Top Tips For Safety At Home In Quarantine
With the unprecedented global spread of coronavirus, we’ve all been confined to the home trying to stay safe and avoid the germs.
Somewhat ironically though, we may be more exposed to risk in other ways.
When we think of danger, we may picture a car crash or when boating accidents include an element of risk – but there is another area we often overlook.
The overwhelming majority of accidents happen in the home, and now we’re spending more time there, the chance of something happening slightly increases.
As no one wants to pay a visit to the emergency room right now, it’s worth taking the time to make sure your home is as safe as possible to keep yourself and your family out of danger.
Fire Safety First
Domestic fires can be very deadly, starting unnoticed and spiraling quickly out of control.
So take some simple steps to ensure your home is as safe as possible.
Start by testing the batteries in your smoke alarms. This small action really can save lives.
If you use candles or portable heaters, always place them far away from any textiles and never leave them unattended or go to sleep with them on.
Many home fires start in the kitchen, so make sure you have a fire blanket somewhere accessible and never leave the kitchen when there are pans on the stove.
If you have children, speak to them about what happens if there’s a fire and how to exit the house safely.
Chemicals and Medicines
Another big risk if you have pets or small children can be household chemicals and medicines.
It’s a good idea to keep these items in a high-up or lockable child proof cabinet that cannot be accidentally reached.
Medicines and cleaning products should always be stored in their original containers, labeled with usage directions.
Anything such as turpentine, bleach, or caustic soda should be stored separately and securely.
Keep Safe In The Garden
Attending to the outside of our homes with maintenance repairs and gardening jobs often involves using machinery which can be dangerous if handled incorrectly – and the same with all those lockdown DIY projects.
It’s very important to assess your own ability, and not tackle jobs that you can’t safely complete.
Make sure you wear the correct closed-toe shoes and safety goggles if you are doing something like cutting a hedge.
Take extra care when using bladed tools, and plan the job so you have enough time to complete it without rushing.
Safety At Home In Quarantine: Preventing Slips and Trips
A common cause of injury in the home can also befall, especially if you have children or elderly relatives.
Make sure that you use cable tidies to prevent cords from trailing across areas where people walk and tidy up any kids’ toys that appear on the stairs quickly.
Any spillages in the kitchen should be mopped up quickly, and it can also be a good idea to get a non-slip bath mat as well.
Minimizing risk in the home is all about making small, sensible choices each day to keep you and your family safe and sound.
