Safety Starts at Home

Every year, millions of people are in need of medical attention due to injuries at home. Falls, poisoning, and burns are the most common injuries sustained in the home.

Prevent falls:

· Keep walkways, bedrooms, bathrooms, and halls well-lit

· Keep high traffic areas free of furniture and clutter

· Secure loose rugs with double-sided tape, tacks or a slip-resistant backing

· Install handrails on stairways and grab bars in the shower or tub

· Use non-slip mats in the bathtub or shower, and have a bath seat in the shower for sitting

Prevent poisoning:

· Keep all medications, detergents, and cleaning products in their original packages

· Secure medications, detergents, and cleaning products where children cannot reach them

· Properly dispose of expired or unused medications, including over- the- counter medications such as vitamins and supplements

Prevent burns:

· Don’t leave food cooking on the stove unattended

· Don’t leave hot beverages sitting out

· Keep matches and lighters locked away

· Adjust your water heater so that the faucet produces water no hotter than 120 degrees Fahrenheit

· Test bathtub temperatures before bathing children

Learn First Aid

Don’t wait until an accident happens to prepare. Plan ahead by completing a first aid training. First aid classes are offered through organizations like the American Red Cross, local government groups, or places like the YMCA. 

In addition to learning first aid, skills like Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), using an automated external defibrillator (AED), and knowing how to administer Naloxone are important.