Home safety tips

Most accidents happen in and around the home. To reduce the likelihood of accidents happening to you and your family, be aware of the risks and take action to prevent or minimise them.

What are the risks to your family?

Children and older people are the most at risk. Children are especially vulnerable because they are curious and unaware of the dangers. Older people take longer to recover from their injuries and may be at greater risk in their homes.

Some of the hazards in your own home could be:

• Stairs
• steep and poorly lit stairs
• worn or loose carpets
• abandoned toys
• lack of handrails
• if you have young children, fit stair gates at the top and bottom of the stairwell

  
Windows and glass doors

• low level windows or windows at the bottom of steps
• replace glass with safety glass or safety film
• fit window stays on upstairs windows

  
Burns

• hot surfaces, hot liquids and steam can cause traumatic injuries and leave permanent scars
• keep guards on fires and don-t leave candles unattended
• keep matches and lighters out of reach of children and use safety matches
• turn radiators down with children about
• keep saucepan handles and kettle leads out of reach of children
• avoid electrical faults - don't overload sockets and extension cables
• have your wiring checked every five years by a qualified electrician
• always replace a blown fuse with the correct one
• if a locked window or door could be used as an escape route in case of fire always keep the key nearby

  
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas which can build up when household appliances that use flames - boilers, water heaters, stoves or open fires - are not working properly.  Carbon monoxide is particularly dangerous as it has no smell, taste or colour, so it is very difficult to know when it is being produced.

You can guard against carbon monoxide poisoning by doing the following:

• fit carbon monoxide alarms wherever there is a flame-burning appliance
• make sure ventilation outlets in your home are free from blockages
• have your flame-burning appliances serviced yearly by a qualified engineer