Home accidents can cause serious injuries, particularly to children, the elderly, and pets. The most common ones include falls, burns, wounds, and choking. The numbers related to such mishaps in the US are worrisome.
According to the National Safety Council, fatalities caused by accidents at home increased by 0.5% in 2022. Unfortunately, preventable deaths in home settings have increased by 253% since 1999. Falls and poisonings are the most common factors spurring this increase. These numbers also underscore the importance of safety for homeowners.
Unanticipated hazards might arise from everyday activities like cleaning, cooking, and even just going about the house. As a homeowner, you must consider safety while constructing or redesigning a home to reduce these risks.
Modest design modifications may substantially decrease the likelihood of accidents. In this article, we will list a few tips to design a living area that puts safety first and gives you peace of mind.
Assess Your Current Space
Start with a comprehensive safety audit of your current space. Evaluate every area for any hazards, such as unsecured fences, irregular flooring, or sharp furnishings edges. Also, look for places prone to sliding or tripping, such as wet areas or stairs.
Fall prevention should be a priority if you have an elderly family member, notes HelpGuide.org. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data shows that 14 million seniors sustain falls annually in the US. Falls also emerge as the primary cause of injury and fatalities among aging adults. Further, there is a risk of caregiver workload and medical expenses if a family member falls.
Besides identifying fall risks, assess how well currently installed safety systems are functioning. Also, ensure that the fire extinguishers, carbon monoxide alarms, and smoke detectors are all functioning. Check the locks on windows and doors to make sure they work correctly. Focus on eliminating these dangers to make your living space safer after the design project.
Enhance Home Security
Bankrate states that burglaries are a daunting concern for American homeowners. Surveys suggest that two burglaries happen every minute in the country. In 2022, the FBI recorded 847,522 burglaries, an uptick over the previous year. The last thing you want is for your home and loved ones to be at risk.
You can improve home security by investing in a dependable security system. This should include security cameras, door/window sensors, and motion detectors. These electronic devices give you peace of mind whenever you’re at home or away. They provide continuous monitoring and warnings.
Modernizing window and door locks with deadbolts or smart locks. To prevent break-ins, strengthen entry points with additional safety bars or locks. Motion-activated outdoor lighting near entrances can discourage intruders. These are some smart investments you must make to design a living space as strong as a fortress.
Ensure Safety in the Kitchen
Your kitchen may be your favorite space, but it also happens to be a risk-prone zone. According to data, nearly 200,000 kitchen accidents cause people to visit ERs in the US every year. Cooking equipment fires are the most common threat in the kitchen. Burn injuries, cuts, scrapes, and falls are the biggest threats.
Keeping appliances in good shape is the first step to minimize kitchen hazards. Frequently inspect stoves, ovens, and dishwashers for issues and clean the air vents and filters. Some devices like the Instant Pot are inherently dangerous. Recently, many Instant Pot explosions have been reported in the US.
In fact, victims have filed Instant Pot lawsuits to claim compensation from manufacturers on the grounds of product liability. TorHoerman Law notes that injuries in such mishaps include third-degree burns, eye injuries, and emotional trauma. Brands that have been negligent with product design can be asked to pay for the damage caused to victims.
Besides ditching defective appliances, ensure that a fire extinguisher is accessible in your kitchen. A smoke detector should be installed close to the cooking area and checked regularly. These simple design and appliance upgrades can make your cooking space safe.
Improve Indoor Air Quality
When it comes to a home design for safety, maintaining a healthy home environment is vital. It requires improving the quality of the air indoors. Proper ventilation is essential. Install exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms for better airflow. Open windows frequently to allow fresh air to flow, particularly in poorly ventilated locations.
Also, have eco-friendly furnishings and non-toxic, VOC-free paints and finishes in your home. Steer clear of products containing formaldehyde or artificial compounds that may emit toxic fumes.
Another design element you can include for a safe and healthy home is indoor plants. Good Housekeeping provides a list of indoor plants that help filter the air. These include ZZ plants, snake plants, spider plants, succulents, and cacti. The best part is that most of these plants are low-maintenance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common hazards people face in their homes?
Common household dangers include stumbling over clutter or uneven flooring, electrical problems, kitchen fires, bathroom slips, and unintentional falls down stairs. Other hazards include insufficient fire or carbon monoxide prevention measures and exposure to hazardous chemicals. Choking threats for kids or pets are further worries that can cause severe harm.
Why is safety at home important?
Protecting your loved ones from mishaps, harm, and health hazards requires a safe home environment. A safe living space ensures that everyday tasks are done without unnecessary danger. Moreover, it promotes comfort, well-being, and peace of mind, making it a wise investment.
How can you prevent everyday mishaps at home?
You can prevent everyday mishaps by maintaining a clutter-free environment, securing furniture and appliances, and using non-slip rugs. Additionally, you must install smoke detectors, carbon monoxide alarms, and fire extinguishers. Keep an eye on kitchen appliances like pressure cookers, ovens, and dishwashers as well.
Making little but meaningful changes is the first step toward establishing a safe and healthy household. Think beyond just aesthetic design features and improvements because a safe home can keep your loved ones healthy and happy. Follow this checklist to design your living space from scratch or renovate it for safety.
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