3 household hazards every over-60 needs to watch out for
No matter whether you have a busy, bustling household or live on your own, it’s essential for every homeowner, renter and holidaymaker to know how to protect themselves and their loved ones from common yet dangerous hazards. From fire to falls, we break down all the basics you need to stay safe in your home.
1. Fire
It’s the stuff of nightmares, but that sad reality is that a deadly blaze can strike anyone, anywhere at any time. To give you and your loved ones the best chance of avoiding (or at least surviving) a fire, make sure you follow these rules.
- Have fire alarms installed around the home and regularly replace their batteries.
- Always switch off and unplug unused electronics.
- Keep plugs to a minimum and located away from flammable materials.
- Never leave stovetops, irons or other hot surfaces unsupervised.
- Have fire extinguishers available around the house.
- Organise an action plan in case of fire, including routes out of the house and meeting places outside.
2. Falls
Unfortunately, as our age increases, so does our risk of falls. To remain independent for as long as possible, take the following measures to prevent falls in your home.
- Keep floors clear of small, moveable objects at all times.
- Install assistive handles and rails around the home – particularly in the bathroom.
- Place anti-slip safety mats in bathrooms and in the kitchen, as well as anywhere else that may become slippery for any reason.
- Invest in emergency help buttons in the kitchen and in bathrooms in case of a fall.
3. Silent killers
Toxic mould and carbon monoxide are dangerous and potentially fatal hazards that everyone needs to be aware of. Protect yourself and your loved ones from these silent killers by following these simple tips.
- Regularly clean and ventilate wet areas to prevent the growth and spread of mould.
- Dry wet areas immediately (i.e. use a squeegee to wipe down tiles and shower recesses).
- To avoid carbon monoxide poisoning, have your heating system, water heater and other appliances serviced every year.
- Install a carbon monoxide detector or alarm to keep on top of any rising levels.
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