Kitchens and baths – while two of the highest traffic areas in the home – can also be two of the most dangerous areas in the home.
October is National Kitchen and Bath Month and DreamMaker Bath and Kitchen of Jackson, has some tips for consumer safety in both the bathroom and the kitchen.
“While our business is to help homeowners realize the beautiful kitchen or bathroom of their dreams, safety is one of our biggest concerns,” said Bill Ford of DreamMaker Bath and Kitchen of Jackson.
Nearly 200,000 people are injured annually in their bathrooms. Slips and falls are common and the storage of common items such as medicines, razors and small appliances can be dangerous for some households.
Here are some suggestions for a safer bathroom environment:
Use a slip resistant flooring in all areas in order to prevent falls. Consider installing hand-rails if our household has a disabled or elderly person who may have difficulty navigating the shower or bathtub.
Put emergency shut-off controls for whirlpool tubs and use pressure-balanced and temperature-controlled valves in faucets to prevent wedding. The National Safety Council recommends keeping your water heater set to a maximum of 120 degrees Fahrenheit to limit the risk of scalding.
Maintain a safe distance between water sources and electrical switches. Never leave small appliances plugged in unattended, and be wary of cords that could be yanked accidentally.
Use cabinet locks where poisonous household products and prescriptions are stored. Be cautious of items you throw into the trash, where children and house-hold pets could discover dangerous items.
Burns and fires are the leading cause of accidental death in the home for children 14 and under and the third leading cause of accidental death for adults. From ages five to 74, most burn injuries occur outdoors with the next most frequent area being the kitchen.
Besides the risk of fire, homeowners should also be cautious of tools and cutting implements used in the kitchen.
Use proper lighting for work surfaces, particularly when working with cutting tools or when working on an active stovetop.
Keep a fire extinguisher handy.
Consider appliance lock-out options on ranges, ovens and dishwashers.
As in the bathroom, use pressure-balanced and temperature-controlled valves in faucets to prevent scalding. Keep the thermostat set at 120 degrees as a maximum temperature.
Use cabinet locks where poisonous household products are kept. Be sure to dispose of remaining chemicals properly and never in reach of a child or pet.
