3 Ways to Make Your Home Safer

Most people consider their homes as their safest haven. It is a place to relax and unwind after a long day. Home is where you make memories with your loved ones and where you can always count on feeling comfortable and secure.

However, recent studies show that millions of people are injured in accidents inside their homes every year. According to the National Safety Council, there are more than 10 million accidents that occur in the home each year. Here is a look at some of the most common accidents that occur in the home, as well as ways to prevent them from happening.

Falls

Each year, countless people suffer injuries from falls in their own homes. In fact, falls are the leading cause of unintentional injury death in the United States. 

Most common causes of falls at home

• Tripping from wires or loose objects
• Wet floors in the bathroom, kitchen, or anywhere else
• Poor lighting in the room
• Rugs or carpets that are not properly secured
• Improper use of stools or ladders when reaching far objects
• Rushing or running to get to places
• Vision problems
• Balance problems
• Health conditions or medications that can cause dizziness

Prevention

• Keep the floor clutter-free
• Avoid wetting the floors (wipe wet floor immediately)
• Provide proper lighting
• Secure carpets and rugs in place
• Install handrails in high-risk areas such as stairs and bathrooms
• Secure ladders and stools when using
• Avoid running or rushing
• Minimize walking if you are feeling dizzy or seek help if needed
• Use non-slip mats

Cuts and Puncture Wounds

Hundreds of thousands of people are treated in the emergency room every year for accidental cuts. According to statistics, the majority of cuts and puncture wounds happen at home. 

Most common causes of accidental cuts at home

• falls
• car accidents
• broken glass
• stabbings
• razor cuts
• stepping on a sharp object
• getting bitten
• falling onto something sharp

Prevention

• Keep the floor clutter-free
• Do not hurry when using sharp objects such as knives, blades, razors, shears, scythes, etc.
• Use protection when gardening.
• Protect yourself properly when cleaning broken glasses
• Avoid forcibly getting stuck object as the force may bounce at you accidentally.

Burns

Burns are a common occurrence in the home, with an estimated 2.4 million people treated for burn injuries each year in the United States. The most common type of burn is a scald, which can be caused by hot liquids or steam. However, burns can also be caused by contact with flame, electricity, chemicals, or the sun. Although most burns are not life-threatening, they can cause long-term damage if not treated properly.

Most common causes of burns at home

• Scalds from hot drinks or soup
• Scalds from hot tubs
• Contact with hot objects such as flat iron, stove, hair straighteners, 
• Minor electrical burns
• Contact with flame

Prevention

• Avoid high temperatures when bathing.
• Avoid carrying around hot fluids, keep them in one place
• Keep hot objects in a safe place
• Use cool-mist vaporizer
• Keep electrical cords and outlets neat and tidy
• Choose fire-resistant fabrics

Conclusion

It is important to take the necessary steps to make your home as safe as possible. The key to making sure you stay accident-free at home is taking preventative steps and using common sense when navigating through your house. 

If you have recently experienced an accident at home, we can help with the treatment. Call us today at Maplewood Sauk Prairie Health & Rehabilitation Center and book a consultation.

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