5 Common Safety Hazards at Home and How to Avoid Them

January 12, 2022 by Leave a Comment

white kitchen

The home serves as a shelter and a haven, offering comfort and escape from your busy schedules. Moreover, your home helps you relax after a hard day’s work, improving your health in the long run. It is also where you can gather and bond with your family. Seeing its perks, it makes sense to keep your home safe at all times. However, some hazards can pose a threat to your life, family, and belongings. Research indicates that thousands are killed or injured in home-related accidents. To avoid domestic accidents, here are common home safety hazards to avoid. 

  • Poisoning 

Whether you’re aware or not, several items in your home pose severe poisoning risks for you and your family. This is particularly hazardous if you have kids at home, as they are more prone to ingest things without adequate supervision. That said, items such as antifreeze, makeup, cleaning products, and other household chemicals, medicines, lead paint, etc., can cause severe poisoning if ingested—the CDC rates poisoning as the leading cause of unintentional deaths in the US. Also, poison from medication is the leading cause of accidental poisoning in children. 

Thankfully, you can avoid poisoning by taking the necessary precautions. For starters, it’s essential to put all medication, cleaning products, and chemicals out of sight to prevent your kids from ingesting them. Cabinets with safety latches are useful storage, so keep this in mind. Consequently, avoid using lead paints in your home. If you have an older home, you’d want to get it tested for lead. If you have a garden, ensure that poisonous plants aren’t growing to avoid harm. 

  • Falls 

According to the WHO, falls are the second-leading cause of unintentional deaths globally, with 684 000 people dying annually. While everyone risks falling, older adults have higher risks, with over 2.7 million individuals treated for falls each year. Research also indicates that it is the topmost cause of fatal accidents for people over 65. These statistics reveal how dangerous falls are, making it imperative to put measures to prevent them. Often, falls are caused by slippery falls, electrical cords, clutter, or rickety stairs, so keep this in mind. 

That said, it’s prudent to thoroughly clean your floors after a spill to prevent slips. By all means, keep your home tidy by getting rid of the clutter lying around. Examine your home for loose carpets, loose floorboards, or slippery throw rugs. You can replace these items with new ones to enhance your home’s safety. Handrails and grab bars help you on the stairs or in the bathtub, so feel free to install them. As a tip, avoid wearing socks and clothing that drags on the floor, and leverage adequate lighting to illuminate your home. You can also utilize non-slip mats in your kitchen or bathroom for extra safety. 

  • Choking 

It’s not uncommon that certain household objects are kept out of children’s reach. This is because children, especially toddlers, explore their environment by putting objects in their mouths. However, this is also scary, as your toddler can choke if not supervised. In the US, a child chokes to death every five days on average, while 75% of choking hazards occur in kids under the age of three. This makes choking a major cause of toddler and infant deaths in the country. The main culprits of choking include a balloon, button, toy part, coin, watch battery, etc., that they have ingested. These objects can cause partial or total airway blockage, leading to permanent brain damage and death if not addressed immediately. Children can also choke on food such as marshmallows, seeds, etc.

Therefore, it’s best to keep all small objects out of your children’s reach; you can bend down to your child’s level and scan the environment to ensure that it is free from such hazardous objects. You also want to avoid buying toys with button batteries for your infants and separate your infant’s toys from your older children’s. Regarding food, ensure that your children are sitting upright when eating and encourage them to chew their food properly. Experts suggest that you feed your little ones with less than a pea-sized amount of food to accommodate their airway without choking them. 

  • Carbon monoxide poisoning 

Another hazard to pay particular attention to is carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide is an odorless and colorless gas produced by incomplete fuel combustions. Exposure to this gas can displace the oxygen molecules in your body and lead to poisoning. Carbon monoxide can be generated by home appliances like gas stoves, clothes dryers, fireplaces, generators, lawn equipment, vehicles, grills, power tools, etc. Since it is odorless, it can build up to a dangerous degree without you knowing until it has caused significant damage. However, CO poisoning comes with symptoms like weakness, dizziness, upset stomach, headache, confusion, and chest pain. However, people often ignore these as they’re similar to the flue, leading to more poisoning. What’s worse, people who are asleep or drunk can die from CO poisoning before experiencing any symptoms. 

Fortunately, the CDC has outlined certain precautions to prevent CO poisoning in your home. First, it’s prudent to install a battery-operated detector in your home and replace the batteries after changing the time during spring and fall. Consequently, replace your detectors every five years to maintain efficiency. You also need to get your heating system and other appliances for signs of leakage. Avoid burning charcoals in your home to prevent CO buildup in your home. 

  • Fire hazards 

Statistics indicate that over 3,000 people die in fires annually, making it the third most dangerous household hazard. Moreover, approximately 358,500 homes experience fire outbreaks each year, with cooking taking the lead position in fire outbreak triggers. Faulty electrical wiring is also a major cause of fire hazards in domestic households, so keep this in mind. If you have faulty home appliances, you’re also at risk of experiencing an outbreak. Therefore, it’s best to have them examined by a professional. Suppose you need spare parts to restore your Simpson home appliances. In that case, you can get authentic Simpson spare part replacements from credible online stores. As a tip, avoid leaving your cooking unattended, and keep your candles away from flammable items like books. 

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6 Tips for Driving in Wildfire Smoke

February 18, 2021 by Leave a Comment

Each year, areas of the world deal with wildfires that consume large amounts of acreage. Visibility is often low on roads covered with a layer of smoke. Experts report that wildfire smoke can rise as much as five miles into the air and then travel thousands of miles depending on winds. 

We can help you drive through the dangerous area with some helpful tips. Of course, the first thing you should know is to slow down. Forget about any appointment you might have, safety is more important. Drive as carefully as you can and follow the advice from below. 

1. Keep Windows Rolled Up

Although the first thing you want to do is slow down when driving through smoke, it is just as important to keep your windows rolled up. Be sure to use the recirculate air option on your vehicle’s heating and air conditioning system to be sure the smoke does not enter your car. 

Every so often, however, you will want to open your window slightly to release any gases that may have built up inside the car. Carbon dioxide levels can build up quickly when your vents or windows are closed for too long. Just leave the window open for a few minutes and then close it again. 

2. Use Driving in Fog Practices

Driving in smoke is similar to driving in fog. You want to avoid slamming on your brakes and be sure to use your turn signals. Don’t follow the car in front of you too closely. Keep more distance than usual in case they must stop suddenly. If you know traffic signals are coming up, begin slowing some before you reach them to warn cars behind you. 

3. Avoid Using Hazards

Many people believe that if they are driving under the speed limit, turning on their hazard lights will keep someone from hitting them. Actually, in low visibility, it may appear as if you are stopped on the road. When a driver sees that, they may try to go around you, resulting in an accident. If this happened to you, make sure to discuss your car accident case with a lawyer.

Although you do not want to use your hazard lights, you do want to turn on your headlights. Use your low beams and, if your car is equipped with them, fog lights. 

4. Watch Out for Animals

If you are driving in rural areas, keep an eye out for animals. Wildfires and smoke may result in animals escaping from barns, fields, or pens. If this happens, a cow, horse, or other large animals could be in the roadway and you might not see them until it is too late. 

If you notice broken fencing or suspect livestock may have tried to escape the smoke, keep your eye on the road ahead as best you can. 

5. Pull Over

If the conditions are extremely bad, pull over and sit on the side of the road until you feel safe. Be sure to turn your hazard lights on, remain in the car, and call for help. Police may be able to come to your location and drive you out of the smoky area. 

6. Don’t Cause Additional Fires

While driving in a fire-prone area, you don’t want to be the cause of another fire. If you have a flat tire or your brakes are locked, pull over as sparks could cause dry grass to ignite. 

Don’t drive in dry grass as the heat from your exhaust could ignite it. Never throw lit cigarettes out of the car window. Not only can it start a fire in dry conditions, but it is also a hazard to vehicles behind you, especially motorcycles.

Contact a Lawyer

If you were involved in an accident while driving through wildfire smoke, contact a lawyer as soon as possible. You can usually arrange for a no-obligation consultation with many firms. Just call them or fill out the online form on their website.

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Safety Features You Need In Your Home

March 11, 2020 by 1 Comment

Homes are the most important place to go to. Our home is where we go to lay our heads at night and where you find solace after a long day at work. Since our homes are where we are supposed to go to feel the most relaxed and at ease, it means that it should also be the place that makes us feel safe and keeps all of our belongings safe. There are so many accidents that can happen in the home that can be completely avoidable with a few safety features like the standard door size installed in the home. 

Below are a few basic safety features that every home should have to make sure that it is as safe a home as possible for everyone living there.

Get covered by insurance 

It is impossible to express just how important it is to get covered by a home insurance plan as soon as you move into your home. This insurance will protect you and your home if, forbid, there was something disastrous that occurred such as someone breaking into your home and stealing your valuables, your roof caving in, or someone getting hurt on your property and trying to sue you. This is the number one thing to get for your home before you even move in so that you are safe should any of these or other disasters occur.

