Not everyone is fortunate enough to have a stable home-sweet home. But, returning home to a deluge of bills, mails, telephone messages and household chores made people forget the fact that home is actually one of the nicest and safest places to be in the world.

However, amid the pandemic scare that has taken the whole world on a whirlwind, the same people who were eager to leave their homes to study or work abroad now so desperately want to come back to that same house.

Suddenly home has a new meaning in our lives.

While there is a piece of truth in a home being a sanctuary and protecting you from rain, thunder and cold, there are a few dangers that are unpredictable and which can occur within the four walls of your house.

Slips, Trips and Falls

Last week, my grandmother almost slipped because of a build-up of soap in the bathroom.

No matter how much you’ve probably proofed your house, it must have happened to you at least once. During that momentary lapse of attention – when you are thinking about a personal issue or distracted by a noise outside – you end up tripping over an uneven surface or stumbling down a stairway.

Slip, trip and fall accidents are pretty scary things, especially dangerous for older adults. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) reported that some falls could often result in serious injuries like broken bones or head injuries.

Despite making up the majority of general household accidents, slips, trips and falls are not taken as seriously as they should be.

If you don’t want to end up with fractures, dislocated joints or even worse, consider the following tips:

• Experts recommend non-slip surfaces for spaces like baths and showers
• Keep a clean and spotless house
• Remove any obstacles in aisles and walkways
• Wear proper shoes
• Install grab bars and handrails

Electrical Fires

You won’t believe it, but statistics say that there are approximately 51,000 home electrical fires that occur each year, which result in at least 500 deaths – not to mention the huge monetary damage.

If tomorrow an electrical fire breaks out in your house, you may be able to fight it, but it’s even better if you could avoid it in the first place.

So, the question is: How do you avoid electrical fires?

• Remember what happened when Norman Price in Fireman Sam overloaded an extension socket?You see, the circuits of an outlet were devised to convey only a specific amount of electricity, but when you plug in too many gadgets at once, you know what can happen.

 

• It’s very tempting to use extension cords to prolong the cords on your appliances or electronics, but if you want to prevent any major electrical hazards, better to use them as a temporary solution than a permanent wiring system for your house.

 

• It is highly recommended to use only GFCI outlets for areas like kitchens, bathrooms and workshops with sinks.

 

• Even my three-year-old knows that flammable objects like furniture, curtain, boxes, decorations and any other flammable items should be kept far away from electrical outlets and cords.

 

• Make sure all your outlets are well fitted to the wall.

 

• And, always make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

 

Using Chemically Packed Paint Fumes

Using that vibrant butternut yellow to spice up your bedroom sure looks great. Too bad it can kill you in your sleep.

Ok, I might be exaggerating – just a little bit – but that still doesn’t change the fact that paint filled with volatile organic compounds like benzene can cause serious migraines and respiratory problems.

 

There are more than just a few hazards lying around in your house. And, if you want to learn all of them, come back for part 2.