subject: Tips for avoiding accidents in the home [print this page] Author: Suzanne Greenfield Author: Suzanne Greenfield
We all try to be responsible and look after for our own safety when we go out, especially when we go somewhere new and unfamiliar, were constantly on the look out for hidden dangers and things that could cause us harm; but some people seem to neglect this instinct in their own homes. This may be because our homes are so familiar to us and we think we know every aspect of it or it might be because we associate the home with the chance to relax, we dont necessarily want to be thinking about all the dangers we might face there. But what some people dont realize is that over 2 million people are injured in their own homes each year in Britain, and thousands have accidents which prove fatal; so making sure you and your family stay safe and secure while in the house should be at the forefront of everyones mind. There are many causes of household accidents. Most can be avoided with a little common sense and awareness. Its especially important to check your property for potential hazards when you have young children in the house. Baby proofing products might seem like a pain to the adults in the house but they might mean the difference between life and death for your youngster. Putting locks or safety latches on low level cupboard doors and similar things will stop baby trapping fingers and finding dangerous cleaning chemicals, for example. Another major hazard for children and adults alike are the stairs. Make sure to have a secure gate fixed at the top and bottom of the staircase if you have children who might try to climb. Fitting a secure railing or banister is vital, especially on steep staircases. Many adults injure themselves falling down stairs because they do not have anything secure to hold onto. Household appliances are also a big cause of accidents in the home. It is important to make certain they are connected properly and any leads and wires are not damaged or exposed. If there is a problem and it is the manufacturers fault you should contact them immediately and arrange a repair; do not just leave a faulty item thinking it will be ok, electrical items can cause fires and other accidents in your home, so never take the chance. Cooking accidents are one of the biggest causes of injury in the home so be extra vigilant when using cooking equipment. Always keep a fire extinguisher in the house to deal with fire if it should occur. Never leave your food alone while it is cooking, especially if youre using an open hob, and never let children or pets near to the cooker while its on. Its a good idea to teach fire safety to your children at a young age so that they always know what to do and the best ways to avoid dangers in the kitchen. It goes without saying to always have a fire alarm installed and to check it has working batteries at least twice a month. Sometimes though, you can do everything possible to keep your family safe but still experience an injury in the home. If it was caused by something beyond your control, you should always consider taking legal action against those responsible, just as you would in any other circumstance. Just because your accident happened within your home doesnt automatically make it your responsibility. Faulty equipment, for example, or something else that was not your fault, might have resulted directly to your situation and you should remember you have the right to justice and, in some cases, compensation. Whatever you do in your home, make sure you take every precaution against dangers, both obvious and hidden. This should feel like the safest place for you and your family, so do you best to make certain that it is. If you do experience an accident that was due to someone elses negligence, contact Accident Consult who can discuss you r situation with you and tell you if you have a case to claim for compensation. About the Author:
