As we go about our daily lives, it’s pretty easy to assume that our households are safe. But that may or may not be the case. We walk right by potential sources of common home accidents all the time, simply because we’re so used to our surroundings.

Periodically taking a careful look around can help reveal hidden threats, most of which are probably very easy to fix. And, if there are children in the household, this exercise is doubly important. Proper precautionary measures can go a long way toward helping you avoid serious harm or deadly consequences.

Let’s take a look at some common causes of injury and death in the household, along with a wealth of tips for making your home a safer place for you and your family.

Common Home Accidents For Kids

Younger children tend to be far more daring without the experience of knowing what's dangerous and what's not. For this reason there are many accidents kids are more prone to that adults tend to be less likely to face. 

Drowning

It’s the leading cause of death and injury for children age 1-4. Fence in your pool area, buy an alarm for when someone gets in the pool, and don’t let kids swim alone. Even very shallow water can be a risk in ornamental ponds and water features. Of course, don’t leave them alone in the tub at bath time. And close those toilet lids.

Falling Objects

Children are naturally curious, and it’s very easy for them to pull things down on themselves. Everything from electrical cords and tools left unattended to towels and tablecloth edges can catch their eye.

Choking/Suffocation

Kids also love to put things in their mouths. But swallowing them can lead to serious injury. Keep small objects, like parts from toys, out of their reach. The same goes for plastic bags. Maintain a close eye when they’re eating and in the bath. And keep infant cribs free of clutter.

Common Accidents For Everyone

While the following accidents can happen to children as well, adults are just as prone. All it takes is a lack of awareness or a stroke of misfortune to have one of the below strike. 

Slips, Trips and Falls

This is the leading cause of home injury deaths, most often with the very young and the elderly. Dangerous conditions include electrical wires, general clutter and low lighting. Bed rails for kids and grab bars for oldsters are a good idea, as well as taping down area rugs. And loose footwear, like flip-flops, can be an accident waiting to happen.

Poisoning

The second leading cause of home injury death. Store medications securely with child-resistant packaging and throw away outdated prescriptions. Also take care with shampoo, alcohol and cosmetics. Particularly dangerous are corrosive materials, cleaning products and insecticides so keep them way from anyone who should not be handling them.

Fire

Check the safety features of appliances, store flammable substances in a safe place, watch out for open flame from the stove or candles, install smoke detectors and get a fire extinguisher. Close the fireplace screen, keep heated devices and sources like candles away from curtains and furniture, don’t leave pans unattended when cooking, keep matches and lighters away from children. And have an escape plan.

Electrical

Get your house wiring checked by a licensed contractor. Don’t splice wires for a quick fix, stop using faulty appliances and have them checked, don’t overload sockets and extension cords, and don’t use plugged-in devices near a pool, spa or bath tub.

Heating/Cooking

Don’t block air vents, check the chimney flue and check pilot lights regularly. If you smell gas, turn off the source if you can and call the gas company. Take care with hot liquids, keep knives out of reach of children, and turn pan handles inward when cooking.

DIY/Garden

Keep tools in good repair and function, wear appropriate clothing and shoes, disconnect electrical devices from power sources before working on them and disconnect power tools when done with the task. Store paints and chemicals safely, make sure grills are clean and the fuel source connected properly, and keep children and pets at a distance when working.

What To Do When an Accident Happens

If someone falls, you should get treatment for any obvious injuries ASAP. Also monitor for drowsiness, vomiting or lost consciousness, which can be indications of concussion.

For bruises, apply ice, a cold pack or even packaged frozen foods to help reduce swelling. Watch out for swelling, major pain or restricted movement that could be a sign of a more serious injury. Similar care can be applied to sprains. 

Blood can be frightening, especially for children. Applying pressure and an antiseptic are the first steps to take. If the bleeding stops fairly soon, bandage the area. However, continuous bleeding needs attention and may require stitches from a doctor.

Burns can occur from open fires, stoves and barbeques to irons, hair straighteners and matches. Special attention should be taken with children around these sources. Cold water for 10 minutes or so should lessen the pain as can application of an analgesic like aloe. And keeping the area clean will help avoid infection.

Regarding health coverage, most standard health plans should have something in place to help reduce the cost of doctor visits and procedures. To better financially protect yourself, accident insurance plans are a cheap and convenient way to get paid cash for doctor / ER visits, procedures, and more. 

Seems like a lot to keep track of, right? But you don’t need to feel like there’s a gremlin waiting around every corner to spring common accidents at home. Just incorporate some forethought, awareness and common sense into your everyday activities. You’ll be well on the way to a safer and happier household.