Last week we focused on the actions we were doing wrong inside our homes. Now, we are going to tell you what safety measures should be taken to reduce accidents in the same space. Incidents can happen from all ages and in many places.
Believe it or not but having a cluttered house increases your risk of having accidents. Most accidents happen when people trip over things or step on them. Having all appliances, groceries, tools and toys in neatly tucked away containers and stored properly will reduce the risk of falling bruising and getting cuts. And if you don't believe us, remember that time when you stepped on a Lego piece.
When cleaning, consider the people you are living with. Wet floors are very dangerous especially for older people and children.
Older people have less reaction time and usually bruise easily. Children are constantly running and are less observant of wet floors and this could result in them falling and injuring themselves.
This is dangerous for your pets as well (apart from red fishes).
Also, make sure that your detergents are placed in hard-to-reach spots, if you have toddlers, but not so hard for you – see point below about the step ladders.
If you have hard-to-reach cupboards, a step- ladder is quite helpful. People climbing up counters tops and standing on chairs are mostly likely going to fall or lose their balance. It can also sprain or cramp up muscles since you are stretching high up.
Falling from 50 cm may seem nothing, but head-diving on your wooden floor may also have some effect on your mental health.
If you have a staircase in your house, you are most likely to have more accidents. Staircases should be well lit especially at night and should have secured railings. Keep objects such as brooms and toys off steps because they can increase the risk of people stumbling upon and mumbling thereafter. Have small latch gates at the bottom and top of the staircase to prevent children from falling down the steps.
Place torches, medical kits and even emergency numbers by your bedside drawers and in the kitchen in case you have any emergencies such as a power outage. This will help you move easily around the house especially while descending the above mentioned staircases.
Having these emergency supplies will also make you prepared for any situation, like a break in.
The number one cause of fires in South Africa are electrical faults. Make sure you switch off and remove all plugs from their sockets when leaving the house. Also use cord holders or cable ties to keep long cords in place and covered. Keep fire extinguishers close to electrical appliances such as stoves, gas grills, ovens: they will definitely be more useful than water in case of an electric fire (click here to watch an interesting video about this topic).
Keep all razor blades, scissors and any other sharp objects in a locked cabinet with child proof latches installed. A bath mat should be placed outside the shower/bath to prevent slipping on floors. What if the mat slips? Prevent this by placing double sided tape underneath the mat to secure it to the floor!
What if the double sided tape fails? Cement it up.
Like tip number one says be "Organised". Make sure all garden supplies, tools and vehicle products are stored neatly and have secure packaging. It will help you find items easier and reduce the risk of people falling over them or young children consuming poisonous products.
Children wouldn't necessarily like your oil's car bottles.
If you have a cluttered garage you will most likely have damage to your car and possibly get several flat tyres and most importantly, you'll never find out that awesome rugby ball to give to your child.
Your living room is probably the biggest room in your house and you are most likely to have a lot of accidents in this area.
Make sure all mirrors or any frames, especially those that hang near the staircase, are securely fitted so that they will not fall down. If you have a toddler make sure your doorknobs are fitted with doorknob covers so that your child does not venture outside in the big world too soon. Unless you want it, obviously.
Place protective padding onto all sharp edges such as coffee tables, counter tops and furniture. If you have a flat screen tv make sure that is securely mounted and cannot fall off, especially if it is an expensive, brand new, 56″smart tv full led hd 4k etc etc.
When cooking, place the pots and pan handles inward so that they do not get knocked over. Also place the spoon handle in the hole of the pot handle to keep the spoon from falling. This will save not only your beloved soup from an infamous end, but also the other family members from a premature starvation collapse.
There are plenty of other safety tips out there and if you have any great safety measures that we might have missed let us know by commenting below!