Our homes are supposed to be places that shield us from the dangers of the world. But, like it or not, they’re among the most dangerous places to be – especially for kids.
In this post, we’re going to rank the most dangerous home safety hazards in order. Let’s take a look.
Number 5: Scalding
The rate at which the skin burns when it comes into contact with hot water varies according to the temperature. You have to submerge your hand for more than five minutes at 50 degrees to damage it. However, when temperatures rise to 68 degrees, it takes just a second for burning to occur.
Scalding is a real risk in your household – and it occurs more often than you might think.
Kids, for instance, can accidentally turn on the hop faucet and burn themselves. And even adults that don’t use mixer taps can sometimes find themselves confused, switching on the hot, believing it is the cold.
Number 4: Sharp Objects
The next most common household hazard is improper storage of sharp objects. Ideally, you should keep your knives in a knife block, out of the reach of children.
Unfortunately, many of us keep them in drawers where kids can get at them and cut themselves. Avoid this if you can.
Furthermore, many of us fail to use the correct chopping technique when we prepare dinner. Instead of using our knuckles to guide the knife’s path and hold the food in place, we use our fingertips – a surefire way to cause injury.
Number 3: Asbestos Insulation
The government made the use of asbestos insulation in residential properties illegal decades ago. The synthetic fiber contains nano fragments that can quickly become lodged in the lungs, causing potentially fatal disease.
Despite these changes to the law, asbestos in the home remains a significant risk. Many people have it in their attics without knowing, especially if they own an older property.
Asbestos insulation is removable. So if you suspect you have it in your home, you can organize a survey and get professionals to remove it safely.
Number 2: Pools And Spas
What’s more dangerous: driving or spending time in the pool? The answer is the pool.
If you own a pool, be warned that it is the most significant source of preventable infant death. Your best bet is to put up safety barriers, preventing anyone from jumping or falling into it while you’re not there to supervise. Ensure that the fence that you purchase is compliant with existing regulations and that you properly lock the gate to prevent access when you’re not there.
Number 1: Ladders
Ladders are undoubtedly the most significant risk in the home, primarily owing to how often people use them. Step ladders have an annoying habit of falling backward while in use – including those with ostensibly stable bases.
If you need to use a step ladder for DIY, be sure to get a helper to hold it in place for you while you do your work.
