Simple Ways to Improve Home Safety

When we think of home safety, we think of it in terms of child proofing, senior proofing, or burglary proofing. And while those are all very important ways to stay safe at home, there are other factors to consider. Whether we like it or not, there are dangers at home that need to be addressed. We've listed simple ways to improve home safety here.

The fireplace

- To improve home safety around the fireplace, use hearth padding to protect members of the family from injury caused by trips or falls. This padding lays right over the brick hearth to provide a soft barrier.

- Fireplace door guards and screens will help block where the fire itself burns, and protects from accidental burns or injury.

Furniture

- If possible incorporate furniture with soft, rounded edges into living spaces. If not, cover hard sharp corners with corner cushions. These cushions slide right over the corners of your furniture and protect children and adults from accidental injury.

- Heavy furnishings such as large armoires and entertainment centers, should be anchored to prevent them from tipping over. Furniture straps and/or brackets can be used to hold them in place and keep everyone safe at home.

Windows

- Prevent accidental falls from windows with window guards or grates. These products are designed to fit temporarily in the window, and can be quickly removed in the event of an emergency. Although they cannot be used in a window that acts as a fire escape, they can be used elsewhere.

- To improve home safety in households with young children, blind cords can cause a very serious danger. There have been countless reports of injury, and even death, in relation to blind cords and toddler-age children. To keep children safe at home, inexpensive blind cord wraps can be used to keep long cords out of reach.

Stairways

- Stairways should be kept free of clutter to prevent tripping and falls.

- Stairways should be well lit at night.

- Railings should be kept tight.

- Balusters should be no more than 4" apart.

- If a safety gate is needed, it should be placed at the bottom of the staircase.

The Bathroom

The bathroom is one of the most dangerous rooms of the house. The combination of water, electricity, and slick surfaces creates hazardous conditions that can be prevented with these '10 bathroom safety tips'.

The Kitchen

Hot surfaces, sharp cutting objects, and the high traffic space of the kitchen can be a recipe for disaster. Learn how to improve home safety in the kitchen with these 'kitchen safety tips'.

Fire safety, etc.

- Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors should be tested monthly. Batteries should be placed every six months, or as needed.

- Every home should have a minimum of two fire extinguishers. One should be located in the kitchen, and a wall-mounted unit should be installed elsewhere. For homes with multiple levels, a fire extinguisher should be mounted on each floor.

- Radon is an invisible radioactive gas that you cannot smell or taste, found in soil underneath in homes all across the country. Learn more about Radon Exposure to keep your family safe at home.

More from Jennifer Wagner:

Invisible Dangers Lurking at Home

Keep Elderly Parents Safe at Home

10 Things You Can Do to Make Your Home More Accessible

SOURCE:

Personal knowledge

Jennifer Wagner - Yahoo! Contributor Network