Take an inventory of poisons in the home. The following are examples of things that need to be locked away and kept in their original containers:
Poisons, such as the ones listed above, should NOT be kept in the kitchen when they can be confused with food or drink and ingested. Keep the poison control number by every phone. The number is 1-800-222-1222.
Many falls happen because you can’t see an object or you miss a stair. Make sure you have plenty of lights at the top and bottom of stairs. Nightlights should be in halls, bathrooms and bedrooms. Tape down small rugs if you must use them. In the bathroom, place a mat or non-slip strips in the tub. Consider grab bars by the tub and toilet if needed. And on stairs, make sure you have handrails on both sides. A doctor can help you set up a home safety assessment with a physical or occupational therapist to prevent falls.
Especially with children, always use extra precaution when cooking. Always turn pot handles inward when cooking on the stove. Use back burners when possible. Have a working fire extinguisher in the kitchen. Another good idea is to set your water heater at 120 degrees or less and don’t let kids use the sink or tub without help. Smoke alarms should be on every level of the home and near every bedroom. Test monthly and change batteries once a year. Have your family practice home fire drills. Make sure they know how to get out fast and where to meet.
Many accidents happen in the home. People tend to be more careful about home safety if there are the following groups in the home:
However, people of all ages can be affected by falls, fires, burns and poisons in the home. In fact, falls are the number one way people get injured in their homes. Spring cleaning is a great time to go through the checklist and make sure your home is safe for your family.