Household accidents are some of the most common causes of injury – both minor and fatal. According to statistics, approximately 12,000 children in the US die because of accidental injuries. And these injuries may be due to a fall, suffocation, or poisoning. Unfortunately, not every homeowner is aware of the hidden dangers lurking inside the home. In this article, we’ll discuss simple tips and hacks that will help prevent accidents at home. From patching your built-up roof to using non-skid mats, there’s a lot that you can and must do.

Use non-skid place mats instead of tablecloths

Another important tip to keep in mind when you have young kids is to avoid using slippery tablecloths, try a non skid place mat instead. A wipe clean tablecloth is a great option as well, as any messes that do happen can be easily dealt with without damaging the actual table underneath.

Make surfaces slip and fall-proof

Slippery floors and surfaces are hazardous, especially if you have kids. Outdoor surfaces should have enough friction even when wet. A good trick you can try is applying a coat of roll on bedliner to your driveway or any area where slips commonly occur. For indoor areas like the bathroom and kitchen, non-skid mats are a good option.

Preventing accidental poisoning

Accidental poisoning was a leading cause of death three years ago. If you have cleaning chemicals and medication lying around, kids could get curious and ingest them by mistake. It’s recommended to have a dedicated storage area in your home for dangerous chemicals where kids or pets can’t reach. For medication, keep them inside clearly-labeled and child-proof containers.

Make stairs safer

If you have young kids, you need to make stairs safer. The steps shouldn’t be slippery, and handrails should be secure. You may also want to put a gate to prevent toddlers from accidentally going up or down the stairs while unattended.

Keep your house well-lit

One of the simplest tricks to avoid accidents is to avoid having dark areas in your house. Hallways and walkways should be well-lit, especially at night. You can install sensor lights outdoors that will automatically turn on when someone is outside. If you’re living with seniors, it’s critical to make sure that rooms and living areas are bright to avoid slips, falls, and bumps.

Prevent suffocation and choking incidents

Choking and suffocation are two of the most dangerous incidents that could happen at home. If you have young children, always make sure that there are no small items lying around. Pay close attention to the recommended age whenever you’re buying toys. Plastic bags and similar items that could cause suffocation should be kept where kids can’t reach them.

Cover electric outlets

To avoid electrocution, any unused and open sockets should be covered. If your outlets don’t have built-in covers, you can simply use duct tape. You can also buy decorative covers at home improvement stores and other child-proofing materials to make sure that electric sockets are safe and won’t cause any accidents.

Putting out fires

Fires can break out at any time, especially when you’re in the kitchen. If possible, have a fire extinguisher installed close by. If you don’t have a fire extinguisher, you can use baking soda to put out a grease fire when you’re cooking. Never use water as it could worsen the situation.