overhead fan or vent that helps keep the room dry. You can use a dehumidifier in the basement to keep the area cool and dry and free of moisture, especially if the area is prone to leaks or flooding.
Household Cleaners
Are there young kids in the house? Are they aware of the dangers of common household cleaners? You can quickly create toxic fumes when specific cleaners are mixed together, which can make a person sick or even kill them. Young children can easily get into the bathroom or kitchen cupboards and pull out cleaning products that are harmful when consumed. You may think they wouldn’t want the cleaning solution in their mouth but you really never know with kids! Your best bet is to keep all cleaning solutions locked up and out of harm’s way.
Cell Phone Chargers
We all own and use cell phones. Most of us walk around the home with them nowadays, meaning we have to charge them often. But cell phones have been known to catch fire because of unsafe practices. Cell phones need proper ventilation while they are charging as they let off heat while they are plugged in. Always keep your cell phone on a nightstand or table when charging and don’t leave it on your bed or under the pillow overnight. While it is rare, a fire may start unexpectedly if the phone gets too hot.
Staying safe in your own space starts with awareness. Follow these tips to make sure you and your family remain as safe as possible in your home at all times.
