Accidents at home are very easy to happen especially to young people and kids. The following tips have been created out of many peoples experiences from past accidents and near misses. Safety is a must in nowadays due to the huge impact it has in the psychological, physical, economical factors. Enforcing the motto “safe home happy home”, you can have a look on the list below some safety tips in every area of a house.
General safety
- Make sure that the main entrance door locks properly
- At all times, make sure that the main entrance door is not blocked/obstructed so that the door can open in a full rotation, with no effort.
- At all times, make sure that the stairway and the glass doors are not blocked/obstructed.
- Never leave the property unlocked and unattended at the same time.
- We suggest you to keep the curtains, of the property, shut at all times.
- Never walk on slippery surfaces.
- Securely hide your valuables, so that they are not visible to the passengers outside of the property.
- Avoid Smoking inside the property. After smoking, dispose safely your smoked cigarettes.
- Keep knives, scissors, shaving blades and other objects with sharp edges in the drawers while not in use.
- Never leave the kitchen oven and stove unattended while in use.
- Do not try to open locked windows. They have been locked to increase your safety.
- Avoid the unsupervised use of candles inside or outside the house.
- Always keep the bathroom window cracked open while using the shower.
- Do not use the shower if you feel dizzy.
- Do not to exit the shower with wet feet.
- Ensure that the water temperature is below 120°F (49°C) to prevent burns from water that is too hot.
- Ensure that there is a clear path into the bathroom.
- Avoid the use of kitchen chairs, stools, folding chairs, or other items that are not designed for the shower or bathtub as they may lead to a fall.
- It is suggested to use liquid pump soap or body wash to avoid dropping the soap, in order to minimize movement in the shower or bathtub.
- Do not use the bathroom without lighting.
- Do not lean or sit on the balcony edges.
- Never run or jump on the stairs.
Gas safety
- Make sure that you know where is the gas appliance in your property.
- In case of no previous experience, avoid using the gas appliance and instead seek professional guidance.
- If you smell gas, inform a professional to take the appropriate action.
Electrical safety
- Avoid overloading outlets. Additionally, only one heat-producing device should be plugged into an outlet at a time (e.g., coffee maker, hair dryer, kettle etc.).
- Check that you’re using the correct wattage in all your fixtures and appliances.
- Unplug appliances when not in use.
- Never run cords under carpets, rugs, doors or windows.
- Do not plug a 2-pin to 3-pin wall socket without the adaptor.
- Keep electrical appliances and tools away from water. Never touch electrical appliances and tools with wet hands.
- Use the electrical equipment (e.g., freezer, washing machine, kettle etc.) of the property only for its designated purpose.
- Keep your used and unused cords tidy and secure to prevent damage.
- Give your appliances proper space for air circulation to avoid overheating.
- If you notice damaged electrical cords, inform a professional to take the appropriate action.
Water safety
- All water storage and pumping facilities are safely installed and maintained and should not be disconnected or modified.
- In case of any malfunction or leakage, inform a professional to take the appropriate action.
Fireplace safety
- Be certain, the damper or flue is open before starting a fire.
- Before starting a fire, clean out ashes from previous fires.
- Always keep a window cracked open while the fire is burning.
- Make sure that there is 1 meter clearance around the fire place while the fire is burning.
- Never leave the fire in the fireplace unattended.
- Always keep children away from the fire and if possible, explain to them the dangers involved with fire.
- If possible, wear long sleeve clothing when you are close to the fire of the fireplace.
- Make sure that you know the location of the closest fire extinguisher and first aid kit within the property.
Barbeque safety
- Barbeque is strictly designed for outdoor use.
- Make sure that the barbeque is sitting on a flat, level surface.
- Never leave the barbeque unattended while in use.
- Make sure that the barbeque is at least 5 meters away from any flammable source (e.g., gas, car etc.).
- It is strongly advised to avoid the use of barbeque on windy days.
- Be careful when handling and cleaning the barbeque skewers. Keep the barbeque skewers that are not in use in drawers.
- After the use of the barbeque, make sure that the fire is out, either by sprinkling water on the burning charcoal or, by placing the barbeque cap to shut the oxygen supply.
- If possible, wear long sleeve clothing while you are close to the barbeque.
- Make sure that you know the location of the closest fire extinguisher and first aid kit within the property.
Children safety
- Keep indoor doors closed.
- Never leave children unsupervised in the kitchen. Keep your children in a safe place while you are cooking.
- Never leave children alone in or near water. Small children can drown even in very shallow water, such as the pool or toilet.
- Keep items such as matches, lighters, curling irons, candles, and hot foods and liquids out of a child’s reach.
- Outdoor and Indoor play should always be supervised by an adult.
- It is advised to avoid the children exposure to the sun light as much as possible.
- Do not lock the door of the toilet while in use by a child.
- If you have medicines, keep them stored out of reach and out of sight from curious tots. For example, store your medicines in your dresser drawer.
- If you have hazardous household chemicals (e.g., Chlorine, Drain Cleaners, Bleach, Ammonia, Air fresheners etc.) keep them stored out of reach and out of sight from curious tots. In addition, never change the bottles of the chemicals (since each bottle tag contains useful information for each chemical) and store them in well ventilated areas.
- Make sure that children are supervised and stopped from climbing railings, furniture and balconies.
- Make sure that children are aware of electrical safety and forbidden to play with electrical cords.
- Be sure to keep small, hard foods like nuts or candies out of reach of children.
Pool safety
- It is strongly advised to avoid running near a swimming pool.
- Make sure you know the pool depth before you enter the pool.
- Avoid diving in the shallow end of the pool.
- Make sure that when children are in the pool are supervised by an adult.
- Avoid roughhousing and playing games in the pool.
- Avoid using the pool alone in case of no previous experience.
- Avoid swimming immediately after eating. Wait for 1 hour at least.
- Avoid peeing in the pool to prevent water contamination.
- Avoid drinking alcohol and swimming.
- Be informed that chemicals are used in the treatment of pool water. If you feel any skin, eye or nose irritations or even asthma attacks, you are strongly advised to avoid using the pool and see a doctor.
- If you have open wounds, you are advised to avoid using the pool.
- Prefer to use the pool during the day time and prevent the night time use where lighting is limited.
- Make sure you dry your ears well once you get out, as trapped water can often be the cause of ear infections.
Pet safety
- Make sure that pets are not entering the swimming pool.
- Make sure that pets are not drinking from the swimming pool.
- Keep items such as matches, lighters, chemicals, medicine, knives or blades out of a pet’s reach.
- Make sure that the outdoor doors are locked and pet is isolated within the property.