Home is often associated with comfort and safety. However, it can be lurking with hazards and cause serious injuries when certain things are left untreated. A safe home doesn’t come naturally. You need to constantly look out for hidden hazards around the house and be proactive in making sure your home is indeed a safe place to stay.

1. Cords

Many would think hanging cords is harmless but it can cause death among children. According to the Victoria Consumer Affairs, hanging cords claimed at least one or two lives a year. Blind cords are a common source of danger among children therefore securing it is necessary to prevent unwanted situations. 

Make sure to look for any hanging, loose or looped cords inside every room of your house. Secure those cords using cords safety kits which can be found easily in the store. Avoid putting cots or beds near it and always brief older children regarding the hazard of playing with cords. Loose cords are also a risk for fall. 

2. Slippery surfaces

Slippery tiles and flooring are a potential cause of serious injury. You can avoid it by installing anti-slip mats or non-slip stickers. If you have rugs around the house, secure it so it won’t cause any accidents and prevent any water pooling in the bathroom or toilet. 

You can also replace highly slippery floor surfaces with anti-slip tiles. If this is not possible, placing a safety in high-risk area can minimize the risk 

3. Chemical products

Chemical products are a serious hazard at home that is often overlooked. There are various types of solvent that are dangerous and these include cleaners, pesticides, solvents and paints. Exposure to these chemicals can lead to poisoning, serious health conditions, chemical burns and potential fire. 

When storing these chemicals, make sure to put it in a place that is out of reach from children. Proper storage is also essential because some are volatile and may lead to fire or explosion. Read the label and follow its instructions for safety. Always lock the area that contains harmful chemicals. 

4. Bubbling paint

Bubbling paint may not look like a hazard to anyone but it is a sign for serious potential damage. This sign indicates presence of moisture and this is either due to water leaks or presence of termites. These are serious situations because it will cause various problems in your home such as mold growth, and weaken structural integrity that can lead to costly repairs and in some cases expose you to asbestos contamination which is a dangerous health hazard for everyone who is exposed. You will need to contact professional asbestos removal Sydney to resolve the issue. Aside from the fence, putting on an alarm. 

5. Pool

Swimming pool at home is definitely a perk when you have children. It is a favorite spot for family members especially during summer. Pool presents various dangers such as drowning and electrocution. Poor safety practices can cause this leisure spot to become a hazard.

Make sure to supervise and monitor children who are in the pool. Do not let them swim alone and secure the surrounding area with a fence or swimming cover. When installing a fence, it should be at least 4 feet in height so toddlers can’t climb into the area. Putting an alarm on the door leading to the pool is also helpful in monitoring any entry. 

6. Furniture and Appliances

Unsecured heavy furniture and appliances such as television, bookcases, drawers or shelves cause serious injury among children because they are prone to toppling. Kids enjoy exploring and climbing but this can be a nightmare when the furniture is not secured properly. Injuries related to this are broken bones, chest injury, cuts and brain injury. Anchor the furniture using proper devices on a stable structure, get child resistant locks to prevent them from opening the drawers and teach the children safety lessons and explain the importance of not climbing on certain areas in the house.

7. Button Batteries

Button batteries should be stored properly and away from small children. The battery can get lodged in the kid’s oesophagus thus blocking the airway. Aside from choking, ingested button batteries can cause burns internally because of its corrosive acid. Make sure devices that contain these batteries are stored properly and are secured.

Conclusion

Keeping the home safe and ensuring a secured environment takes proactive action on your side. Identifying possible risks around the house is the first step in reducing hazards at home. You will need to do regular checks in every space of your home to make sure no kids are exposed to potential danger that can be prevented. There are plenty of safety tools and kits available in the stores that you can use to improve the safety inside and outside of your house.