- Clean using non-toxic cleaners regularly to reduce dust, mold, and allergens.
- Test for radon gas with a long-term test and ensure that the levels do not exceed 4 pCi/L.
- Install safety devices such as grab bars, handrails, anti-slip mats and rugs, motion sensors, and home monitoring systems.
- Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors on each floor of the home.
- Create a happy, safe, and healthy environment by taking responsibility for the safety and health of your home.
In 2021, the number of fatalities occurring in homes rose by a staggering 13 percent, cementing this decade as a substantial regression regarding safety. The rate of preventable injury-related deaths has skyrocketed an immense 320 percent since 1999. It continues to climb higher than ever before, undoing all progress made from 1912 through 2019 – a 38 percent increase over that timespan alone.
Your home should be your sanctuary, where you can relax, unwind, and feel safe. However, sometimes your home can pose hidden dangers that can compromise your health and safety. As a homeowner, taking responsibility for the safety and health of yourself and your family is essential. This blog post will explore some tips on ensuring your home’s safety and health.
Keep It Clean
One of the easiest ways to maintain the health and safety of your home is to keep it clean. Dust, mold, and allergens can accumulate in your home and cause respiratory issues and allergic reactions or trigger asthma.
Clean Using Non-Toxic Cleaners
To keep your home clean, you should set aside a few hours each week to clean, preferably with non-toxic cleaning products. Vacuum regularly, wash bedding, and dust surfaces to keep your home free of dust and allergens.
Clean Kitchen and Bathroom
In addition, be sure to keep your kitchen and bathrooms clean. Ensure all food is stored correctly and that countertops are wiped down and free of crumbs. Wipe down showers and tubs after use, and do regular deep cleaning of showers, toilets, and sinks. These small tasks can help keep your home safe from germs and bacteria.
Test for Radon
Radon is an odorless, colorless gas that seeps through cracks into a home. Radon exposure can cause lung cancer, and it’s estimated that radon is responsible for 21,000 deaths in the US each year. You can purchase do-it-yourself radon test kits or hire a professional to test your home for radon.
Long-Term Test
When testing for radon, it’s essential to use a long-term test. Short-term tests measure the radon in the air over days or weeks. Long-term tests measure the amount of radon exposure over months or years. The longer the test is, the more accurate the results will be.
Maximum Indoor Radon Level
When interpreting test results, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends a maximum indoor radon level of 4 picoCuries per liter (pCi/L). If your radon levels exceed this recommendation, you may want to consider making improvements to reduce the amount of radon in your home.
Install Safety Devices
Installing safety devices in the home of seniors is an important step toward ensuring their safety and well-being. Safety devices can help reduce the risk of falls, a common cause of injury and death among older adults. They can also help provide peace of mind for family members and caregivers, knowing their loved ones are better protected.
Common Safety Devices
Some of the seniors’ most common safety devices include grab bars, handrails, anti-slip mats and rugs, motion sensors, and home monitoring systems. Grab bars are beneficial in bathrooms or other areas where slippery surfaces could lead to falls. Handrails can be installed on stairs and along walkways to support seniors.
Bathroom Safety
You should also install reliable at-home bathroom aids. Anti-slip mats and rugs can be placed in bathrooms, kitchens, and other floors throughout the home to help reduce the risk of slipping. Motion sensors can alert caregivers or family members if a senior moves around at night or has not been active for an extended period. Home monitoring systems allow family members and caregivers to keep an eye on the health and safety of their loved ones, even when they are not physically present.
Install Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Fires and carbon monoxide poisoning are serious threats to your safety. Install smoke detectors on each floor of your home, including the basement, and outside each sleeping area. Carbon monoxide detectors should also be installed in each sleeping area and close to fuel-burning appliances. Test these detectors regularly and replace the batteries.
Install Them ASAP
If you don’t have detectors, purchase them immediately and install them following the manufacturer’s directions. Consider purchasing a combination smoke and carbon monoxide detector for each floor of your home.
Your home should be a safe and healthy place for you and your family. Taking responsibility for the safety and health of your home can prevent accidents, illnesses, and even deaths. Following the tips outlined in this post, you can ensure that your home is a sanctuary for you and your loved ones. Following the tips in the article will allow you to create a happy, healthy, and safe environment that you can enjoy for years to come.