Tips on how to accident proof your home

As we grow older, the chances of falling and injuring ourselves indoors increase, often resulting in serious injury. The statistics are worrying: ‘The number of Indian older adults who are likely to fall ranges from 14% to 53%’.

One of the ways to prevent this happening, is to prevent falls at home. These safety tips will help to accident-proof your home:

Kitchen

Our kitchen needs to be safe so that we do not unwittingly cause a fire or spill hot food on ourselves. The kitchen should have:

• Plenty of light especially near the cooking space
• Non-slip rubber mats below the sink where it is likely to be wet
• Remember to close all drawers after opening, so you do not trip over them
• Pot handles should be turned away from you and not hanging over the edge of the gas stove. Preferably use pots with 2 handles
• Keep items which are used regularly within easy reach. Do not stand on a stool to reach for Them
• Heavy items should be at counter or waist level as either bending over or reaching high could strain your back
• Don’t leave food unattended while cooking
• Don’t wear very loose, synthetic clothing
• Instead of glass utensils try to use unbreakable items

Bathroom

Bathrooms are danger zones as it is easy to slip on the wet and sometimes soapy floor.

• Install grab bars in shower area and near water closet
• Put non slip rubber mats in shower area, below wash basin and near water closet

Living Room and Bedroom

• Avoid placing loose mats and rugs on the floor
• There should be no sharp edges that jut out from furniture
• Reduce clutter on the floor, with wide spaces between furniture
• Flooring should be non-slip
• Avoid rooms when floor is being mopped

General Safety Rules:

1.    Change electrical wiring in your home if it is more than 10 – 15 years old

2.    Switch off and unplug appliances when not in use

3.    Keep a small fire extinguisher handy and learn to use it

4.    Staircase should have railing on both sides and non-slip treads

By Anita Natu