Some of these national holidays can be a bit ridiculous, like Step in a Puddle and Splash Your Friends Day! But some are very practical and remind us that we do need to take periodic inventories to assure a safe and worry-free environment for our family.
National Safety Month is one of those where just a few minutes of time could make a huge difference in the quality and quantity of life – especially for those we love.
There are so many safety areas that could be covered, but we will look at just a couple here regarding home safety.
Child Safety
Many hidden dangers reside inside a home for a small child. Most children are very curious and will find anything new to be fascinating, no matter what it may be! Risks of accidents must be considered as we take a walk through our homes to be sure that they are minimized or even eliminated if they are especially dangerous. Just a few preventative measures to implement:
Install child locks on all cabinets used to store dangerous items such as medicine, cleaners, and matches.
If your home has a pool, hot tub, or other body of water, make sure each is surrounded by five-foot fencing with self-locking and self-closing gates.
If you have a toddler or small child, install hardware-mounted safety gates at the top and bottom of every stairway in your home.
Install window guards to prevent children from falling. Be sure the window guards have a quick release mechanism in case of fire.
This would be the perfect time to practice that fire safety escape plan; designate, if you have not already, the tornado shelter area; and be sure you have an emergency kit supplied and accessible to those old enough to understand its use. Visit this website for a list of suggested materials. Important phone numbers should be posted in a highly visible place, not just in your cell phone!
Safety for Seniors
As people age, homes need to be adapted yet 85 percent have had nothing done to prepare for the inevitable. A few areas of concern:
Falls
Most falls happen in homes and are entirely preventable. Simple changes in lighting, housekeeping, and furniture arrangement can make older adults less susceptible to falling in their homes. All rooms should be well-lit. Brighter light bulbs, night-lights in bedrooms, bathrooms, and hallways are one of the simplest and least expensive additions that can be made.
Do not allow clutter to become a source of falls! Even if Grandma objects to moving her prized boxes of stored vintage pictures – sitting right in the middle of the hallway – do it anyway!
Arrange furniture to ensure that there is always a clear pathway to enter and exit a room.
Many falls occur on stairs and steps. All stairwells should be well-lit, clear of all objects, and have handrails on both sides.
Health
Be attentive to decreased mobility, lack of balance, sight and hearing impairment. As these set in, so does the need for increased home safety adaptations. A bedroom may need to be moved to the first floor, items on shelves lowered for easier reach, rails in the bathroom installed. Gradual home updates are much easier to afford than sending Mom or Dad into a nursing care facility and can be done over time, making it easier on the pocketbook.
Medication
Many medications have side effects that can impair an older adult’s coordination and balance or cause dizziness, confusion, or sleepiness.
Ask a doctor or pharmacist to review all medications, including prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines, and vitamins and minerals.
Have an up-to-date list of all medications and provide it to doctors during visits.
Make sure medications are properly labeled and there are clear instructions for usage.
Exercise
Remember that exercise plays a big part in home safety! Mobility can be slowed to a minimum if older adults are kept active, strong, and flexible. By engaging in regular workouts from home or in a group setting, home safety issues are less likely to occur and seniors will enjoy a far higher level of personal enjoyment and fulfillment in their golden years!
Whether you have young children or older adults in your life, take some time and do a house check to be sure that, before June is over, your home will pass inspection during National Safety Month!
For additional safety tips and recommendations, visit the National Safety Council and the Fire Corps