5 Most Dangerous Home Hazards and How to Prevent Them

Did you know that around one-third of injuries happen in the comfort of our homes?

We all like to think of our homes as sanctuaries of comfort and security, but there is actually a wide array of hazards that lurk around our homes. Young children and the elderly have the highest risk for at home injuries and accidents.

A study conducted by the Home Safety Council reveals that unintentional home injuries result in nearly 21 million medical visits each year – equivalent to $220 billion in medical costs, There are also records of 20,000 deaths, 2000 of which are children.

Keeping your family safe starts with giving them a safe place to live. To kick start your personal awareness on home safety, the first step is to educate yourself on common safety hazards present in the average home.

We’ve compiled the 5 most common household safety hazards, along with simple, cost-effective ways to make sure you are on top of your game in keeping your family safe.

Falls

The simplest of hazards ends up being one of the worse. In fact, Falls are the leading cause of home injury deaths both for young children and adults. One in every three people suffers a fall that causes moderate or severe injuries and increases the risk of death.

To prevent falls, stabilize staircases and install supports to assist family members. Also, keep the place clear of debris or anything you can trip over.

Poisoning

Poisoning is the second leading cause of deadly accidents in the home, taking about 5,000 lives every year. This safety hazard is most common in young adults and people in their middle ages. Poisoning is often caused by unsafe storage of medications and improper mixing of drugs.

Reduce the risk of poisoning by keeping all the drugs and toxic material in a safe place and out of the prying hands of the children.

Fire and Burns

Residential fires and burns are the third leading cause of accidental home injury deaths, claiming more than 3,000 lives a year. An unattended iron, candles, and other fire hazards could lead to an accidental fire in the household.

To prevent fires and burn from escalating, religiously check if appliances are in good working order and have plenty of working smoke alarms. Also, learn how to use a fire extinguisher to stop the fire while it is in its early stages.

Airway Obstruction

Obstructed airway injuries (choking, suffocation and strangulation) are the fourth leading cause of unintentional deaths in the home. It claims about 1,000 fatalities every year, mostly young children below 2 years of age.

To minimize the risk, pay special attention during their meal and playtime as it is very easy for kids to choke or suffocate on little things. Monitor their food, toys and keep dangers out of reach.

Drowning

Water-related injuries, particularly drowning, is the leading cause of death in children ages 1 to 4. Water is a high threat to children as they can drown in as little as 2 inches of water.

Eliminate the risk of drowning by monitoring your children during their bath time. NEVER leave them unattended in a bathtub or any places with water sources.

Nothing is more important than the safety of our family members. This article is just an overview of what you need to know to make your house safe. Hope this sparks your awareness of home safety and give you some useful tips to keep these hazards from hurting our loved ones.

Sharon McCulloch is an experienced Emergency Care Registered Nurse, and First Aid Instructor. She runs her First Aid Training Organisation First Aid Pro.