How to Prevent Home Accidents

According to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) each year more than 11,000 people die due to some preventable injuries, like drownings, falls, poisonings and fires at home. By taking proper precautionary measures, one can save himself or his family from these home accidents. Here are some ways given below to avoid such accidents. 

 

1. Addressing Electrical Issues:

Electrical issues should be addressed on time. Some electrical safety measures are,

• Don’t overload the sockets: Many homes do not have an electrical system that can bear the load of new electrical appliances. These electrical systems are not equipped properly to handle the demands of modern appliances. In such a case, you need to avoid plugging too many electrical wires on the same socket. It is also discouraged to use extension cords for multiple devices in order to plug them all in the same outlet. You should only plug one or two appliances in a single socket board at once. All large home appliances like refrigerators should have their separate outlet. You need to call the professional for help if you notice any sound or burning smell from your socket board. If you have kids at home, then make sure to cover all the unused sockets with the socket plug. 

• Have your electrical wiring check: When it comes to the industry of construction the electrical wiring should be checked properly to avoid electrical shocks or fire. All the electrical wirings should be monitored closely. If you have never inspected your home wires, it is a good idea to have your home wire inspection done by a licensed electrician. If any of your electrical outlets are not working or the lights are flickering then these should be considered as the signs of an electrical issue. Immediately contact a professional to help you in fixing it. Do not inspect the wires by yourself. It could be alot more dangerous. If you notice any electrical problem,you just need to turn off the circuit. 

• Stop using appliances with frayed power cords: Power cords have multiple layers. Any visible damage to the power cable like frays, tearing or pinching is the indication that your cord is not in proper condition or it could be damaged to inner layers as well. You should stop using the appliances if you notice any issue with its cable. If you need to use such an appliance until you get its replacement then try an electrical tape on its outer surface to cover the damaged part. However it is not advisable as it could catch fire or short circuit could occur in a damaged wire. If that appliance is necessarily to be used then replace its electrical cord by the help of an electrician as soon as possible. If you notice the damage in the middle layer of the power cable, you have to stop using it at once. 

 

• Unplug an item if it falls into water or another liquid: Water can conduct electricity. If any of your device like a hair dryer falls into the water, do not put your hands in water to grab it as you could catch an electrical shock. You need to unplug the device to make sure that there is no electrical conductivity in water and then you can grab it. Do not use it when it’s wet. Wait until your device is completely dried. Similarly, to avoid using wet hands while plugging any electrical cord, you need to dry them in the very first place before handling your electrical device or its wire. Try to wear slippers while doing any electrical work even when putting a wire into a socket as it reduces the chances of electrical conductivity.

 

2. Using Caution in the Kitchen:

Here are some safety cautions given below that must be kept in mind while working in the kitchen. 

• Don’t leave pots or pans unattended: You must not leave the pots and pans unattended whether you have any child in your home or not. The culprit of kitchen fires are often grease fires. So whenever you are frying, never leave your pots or pan unattended. When you are leaving the kitchen do not forget to turn off the stove and remove the hot pans or pots from the burner. Never leave any pot in the heated microwave. Your children must not be playing around in the kitchen while anybody is working there or not, as the kitchen has many sharp cutlery which are not safe for children. 

• Turn handles in when cooking: Turn the handles in towards the back of the stove to avoid the burns or injuries. Never place the handles having plastic on them above the hot burner. The handles of pots or pans without plastic should be dealt with extreme care, as they become extremely hot when placed on the stove and can cause serious burns. 

• Keep knives out of reach: All the knives should be covered and placed out of reach. Try to handle the cutlery with extra care specially while using them. Hold the knife in a way that it does not point towards you. Do not place the knife anywhere randomly. It should be stored with its blade down. Dirty knives can also become the cause of diseases, so wash it properly before placing it in it’s designated container. When there is a lot of commotion in your kitchen, try not to carry the knives. 

• Monitor children around hot objects: Whether it is a hot bowl of soup, pot of boiling water or a hot stovetop, monitor your child around all the hot objects. Never let your child carry hot items to avoid the burns as they could lose the grip. Make an off-limits area in your home where all the electrical and heat appliances are placed like heaters, stove, barbecue, fireplace etc. Restrict your child to not play with the pots or pans or other kitchen items. 

• Store heavy items close to the ground: Try to organize your kitchen in a way that all the heavy items such as appliances or skillets should be placed in lower cabinets. In this way you can keep yourself safe from the risk of having a fall of heavy items on your head. 

3. No smoking in the house:

The accidents or injuries related to smoking can be prevented if you don’t allow it at your home. If anybody is smoking outside your home, give them an ashtray to safely extinguish the cigarette.