by Brandy Abalos

It is critical to have a safe home where your family can thrive. There are many serious safety hazards in every home. However, most of them are easy to rectify.

Top 10 Home Safety Hazards

You should be aware of the most common home safety hazards so that you can address them in your house. The top 10 home safety hazards (in no specific order) include:

  • Falls
  • Fires
  • Carbon monoxide
  • Choking
  • Cuts
  • Poisoning
  • Strangling
  • Drowning
  • Burns
  • Asbestos and lead

There are actions you can take to prevent injuries to adults and children in all situations involving these hazards.

Avoiding Falls in the Home

Falls are among the most common hazards that cause serious home injuries. Falls are an exceptionally high risk for children and older people. One out of five older adults who fall will incur a traumatic brain injury (TBI) or broken bone. Wet floors, slippery or broken stairs, scattered toys, loose carpets and cords often cause falls.You can prevent falls by ensuring you have clean, dry and clear floor spaces. Walkways and stairs should be in good condition. If you have a family member who is prone to falling, keep an eye on them and restrict their movement to safe areas of your home.

Preventing House Fires

Unaccompanied candles and cooking accidents most often cause house fires. You can stay safe from house fires by having working smoke detectors and a fire extinguisher. You should also maintain safe practices with electric appliances, fireplaces, candles, outdoor grills and cooking equipment indoors.

Avoiding Exposure to Carbon Monoxide

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a gas that is nearly impossible to detect by sight, smell or sound. However, you can install a carbon monoxide detector to alert you if your CO levels become dangerous. You should maintain your HVAC system, water heater and other gas appliances to avoid a carbon monoxide leak.

Beware of Choking in Children and Adults

Choking is one of the top causes of accidental death in the United States. Adults often experience choking if they swallow food the wrong way. Children might accidentally put something dangerous in their mouths. All food should be cut into bite-sized pieces before eating. Toys and other items should be inspected for small parts before being given to children, and choking hazards should be kept out of reach of babies.

Prevent Cuts From Household Items

Cuts can become serious injuries depending on where they occur. They are also prone to infection. To prevent cuts in the home, you should keep a lid on the trash can, store kitchen tools and other sharp objects properly and lock up medical sharps. Young children should be carefully watched with any scissors or other sharp items.

Poisoning Can Be Prevented

Over two million poisoning incidents are reported to poison control centers annually. Many poisoning hazards are present in households, including cleaning and maintenance supplies, hobby items and prescription medications. Accidental poisoning can be prevented by poison-proofing your home.Store medications properly and keep paint, cleaning supplies and other chemicals out of reach of children. Personal care products and detergents should be locked out of reach for pets and kids.

Stop Strangling Before It Happens

Small children and infants are particularly at risk for a strangling accident. Keep all electrical and window blind cords out of reach of little ones. Cribs and beds should not be placed near a window with dangling cords. Extension cords should be put away when you are done with them.

Drowning Can Happen Anywhere

While swimming pools pose a considerable risk for drowning, there are many areas of the home where drowning can occur, including in the bathroom, kitchen, and other places where buckets or pools of water may be present. Two-thirds of all childhood drownings under the age of one happen in the bathtub. It’s essential to watch your children closely when water is present.

Burns Are Serious Injuries

Burns occur frequently in the home, and they can often be prevented. Anytime you use a stove or other appliance, protect yourself and avoid the heating elements. Hot water is also a concern, especially for children and elderly individuals. Burns can quickly get infected, so getting immediate medical treatment is crucial.

Inspect Your Home for Asbestos and Lead

While there is no risk of asbestos or lead in newer homes, older ones may have been built with these products, which are serious health concerns for adults and children. If you live in an older home, you should have it inspected to determine if asbestos or lead are present. It is possible to rehabilitate a home where these products exist.

Protect Your Family From Common Home Hazards

The first step in protecting your family from home hazards is knowing what they are. Then, you can take action to prevent your loved ones from being injured. All home hazards can be managed when you closely monitor the risks