A well-packed first aid kit

You more than likely already have a well-stocked medicine cabinet in your home with cold medicines and pain relievers and probably a few band-aids, However, you never know what might happen one day that could cause you to get really hurt. It is always smart to be prepared for any emergency by having a first-aid kit that has all of the medical things you could need. Make sure it includes wound cleaners, gauze, burn care, tweezers, medical tape, ointment, an aluminum blanket, etc.

Carbon monoxide detectors

Before you move into a new home, make sure that during the initial inspection they find a carbon monoxide detector and that it works. Carbon monoxide is extremely dangerous and can kill you quickly. It is important to have a detector to tell you if there is a leak in your home so you can get it fixed as quickly as possible.

Fire extinguisher

Grease fires and fires that are caused by a fireplace, a candle knocked over, or electric sockets sparking happen in the home more often than you would think. Fires like this can happen at any time and can spread very rapidly once they get going. It is extremely important to have a fire extinguisher in different parts of the home and to make sure that it is not expired. You should make sure everyone in the home knows how to use it. It is usually recommended to have a fire extinguisher in the kitchen and close to the fireplace if you have one.

Smoke detectors

Speaking of fires, you do not always know when there is a fire in your home. You could be sleeping at night and have no idea that there is a fire happening in your kitchen. You could be in a different room and not realize that there is a fire happening after you started something in the fireplace. It is essential that you have a smoke detector in your home which will detect smoke that you may not detect. It will chirp loudly in order to let you know of a fire. You would then be able to get your family to safety and get the fire out before there is too much damage done to your home.

An exit plan

Exit plans are important for adults in the house, but they are especially important if you have children. Should something happen like a fire, tornado, break-in, earthquakes, etc., you and your kids need to know where to go or how to get to safety. You also need to know where to meet after evacuating the house so you can all find one another easily.

Having to think through things like this can be scary, but it is absolutely vital to be prepared so that you can handle anything that life throws at you!

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Pool Safety For Children

November 27, 2019 by Leave a Comment

Spending the summer relaxing by the pool with your family in your own backyard can quickly turn from a dream come true to a nightmare if you are unprepared to keep your children safe. But don’t worry, if you have the right pool safety products and rules in place, a season at the pool doesn’t have to be stressful.

Pool Safety Products

Start by setting up your pool area with the products you need to keep kids out of harm.

Since keeping children from entering the pool unsupervised is the #1 priority, surround your pool with protection fencing that is at least 4-5 feet high and climb resistant, with an automatic latch. You can also install a mesh or solid pool safety cover to keep kids and pets from falling into the pool. For above-ground pools, a lockable ladder will prevent children from climbing into the pool unsupervised. Door and window locks that are out of the reach of children and door and window alarms anywhere that has direct access to the pool will add another layer of protection.

Another important, yet inexpensive pool safety product is a main-drain anti-entrapment cover. An anti-entrapment cover will prevent hair or clothing from becoming caught in the main pool drain, eliminating a serious drowning risk. 

To prevent slips and falls that can result in serious injury, place a non-slip safety mat at the entrance to pools and spas.

Be prepared to rescue a drowning person in your pool by keeping a life ring or life vests close by that meets the safety codes enforced by the US Coast Guard. Show the life ring to your children and explain to them what it is used for.

Pool Safety Rules

Now that the pool area is set up with your family’s safety in mind, here are some swimming pool safety guidelines that everyone in the family should follow.

  • Always keep young children within arms reach.
  • Designate a person to watch children when swimming, especially if there are a lot of people in the pool area. The “water watcher” should be sober and undistracted.
  • Do not swim alone. Always swim with a buddy.
  • Keep cell phones handy to call 911 immediately in case of emergency.
  • Do not dive into a pool unless it is in an area that is deep enough for safe diving. 
  • Do not run in the pool area to prevent falls.
  • Stay away from pool drains and other areas that create suction.

More Water Safety Tips for Parents

You have set up a safe pool area and put rules in place for your family, but there are still a few more important things to keep in mind for the safety of your children. 

The best way to prevent your child from drowning is to teach him or her to swim! It’s never too early to start. But remember, even children who are good swimmers need to be supervised at all times while swimming, as accidents can happen in seconds.

It is always important to be prepared in case of an emergency, especially around water. Learn CPR and make sure that you know the steps to take in a water emergency. And if a child at your home is ever missing, check the pool area first.

With these water safety tips and products, your backyard pool can be a safe and fun place for your entire family.

 

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10 Worst States for Lead Poisoning in Children – Are Your Children in Danger?

November 15, 2019 by Leave a Comment

For most people, lead poisoning is something we hear about in the news and then forget about the next day. But in a recent study, more than 350,000 children in the US were afflicted with lead poisoning in just one year alone–many without their parents knowing until it’s far too late. What level of exposure are your children facing and what can you do about it? Learn about the symptoms and long-term effects of lead poisoning in children and how you can best protect those you love.

See our full study to find out exactly where your state lies in the mix: 351,454 Children Lead Poisoned Across America

worst water

 

*New Your City is not included within New York’s data due to a lack of reported data.

**All other states not listed above did not have sufficient data to complete state summaries.

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What To Do When There’s An Accident

March 19, 2019 by Leave a Comment

On a list of things that could happen to ruin your day, an automobile crash has to rank towards the top. Most of the time, they arise out of nowhere with little to no warning. Most are minor, yet some can be utterly catastrophic. Car crashes can and do happen to everyone. Whether you are on vacation, commuting, or just taking a leisurely drive, a crash can happen. 

It’s helpful to know a few things that can make what happens after an accident go a little more smoothly. Make sure you know what to do after a car accident not your fault, not sure, or when you are at fault. 

Before the accident

Believe it or not, there are steps you can take to prepare for a crash before it happens that can make the entire ordeal a little less stressful. These include:

  • Remove potential flying objects
  • Print out your states DMV Crash checklist
  • Have a first aid kit

Remove anything from your vehicle that could turn into a projectile. Remember that loose objects in your vehicle travel at the same speed as you do. In the event of a crash, the objects will continue moving at driving speeds until it strikes something to make it stop. For example, say your child left a marble in the back seat. You’re driving down the highway at 60 mph. It’s setting harmlessly in the back seat then you are struck by an oncoming vehicle. It launches forward at 60 mph and strikes you in the back of the head. Not so harmless anymore is it?

The DMV accident guide can help you to organize your thoughts after a crash so that you don’t forget anything in the ensuing chaos.

The first aid kit should contain bandages and sterile wipes at a minimum but can consist of more should you so choose.

Immediately following the crash

Stay safe! The last thing you want to do is to put yourself in any more danger. Reconstitute yourself and become aware of your surroundings. If you are on a busy freeway, stay in your vehicle until it is safe to exit. Check yourself; see if you have any injuries. With all the adrenaline coursing through you it is very common not to know that you are injured until minutes later. Check on any passengers that were traveling with you. Call 911 to inform the police and get an ambulance en route, if needed.

What to do next

After you are safe and first responders are on the way, you are going to want to start collecting information if you are able. Start by taking pictures and exchanging insurance information. NEVER ADMIT FAULT. Be polite, but saying it was your fault isn’t going to help the situation any. It is not your job to determine who is at fault; admitting fault could cause you unnecessary financial burden. Make sure you write down anything that could become important such as your speed or what you noticed just before the accident. Take note of anything that the police may need for their report.

Contact your insurance company and answer any questions they have and follow all instructions. It is imperative that you answer their questions thoroughly as this information can become crucial if you are taken to court. Your insurance company will be able to assist you in making sure that you have covered all of your bases.

On the thought of court, make sure to call your lawyer. Hiring a good attorney can be critical in saving you from financial harm. If you do not have an attorney already, I suggest that you begin researching and trying to find a good one. Besides being sore or recovering from the crash, an attorney should be at the forefront of your thinking. Always be honest and open with your attorney. No attorney can help you if they do not have all the necessary information.

As stated earlier, a car crash is never pleasant. There is nothing about an accident that makes you say “hmmm, now that sounds fun! I think I’ll crash today!” But taking steps to be prepared for a crash before it happens and knowing what to do after is sure to ease the headache that is a car crash.

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It’s Important For Your Kids to Feel Safe on Winter Road Trips

January 25, 2019 by Leave a Comment

Winter road trips present a host of challenges. Of course, the weather can be a factor, considering where you’re driving, but there are so many other elements to consider as well. Especially when you’re traveling with your family and with your children, it’s important that everyone feels safe to have a smooth and seamless road trip.

 

Safety is one of the basic fundamental human needs, and children are especially affected by this need. Here are the main reasons why it’s important for your kids to feel safe on winter road trips.

 

Safety encourages rest

 

When kids feel truly safe, they are able to relax and rest. In the case of road trips, this means they’re able to sleep, or just relax to a level of calmness that keeps everyone happy. Especially when you are driving long distances, it’s necessary that kids find time to sleep – and this can only really happen if they are incredibly tired, as well as if they feel safe.

 

So, make some preparations to make sure that your kids feel safe and comfortable. Encourage them to bring along their favorite books and toys, bring some familiar snacks, play soothing and enjoyable music. Especially for the first hour or so in the car, creating an environment of safety and support is crucial. Bring travel-friendly pillows and blankets as well (or maybe their favorite pillow or stuffed animal), so your kids feel as safe and secure as possible.  

