This month we are taking our motto from the Boy Scouts and ensuring when it comes to the security and safety in our homes we are always prepared. Here are a few tips to get you ready and make sure you’re doing everything you can to keep your family safe:
- Falls – This is one of the most common household hazards. 1 in 5 older adults have an injury due to a fall. There are a number of ways to minimize falls and it starts with corralling hazards. Clear steps, secure rugs, handrails, and gates and install supports if necessary.
- Drowning – Drowning isn’t only a risk outdoors during summer—it can also present a hazard in the home. Deaths from drowning in a bathtub have increased by 70% in the past decade, so do your part to prevent this from occurring. Make sure to have non-slip mats and hand rails where necessary and never leave children unattended in the tub.
- Have an Escape Route – Plan out what to do and where to go if there is an emergency. Go through your plan be it for a fire or burglary, and make sure all of your family know what to do and which routes to take before they happen.
- Fires – There are thousands of fires every year due to accidents in the home, ranging from smoke damage to total devastation. Make sure to monitor candles, check appliance cords and potentially unplug any old appliances, install fire alarms and purchase a fire extinguisher.
- Choking – Choking is said to be the fourth largest cause of accidental death in North America. There are many ways to minimize this risk, the first and foremost is to know your CPR. Keep dangers out of reach and monitor your children’s toys and playtimes. Also make sure to keep cords out of the way of little ones to prevent strangling hazards.
- Practice Makes Perfect – Go through your emergency plans with your family or those that live with you. Make them rehearse what to do in an emergency situation, and give them roles or responsibilities if necessary. Practice, practice, practice to ensure they are ready.
