You want your home to be a place where you and your family can feel safe. You want to protect your children and build a comfortable environment in which they can grow up and be happy. Although you won’t always be able to protect them from the world, you can at least protect your loved ones at home. 

Not all homes are safe environments. Several everyday safety hazards are lurking around the house that could be disastrous if you are not careful. Luckily, most of these can be easily avoided as long as you are aware of the risks and take action to minimize them. Here are the five most common home safety hazards and the steps you can take to avoid them.

The Most Common Home Safety Hazards and How to Avoid Them

Falling

Many household injuries occur as a result of falling. More than 800,000 people are hospitalized each year due to a fall. Broken staircases, wobbly ladders or slippery floors can be a life-threatening hazard for any unsuspecting family member. Avoid this risk by making your staircases securely fixed, with solid handrails, good lighting, and safety gates for young children in your house. Regularly clear up spillages and scattered toys to avoid tripping hazards, and install safety rails in bathrooms to support elderly relatives.
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​Toxic Gasses

Two substances that can be fatal if present in your home are carbon monoxide and radon. Carbon monoxide is impossible to detect by sight or smell, but poisoning can be easily prevented by installing a carbon monoxide detector and having your appliances regularly checked and maintained to avoid leakage. Radon is more tricky, as it does not come from within the home, but is released from the ground or water nearby. It is a toxic gas that can lead to cancer. If you live in an area with high radon levels, you should install a radon system. Speak to a professional radon reduction company to help you test for the gas and choose a radon system to minimize the risk.

Read more about reducing radon levels here: Are radon systems effective for reducing radon in the home? ​

Fires

Fire or smoke inhalation are some of the most common causes of household deaths. Even if there are no fatalities, a fire in the home could lead to severe smoke damage or total destruction. Fires can be caused by anything from a malfunctioning appliance to a small candle or an unattended iron. Avoid the risk by installing smoke detectors and purchasing a fire extinguisher. Make a habit of unplugging all appliances when not in use and take care when using candles or matches.
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Poisoning

So many potentially poisonous substances are present in the house for all kinds of reasons. Medication, paint, bleach, and cosmetics can all be deadly if consumed, and young children have a dangerous habit of putting all sorts of things in their mouths. Keep all household chemicals out of reach and store medication properly. Never leave any of these items out and always be wary when children are around.

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There are many other potential safety hazards around the home, such as choking, drowning, and strangling. Knowing what to look for is the first step to keeping you and your family safe.

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