Keeping everyone in the family safe is an impossible task because you can’t follow them everywhere but you can guarantee safety at home.

Home safety is one of the most important things because the house is full of hazards from stoves to knives, stairs and even the bathroom. Here are the top hazards and how to curb them:

Falling

Falls are the leading cause of fatal injury and the most common cause of nonfatal trauma-related hospital admissions. Falls can occur in several places but mostly on the stairs and in the bathroom.

To prevent falls on the stairs we recommend:

• Installing gates at the top and at the bottom of the staircase to prevent toddlers from falling off.
• Make sure you maintain stair tread. Install rubber, non-slip paint and metal to make the steps less slippery.

To prevent falls in the bathroom we recommend:

• Putting shower mats on the floor, they are not the most hygienic things but they get the job done.
• Install safety rails that will aid one in getting in and out.

Whenever you spill something be sure to clean it up immediately. Throw away things like banana peels after eating and pick up any clutter lying carelessly around the house.

Fires

Home fires can be caused by a leaking gas, neglected appliances that radiate heat and sometimes power surges. It goes without saying, every time you switch on an electric appliance remember to switch it off and make sure gas pipes are in good condition after installation but what happens when you aren’t home?

• With the advancement of technology comes improved home safety appliances. Install a smoke detector. Once it senses smoke the alarm goes off to alert you and some even trigger water release to stop the fire before it escalates.
• Another good measure is turning off the main switch in case of a power surge.

Choking

Choking is ranked number four when it comes to accidental deaths taking over 1000 lives per year, majority being children. It can occur when a child swallows toys and coins, their own saliva going down the wrong pipe or even everyday foods and drinks.

• The number one way to prevent choking is educating yourself about choking hazards and getting rid of them if possible.
• Encourage your children to eat and drink while sitting in an up write position, ensure they have swallowed everything before sending them to bed.
• Check their toys for any loose pieces and get rid of them if any.
• Keep tiny things like coins, buttons and candies out of reach.
• Parents are encouraged to always keep an eye on their babies at all times even when they are asleep.

You can never be prepared for an accident hence as a caretaker for the children and the elderly it is good to learn basic first aid tactics in case of anything. Have contacts to the police, ambulance, doctor and fire fighters because you can never be too safe.