Your home is somewhere you should feel entirely safe. Not to mention, it’s a place where your guests should feel safe too! Whether you have an older loved one or younger children, certain safety considerations should always be well thought out.
After all, your home is a sanctuary where you shouldn’t have to worry about someone slipping and falling or suffering a serious accident. To help you err on the side of caution, here are some essential tips for safety proofing your home.
Eliminate Tripping Hazards
Senior citizens and small children can be especially susceptible to trips and falls. This is why it’s important that you go around your home and you take an inventory of any potential tripping hazards.
Since falls are one of the leading causes of injuries in the home, you can significantly reduce your chances by simply eliminating anything that looks potentially dangerous. Use non-slip rugs or secure your rugs by using double sided tape.
Keep all of your walkways free of clutter or protruding items that could cause a fall, and consider installing handrails. A little extra support goes a long way when trying to navigate staircases or long hallways
Light Up Your Home
Dimly lit areas of your home can lead to poor visibility. Make sure that your house is lit up in all the necessary areas, as poor lighting can lead to significant abstinence. When you can’t see potential hazards, then you’re much more likely to trip and fall, or bump into something like a wall.
Consider installing movement activated lights to avoid wasting unnecessary electricity. Otherwise, you can install night lights which will automatically light up as you pass. Not only will this help reduce the chances of injury and accidents, but it can also be reassuring for little ones who are afraid of the dark.
Install a Fire Detector
It’s incredibly important that you give yourself the peace of mind knowing that if a fire starts in your home, you can act quickly. A fire detector will help you be able to stop a fire before it’s able to grow and get out of control. In addition to a fire detector, you should also consider installing a carbon monoxide detector. These are particularly important outside of any bedrooms and near any fuel burning appliances.
While you’re at it, implement a prevention strategy. Having an escape plan is essential to guarantee that you know what to do should there be a fire. Make sure that your entire family is on board, and everyone knows exactly what’s expected of them.
Secure Cabinets
Sometimes little ones get into areas where they shouldn’t be. Certain household items may look attractive to their curious eyes, yet in reality they are incredibly dangerous for their health. This is why it’s important that you secure any cabinets so that they can’t be accessed by more vulnerable members of your household.
