5 Safety Hazards at Home And How to Avoid Them

We spend most of our time in our homes. You should ensure that you protect you and your family from these not so obvious home safety hazards. Learn more.

safety hazards in the home

Many people want to create a safe space for their families to grow and thrive. Yes, you could secure your doors every night. However, there are other home safety hazards that you should be aware of.

By knowing the most common dangers that can happen in your house, you can take preventive measures to keep you and your family safe.

Below is a list of the top home safety hazards you should be aware of and how to prevent them.

Fire Hazards

fire at home

Most cases of fire begin in the kitchen and they can happen in less than a minute. The next thing you know, the fire has spread to the curtains and other parts of the house.

Prevention

  • Always remain in the kitchen when cooking.
  • Don’t place your cooker too close to the curtain.
  • Remove any paper towels or towel racks close to the burner.
  • Don’t clutter your microwave vents.
  • Most people don’t own a fire extinguisher in their homes. Buy one!
  • If a fire starts on the pan, close it to put the flames out and avoid pouring water.

READ ALSO: Home Insurance: Your Guide to Coverage

Toys

home safety hazards

Toys seem like harmless things that can cause damage to your family. I mean, what can a cute teddy bear do to a small child? The baby can suffocate when they place it on their face. If you leave large toys near the crib, the child could use it as a climbing tool to help them get out of the crib. Small lego pieces can fit in your child’s nose or mouth which leads to suffocation.

Prevention

  • Buy a toy chest to store all the toys when they are not in use.
  • Buy low cribs to avoid children from falling out.
  • Get rid of faulty toys immediately.
  • Baby-proof your house.
  • Ensure the child has someone watching over them when they’re playing.

Bathroom Hazards

The one place most people go to feel relaxed is the bathroom. But it is also a major area where injuries occur at home. One major slip in the bathroom could cause serious damage. People avoid using bathroom mats because they feel like they are unhygienic don’t have aesthetic appeal.

Another issue you should keep in mind is toilet germs. No matter how many times you clean up and disinfect, each time you flush your loo, germs spread out to different parts which can affect your health negatively.

Prevention

  • Install handrails in the bathroom for someone to hold on to in case they slip.
  • Invest in a non-slip mat to avoid slipping when bathing.
  • Clean the toilet area regularly with an antibacterial soap together with the handle.
  • Cover the toilet seat when not in use.

Detergent Hazards

Home detergents - Home safety hazards

Most people store their cleaning supplies and detergents in a cabinet which is easily accessible. Unfortunately, this can be a huge risk to children if they ingesting it, which could lead to poisoning.

READ ALSO: 5 Simple Changes You Can Make to Create an Eco-friendly Home

Prevention

  • Place all soaps and detergents in high cabinets out of reach of children.
  • Keep detergents in their original bottles and label them correctly.
  • Don’t use empty detergent bottles to store anything else apart from the detergents.
  • Close all bottles properly after use.

Falling Hazards

Falling from stairs - Home safety hazard

Injuries that occur due to falls at home can have long-term effects if you don’t get checked by a doctor. Slippery floors, wet stairs, clutter at home, and scattered toys are all causes of falls at home.

Prevention

  • Remove all clutter from pathways.
  • Remove loose carpets and throw rugs that may cause you to fall.
  • Install handrails for climbing the stairs.
  • Keep electrical cords away from pathways.
  • Avoid wearing socks that can make you slide.

Inform your family members on the above safety precautions. It is better to prevent these accidents before they occur than to live with regret if something happens.

WRITTEN BY
BuyRentKenya
Notification Bell
Get expert advice and popular properties in your inbox weekly.
 YOU'RE SUBSCRIBED.
Check your inbox for your welcome email.
Notification Bell