You feel extremely safe in your home, right? But, the truth is that you and your family are more likely to be injured on your own property than anywhere else. Unfortunately, home accidents happen all of the time.
Here are some ways you can protect your family against them.
1. Be sure the inside and outside of your home are well lit. Lighting near stairs, sharp table edges, and the areas you may walk to and from in the middle of the night (kitchen, bathrooms, etc.) is especially critical.
2. Have all electrical problems repaired immediately by a licensed professional.
3. You need a good smoke alarm in every room, no exceptions. Be sure all family members are aware of how to quickly exit your home in the event of a fire or other emergency. Practice.
4. If you have children, child proof your home carefully. Place gates in front of stairs, eliminate electrical hazards, keep sharp objects out of reach, and hide or lock away matches, medications, and potentially dangerous chemical items.
5. Buy high quality locks for your doors and windows, and secure your home at all times. Never, under any circumstances, allow a stranger into your home.
6. Instruct everyone in your family to avoid telling a stranger they are home alone, and to never mention being away from home in voicemails or autoresponse emails to which strangers may have access. Similarly, never refuse an appointment by saying you will be away. Instead, simply say that the proposed time is inconvenient for you.
7. If you are a do-it-yourselfer, be very careful whenever your task requires climbing or the use of power tools. Falls and power tool mishaps are responsible for more serious home accidents than anything else.
8. Do not ever reach into any area where your hands could be at risk...use a tool instead. Disposals, lawnmowers, trimmers, etc. are involved in many home accidents.
9. Park your car so that you can see small children or pets that may be in your path when you enter or exit the area in which you park. Or, do as I do; walk around your car before backing out of driveways, garages, and parking spaces. It may be a little inconvenient, but it is well worth the time and effort because it ensures that I will never injure a child or pet because I fail to see them.
10. Do not leave anything on stairs or in a position where it can fall onto stairs. Be vigilant about removing snow and ice from all areas in which people walk.
Of course, there is no way to entirely eliminate accidents. But, common sense precautions like those above wll go a long way to make life safer for you and your family.
Here are some ways you can protect your family against them.
1. Be sure the inside and outside of your home are well lit. Lighting near stairs, sharp table edges, and the areas you may walk to and from in the middle of the night (kitchen, bathrooms, etc.) is especially critical.
2. Have all electrical problems repaired immediately by a licensed professional.
3. You need a good smoke alarm in every room, no exceptions. Be sure all family members are aware of how to quickly exit your home in the event of a fire or other emergency. Practice.
4. If you have children, child proof your home carefully. Place gates in front of stairs, eliminate electrical hazards, keep sharp objects out of reach, and hide or lock away matches, medications, and potentially dangerous chemical items.
5. Buy high quality locks for your doors and windows, and secure your home at all times. Never, under any circumstances, allow a stranger into your home.
6. Instruct everyone in your family to avoid telling a stranger they are home alone, and to never mention being away from home in voicemails or autoresponse emails to which strangers may have access. Similarly, never refuse an appointment by saying you will be away. Instead, simply say that the proposed time is inconvenient for you.
7. If you are a do-it-yourselfer, be very careful whenever your task requires climbing or the use of power tools. Falls and power tool mishaps are responsible for more serious home accidents than anything else.
8. Do not ever reach into any area where your hands could be at risk...use a tool instead. Disposals, lawnmowers, trimmers, etc. are involved in many home accidents.
9. Park your car so that you can see small children or pets that may be in your path when you enter or exit the area in which you park. Or, do as I do; walk around your car before backing out of driveways, garages, and parking spaces. It may be a little inconvenient, but it is well worth the time and effort because it ensures that I will never injure a child or pet because I fail to see them.
10. Do not leave anything on stairs or in a position where it can fall onto stairs. Be vigilant about removing snow and ice from all areas in which people walk.
Of course, there is no way to entirely eliminate accidents. But, common sense precautions like those above wll go a long way to make life safer for you and your family.
About the Author:
Genevieve Lewis is a housewife, mother, and journalism instructor who earned a PhD degree online after completing three traditional college degree programs. Her many article topics include home safety, international travel, online degree programs, women's health, exercise, and online college options for busy adults.
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