Common Home Injuries and How to Prevent Them

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You should always feel safe and sound at home, but accidents happen. Every day people visit the emergency department for home injuries. Although there are many cases in which we simply can't control what happens, home accidents are extremely preventable with the right measures. In this guide, we will look at five of the most common home injuries and show you how to prevent them. With the right knowledge and preparation, you can protect yourself and your loved ones.

Falls

Falls are the leading cause of injury among the elderly, but senior citizens aren't the only ones who are hurt by slips and falls at home. Children and adults both experience fall injuries that can range from mild bruises to broken bones and, in severe cases, head trauma. The best way to go about preventing this is to first examine the potential fall risks indoors and around your home's exterior. Inside, falls typically occur on stairs or slippery floors, namely tile and stone. Additional risks include throw rugs, loose cords, poor lighting and toilets that are too low to the ground. 

Outside, sloped driveways and walkways can be major fall hazards, especially during the winter when ice and snow make paths slicker. To prevent falls, consider installing non-slip runners along stairs, improving support rails and modifying anything that has an uncomfortable height. You may also consider installing a personal lift. Utilizing home lifts not only raise your property value but also provide a safer way to move between levels. This can be helpful at preventing falls from moving objects between floors, such as groceries and laundry.

Burns

Burns may come from stoves, hot water or beverage spills. Children under the age of 5 have a high risk of grabbing cups or containers of hot liquids. Left alone, they may turn on faucets to scalding temperatures. This is why they should never be left unattended when they have access to running water of any sort.

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