Although the pandemic is on the decline, many people are still staying at home more often than they once did. While this may keep them safe from dangers out in the world, that does not mean that the home is entirely safe. In fact, the majority of all accidental injuries happen in the home. Here are a few tips for staying safe while you are staying at home:
- Keep your floor clean and unobstructed
- One of the single most common reasons for accidents in the home is the result of slipping or tripping and falling. This often occurs due to liquids or debris on the floor, such as spilled water from the shower or spilled ingredients after cooking in the kitchen. Keeping your floors clean is not just sanitary, it also makes it less likely that you will suffer a major injury.
- Be conscious of fires and other sources of heat
- Burns are another common source of household injuries. Often, this is the result of people cooking or baking in their kitchens, when they get too close to the stove or touch hot dishes with their bare skin. It can also happen due to accidental contact with other major sources of heat, such as radiators or curling irons. All it takes is a moment of carelessness to get a serious burn, so take caution around anything that gets too hot to safely handle.
- Repair damaged flooring
- Damaged floorboards and loose carpeting are not just unsightly, they are also a major potential source of harm. Loose, damaged, or missing flooring can become tripping hazards, which can easily lead to accidents. Keeping your home in good repair will minimize the risk of serious accidents, which will keep you and your loved ones safe.
- Keep your home well lit
- Ensuring that your home has proper lighting can make a serious difference in terms of your safety. While installing and replacing lighting can be annoying and sometimes costly, it can pay for itself many times over by reducing your risk of injury. The darker your home is, the more likely you are to suffer a serious accident, so make sure you always have enough lights.
- Put away tools and utensils after use
- Another common type of household accident results from people injuring themselves with tools and utensils they forgot to put away. Sharp instruments like knives or saws can cause severe lacerations, while heavy objects could fall over and hurt anyone they fall onto. Electrical equipment can be especially dangerous, as someone may not realize the power is on and accidentally electrocute themselves. That is why tools and equipment should always be put away after use.
- Keep electronics away from water
- Speaking of electricity, an important way to keep safe in the home is to make sure never to bring electronics around water. Even supposedly waterproof electronics can become a hazard if they are submerged below a certain depth, or if their external casing is damaged. You especially should not bring electronics like radios, televisions or computers near the bathtub or the pool, due to the high risk of electrocution.
- Install handrails
- Finally, make sure your home has sufficient handrails where necessary. This could include handrails on stairs to prevent falling when walking up or down, as well as handrails in the shower to prevent slipping and falling. These may seem silly, but many people owe their lives to these basic safety measures that help keep themselves from falling and hurting themselves.
Anytime your home or other dwelling has been ruined or severely damaged, it is essential that you protect your property and the interest of your investment by enlisting the services of a Rubin and Rosen public adjuster. We can provide the assistance you need by helping you to work through the entire insurance process. If you want to make a property insurance claim and need assistance to obtain fair compensation for your losses, please give us a call at 718-376-6800 or visit our contact page.