As a parent, one of your worst nightmares is probably coming home to find that your child has been injured in an accident. Luckily, you can do a few simple things to help prevent accidents around the house. Here are a few of the most common home accidents and how to avoid them:
Falling down the stairs
Falling down the stairs is a common accident that often results in serious injury. In fact, falls are one of the leading causes of accidental death in the home. There are a variety of factors that can contribute to a fall, such as loose carpeting or a broken stair rail. However, human error is one of the most common causes of stairway falls. Whether you’re in a hurry or not paying attention, it’s easy to misstep and lose your balance.
If you live in a home with stairs, it’s important to take precautions to prevent accidents. Make sure carpets are securely fastened, and look for loose boards or handrails. Also, take your time when going up or down the stairs, and keep an eye on your step.
Slip and falls in the bathroom
Another common type of accident is slipping and falling in the bathroom. Wet floors are notoriously slippery, so it’s important to take precautions when entering or exiting a shower or bathtub. Install nonslip mats inside and outside of all showers and bathtubs. Remove any items that could cause someone to trip, such as loose towels or toiletry bottles. It’s also a good idea to keep a bath mat on the floor next to all sinks to help prevent slips and falls when getting up from seated.
Slips and falls in the bathroom can lead to serious injuries such as broken bones or head trauma. If you do suffer from an accident in the bathroom, you can seek out massage treatments for accident recovery. This therapy can help alleviate pain and promote healing for injuries sustained from a fall. The therapist can also advise you on how to manage your injury. Just make sure to do everything you can to prevent bathroom slips and falls in the future.
Burns from hot surfaces
Each year, tens of thousands of people are injured in accidents involving hot surfaces. Whether it’s a scalding pot of coffee or a flaming stovetop, burns from hot surfaces are among the most common injuries in the home. And while most burns are minor and heal quickly, some can be quite serious, requiring hospitalization and even surgery.
To avoid becoming a statistic, it’s important to take precautions when working with hot surfaces. For example, always use pot holders or oven mitts to protect your hands from heat. And if you have young children in the home, keep them away from hot stoves and other dangerous areas. By taking simple precautions, you can help to prevent burn injuries in your home.
Choking hazards
Choking is also one of the leading causes of accidental death in the home. It can happen to anyone of any age. It occurs when an object becomes lodged in the throat or windpipe, blocking the flow of air. If not removed quickly, the lack of oxygen can lead to brain damage and death. Choking hazards are found in household objects, from hard candy to toy parts.
To help prevent choking accidents, always supervise young children while eating or playing. Be sure to keep small items out of reach, and check toys regularly for broken parts. If someone starts to choke, encourage them to cough forcefully, and if they cannot dislodge the object, call 911 immediately.
Electrical shocks
Electrical shock is a common accident that occurs in the home. It can happen when you least expect it and can be very dangerous. If you or someone else is shocked, the most important thing to do is call for medical help immediately. Electrical shock can cause burns, muscle damage, and even death.
It is important to be aware of the signs of electrical shock so that you can take action quickly if it happens. Symptoms of electrical shock include muscle spasms, tingling, and paralysis. If you suspect someone has been shocked, it is important to immediately turn off the power source and call for medical help.
Taking simple precautions can go a long way towards preventing accidents around your home. By being aware of common home accidents such as falls down the stairs, slipping in the bathroom, hot surfaces, choking hazards, and electrical shocks, you can help create a safer environment for your family and peace of mind for yourself.
