Your home is supposed to be your safe place where you can retreat from the stresses of the modern world. Unfortunately, while this is generally the case, there are also many hazards at home that can cause you issues. These range from injuries to fires, and even fatalities. That’s why it’s essential that you take a few moments to look at your home, identify the hazards, and rectify them wherever possible.
By Team Savant
Image: Scott Webb
1. Recognising the Fire Risk
In Australia, more than fifty people die per year from house fires. Most of these deaths are preventable. You need a smoke alarm, fire extinguisher, and an established escape plan. It’s worth speaking to your local fire safety equipment suppliers and choosing the items that will save your life and that of your families if the worst were to happen.
Recognising the fire risk also means being aware of the most common fire hazards. That includes having an annual electrical inspection, unplugging things when not using them, and never leaving cooking unattended.
2. Trip Hazards
Fires kill but so do falls. In fact, they are generally recognised as the leading cause of death in the home. Falls can result in instant death, broken bones which lead to complications, or other life-changing injuries.
Assess your stairs as these are the most likely fling point. Make sure there are good quality banisters to hold onto and that the flooring is not slippery. It’s also worth looking at the flooring in your kitchen and bathroom, these can be very slippery when they get wet and increase the risk of a fall. Rubber mats and even carpet can reduce the risk.
3. Poisons
This generally affects children more than adults. There are plenty of dangerous chemicals in your home, such as detergents and bleach. If a child were to drink them it could kill them. Prevent this hazard by keeping all of these liquids and similar products out of the reach of children.
You can also talk to them about the risks.
4. Carbon Monoxide
This is a gas that is emitted by any product that burns, such as your boiler or gas cooker. In most cases, the gas is removed through a ventilation system built into the appliance. However, the gas is odorless and invisible, you’re not going to know if an appliance has developed a leak until the gas kills you.
You need to fit at least one carbon monoxide detector into your home which will ensure you have a warning if the levels get high. If that is the case you should get out straight away and get professional help.
5. Drowning
You may not think of people drowning at home but anyone can drown in a few inches of water. It can happen by accident to adults and children, although children are at greater risk. As such, you should always monitor them when around or in water.
Children are also very curious, you’ll need to consider knives, hot stoves, dishwashers, and anything they can put in their mouth and choke on.
Bottom Line
Making sure to keep hazards to a minimum and create a safer home is paramount for all families. But sometimes, minor accidents happen.
And, while these might not be dangerous or fatal, they can cause significant financial damages. That is why all homeowners should make sure to invest in appropriate insurance, including content insurance, property insurance, Boiler Cover, and warranties for all costly appliances.
These might seem unnecessary costs at first but comprehensive coverage can help you deal with the physical damages of an accident without having to worry about your finances.