Easily overlooked safety hazards around the house

Accidents happen. While even the most cautious individuals are not immune to accidents, that does not mean it is not in everyone’s best interest to do everything they can to reduce their risk of being injured, particularly in their homes.

Homes are often seen as safe havens, but they are also where many individuals sustain preventable injuries. Data from the National Safety Council indicates that about 14 out of every 100 people experienced preventable injuries in their homes or a community venue in 2020.

A home’s status as a sanctuary can make it easy to overlook various safety risks. The following are some hazards that can be prevented when homeowners make a concerted effort to make their homes as safe as possible.

• Scalding: Scalding injuries pose a significant threat to anyone. Data from the Consumer Product Safety Commission indicates that more than 375,000 scald-burn injuries associated with various household appliances and products were treated in emergency rooms from 2013 to 2017. More than one-fifth of those injuries affected children 4 and younger. To prevent scalding injuries, make sure the temperature on a home’s water heater is set no higher than 120 F. The American Burn Association advises parents to avoid giving children responsibilities above their developmental ability. For example, do not let children bathe siblings, cook, wash dishes, or use appliances such as toasters or microwaves until they are able to recognize and understand the dangers of scalding and burns.

• Trips and falls: The National Floor Safety Institute indicates that falls account for more than 8 million emergency-room visits each year.

Seniors seem to be especially vulnerable to falls, as the National Institute on Aging indicates that 30 percent of individuals ages 65 and older will sustain a fall each year, with 10 percent of those falls resulting in serious injury. These injuries are easily avoided by routinely cleaning up to ensure that walking paths such as hallways and staircases inside the home and exterior walkways are clear of obstructions and debris. Carpeting and throw rugs can also pose a falling/tripping hazard, so promptly address carpet that is peeling up, and utilize nonslip rug pads for throw rugs and floor mats throughout the home.

• Unstable-furniture injuries: The CPSC indicates that every year, more than 11,000 children experience injuries that require emergency-room visits as a result of tip-over incidents involving home furnishings such as televisions. And kids aren’t the only ones vulnerable to these injuries, as 56 percent of tip-over-related ER visits involve patients older than 18. Mount or anchor all flat-screen televisions to reduce the risk of tip-over injuries. In addition, replace any unstable furnishings, such as wobbly dining-room chairs or wellworn armchairs that are no longer stable. Such furnishings pose a significant injury risk to anyone, but especially to kids who love to climb on couches and chairs.

It is easy to overlook safety hazards around the house, but a little bit of attention can go a long way toward preventing potentially serious injuries.