Safety Hazards in Your Home

SAFETY HAZARDS IN YOUR HOME

Safety hazards occur in every home despite the size of the home or even the location. However, there are certain things that can be done to help identify and address household safety hazards before they escalate.
The following are 5 common household safety hazards, along with tips to reduce or eliminate these issues.

1. Fires.                                                                                                According to the National Fire Protection Association, a U.S. fire department responds to a fire every 24 seconds. Various hazards such as a candle and/or flammable material close to a stove may increase the risk of a fire in the home. A preventative measure includes Installing fire alarms on all levels of a home and checking the alarms’ batteries at least once a year. In addition, purchasing a fire extinguisher and learning how to use the device is also an important preparedness skill.
2. Choking.                                                                                              The National Safety Council indicated that choking was the fourth-leading cause of unintentional death in the United States in 2017. A household choking emergency can be a random occurrence However, there are several techniques that can be performed to assist choking victims. First, the Heimlich maneuver can be used to help prevent a choking victim from suffocating. Second, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training classes can also be taken which provide individuals with the skills and knowledge to administer CPR and other life-saving techniques to conscious and unconscious choking victims.
3. Drowning.                                                                                                      74% of drowning incidents for children younger than 15 between 2015 and 2017 occurred in residential locations according to the National Safety Council. Unfortunately, drowning is a household hazard that often occurs during bath time for young children. To eliminate this risk, watch a child closely and never leave a bathtub that has a child in it unattended during bath time. Also, you should fill a bathtub with only a few inches of water.
4. Burns.                                                                                          Dishwashers and stoves are the primary culprits behind household burns. Subsequently, it is critical that a dishwasher is latched securely during use. Additionally, it may be extremely helpful to pick up a dishwasher appliance lock to prevent a child from opening a dishwasher when it is being used. In regards to stove safety, it is important to use a stove’s back burners any time you can. Using a stove's back burner's can make it difficult for a child to reach a hot stovetop. Lastly, installing stove knob covers can also help prevent a child from inadvertently turning on a stove.
5. Carbon Monoxide.                                                                                    The Centers of Disease Control and Prevention reported that every year, at least 430 people die in the U.S. from accidental CO poisoning. In addition, approximately 50,000 people in the U.S. visit the emergency department each year due to accidental CO poisoning. Even minimal exposure to carbon monoxide (CO) in a home may result in dizziness and severe headaches. However, with a carbon monoxide detector in place the homeowner can be alerted if the CO reaches a dangerous level. Lastly, it is also important to maintain the home’s heating, ventilation and air condition (HVAC), gas, oil and other systems that otherwise could leak CO.

​As indicated by this list, there are numerous household safety hazards as the five listed are just a few. However, with proper preparation, knowledge, and awareness, homeowners can take adequate steps for prevention.