 

Safety encourages happiness

 

When you feel safe, you are then able to experience a broad range of other emotions, including happiness. The same applies to children. While road trips, especially road trips with children, are not typically an experience that we associate with happiness, there’s no reason why your winter road trip can’t be a happy one!

 

Take extra steps to find the joy in embarking on a road trip as a family. Practice mindfulness and be open to making memories along the way. Safety is your primary concern, but don’t forget about happiness. Plus, if you have young children and can teach them early on that road trips are fun and something to look forward to, then this will help create a long-term positive association.

 

Safety creates a calm environment

 

There are many things you can do ahead of time to make sure your road trip goes as smoothly and calmly as possible. For example, when you plan out your route, make sure you have at least one or two backup routes in case of inclement weather and road closures. This will help prevent last-minute frustrations that can then stress all car passengers.

 

Another important thing to do before hitting the road is to make sure your car has been recently serviced and is fully prepared for any environmental hazards that may come up as a result of your winter road trip. Make sure that your tire pressure is sound, and that tire treads are up to par for winter conditions. Quality vehicles will set up you up for the best safety conditions, but even they need to be serviced regularly.

 

You should also bring necessary supplies with you: This means bringing tire chains, windshield cleaners, and even packing an emergency road kit like this one recommended by AAA just in case. Wherever you happen to be traveling, be aware of all potential winter elements that you could encounter, and prepare accordingly.

 

Another thing that’s important to do is not over-pack the car. This can be tough on winter road trips, especially if you are bringing along ski equipment or other winter gear, but you need to find a balance of how much stuff is “too much stuff” in your car. When you over-pack, stored items can impede on passengers’ personal space, which creates an underlying sense of annoyance and frustrations that are likely to bubble over at some point. Prevent this from happening by packing strategically, and investing in a rooftop carrier is needed to transport all your winter items safely.

 

When children feel safe, they are able to function, flourish and grow at their highest capacity. Prioritize safety as a fundamental need in life, and especially any time that you are traveling with your kids.

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Four Safety Tips to Follow before Leaving the House

May 25, 2018 by Leave a Comment

away from home

You want to always leave the house with a sense of peace knowing everything is in order even when you are away. Whether you’re off to work or embarking on a summer adventure to a faraway island, check this list of four safety tips before you step out of your home:

 

Make Sure You Have Your Keys

 

Your house keys are probably one of the most misplaced items you own. You don’t want to get locked out of your own home, so it’s best that you double-check that you got your keys with you at all times. A simple hack for making sure you do not forget your house keys is to keep them in one dedicated spot, like a decorative tray or bowl set in a place that’s accessible to you. Make it a habit to toss your key into this designated corner as soon as you get home so you’ll always know where to find it. Also this trick makes it easy for you to grab your keys and go when you’re rushing out the door.  If worst case scenario comes that you really can’t remember where you last placed your keys, calling a locksmith or using some nifty lock picking tools will be your friend.

 

Turn Off the Plumbing

 

This tip will depend on how long you are staying out of the house and if you have any household appliances that require your plumbing system to be constantly turned on like automatic sprinklers. Otherwise if you are going out of town for a couple of days then you should turn off the main shut-off valve of your home’s plumbing because, among other things, water pressure could unexpectedly surge while you’re gone. You want to keep your water bill under control while you are gone. This will also ensure your different toilet fixtures from your sink to your high quality macerating toilet to be in tiptop condition when you get back. If you will be gone for a few months, request a friend or house-sitter to turn on the water at least once a month to prevent plumbing fixtures from drying up or cracking.

 

Make Sure Your Pets Are Taken Care Of

 

It can be quite tricky to go on extended vacations if you have a pet at home. Still you can make arrangements with friends or neighbors to help you care for your fur babies while you are gone. Ask a friend to watch over your pooch or feline in the meantime. You can either leave your pets at your friend’s house or ask the pet-sitter to drop by your home every day. Either way make sure you leave behind a good supply of dog food or cat food and any special vitamins your furry friend is taking. Also, make sure to leave the contact details of your pet’s vet so your friend can easily contact them in case of medical emergencies.

 

Put Your Mail and Print Subscriptions on Hold

 

This tip will also depend on how long you will be gone. If you will be out of the house for weeks then you should contact the post office and request them to hold your mail. Do the same for newspaper or any magazine subscriptions that you have. Doing this could save you money and prevent any important mail or packages from getting lost. Last but not the least, this will also keep deliveries from piling on the front door and making it apparent that you are out of the house which can be a very tempting sight for burglars.

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