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There are a lot of safety tips out there for families with small children. There are a lot of home safety tips for seniors too! It’s true that these two age groups are more prone to injury and accidents, but don’t make the mistake of thinking they are the only ones who could use a little more protection. Anyone of any age can experience an accident in the home!
Whether you live alone or with a large family, you’re in your 20’s or your golden years, these tips are sure to make some of the most dangerous things in your home safer.
Turn Pot Handles Away From the Edge of the Stove
The stove can be dangerous if you have kids, but accidents happen in the kitchen all the time even without kids. Burn injuries can be divided into four different degrees, and any severity of burn can take place in your home if you don’t pay attention to the stove.
Not only should you double check to make sure the burners and oven are off when you’re done using them, but you should also turn pot handles away from the edge of the stove. It will keep little kids from pulling down on them when they’re full of hot food, and you’ll be less likely to accidentally bump into the handle as you’re walking through the kitchen.
Secure Rugs to the Floor
Slip and fall accidents are relatively common among seniors, but they can injure other age groups too. Although younger people may be less likely to trip and fall in normal situations, everyone can easily slip when an area rug isn’t attached to the floor.
Kids running through the house can make the rug slide, causing them to crash to the ground. You could have your hands full and catch the corner of the rug, causing you to fall with whatever you were carrying.
You don’t have to get rid of your rugs! Instead, secure them to the floor. A few different ways to do that include:
- Use a rug pad with a non-slip back
- Latex rug gripper can be painted on the backside of the rug
- Dollops of hot glue can be placed on the corners of the rug
- Picture hanging strips can secure rugs without damaging the floor
Reorganize Closets, the Basement, and Garage
A lot of accidents happen throughout the house do to disorganization. It isn’t uncommon for people to trip on things in the basement, and things can easily come crashing down as soon as you open the closet door.
Take the time to organize the most disorganized areas in your home. That includes reorganizing your closets, install organizational shelving in the basement, and finally finding a home for all of those random screws and nails you have hanging out in the garage.
Keep Cleaning and Other Poisonous Items out of Reach
There are a lot of things in your home that can make little ones sick. It is extremely important to keep these kinds of items out of reach of the children in your home. That means locking cabinets and finding a new place for especially harmful chemicals that can’t be found, like in a locked cabinet in the basement.
However, it’s not just the kids you have to worry about. Pets can get into poisonous items in your home too! Keep mothballs on the top shelf in the closet, keep antifreeze off the garage floor, and keep people food in the cabinets and off of the countertops.
Place Candles in Your Home Wisely
Candles are a popular way to elevate any space. Scented candles can make your home smell good, and they can provide your home with a welcoming ambiance. The trouble is, candles aren’t exactly safe.
Candles can easily get knocked over if you share your home with pets or small children, and they can even be knocked over by accident if you hit the bookshelf on your way across the room. Candles that are placed too near curtains and other items can easily catch fire.
If you want to burn candles in your home, it’s important that you do it safely. That means placing them out of reach, securing them to the shelf, and being mindful to blow out the candle when you’re done.
Your home is a place where you should feel comfortable and safe. Make sure that’s the case for your entire family by following the tips on this list.