Home Sweet Home
-
Share on Facebook
-
Share on Twitter
- Copy Link
Our home is our castle of which we believe will protect us and keep us safe from harm. Yet many injuries happen in the home. Such mundane tasks as walking across the house might prove hazardous to anyone if the path in front is cluttered. A rolled up piece of carpet, toys, newspapers, extension cords or clothing can all become trip hazards. Poor lighting, poor mobility or poor eye sight might also be contributing factors. Do yourself a favor and remove clutter, remove loose mats, tidy up and wear good footwear even when indoors.
Children always can find the things we thought were well hidden. Loosen caps for cleaners we thought were tightly secured. Tumble down stairs when gates or windows are secured in place. Keep cleaners or chemicals secured in cabinets out of reach of small children. Setting out things like medication beside the breakfast plate is not a good idea. Secure child gates or close the doors to rooms to protect children from areas they should not be present in.
Recent devastating tornados across the United States remind us all of the supreme power of Mother Nature. In a blink of eye disaster can strike. Winter Storms, power failures or severe weather like a tornado can happen in our area. Are you prepared? What if tonight a police officer awoke you from your sleep saying you and your family have 20 minutes to leave your house because of natural gas leak at the end of your block? What if alarm bells started ringing in your apartment building signalling a fire and telling you to evacuate immediately. What would you take? Where would you go? What if you could not return home for several days? What if a natural disaster overwhelmed our cities resources that you were “on your own for days?”
We take for granted our own safety, but emergency planning guides remind us that we have to be prepared for 72 hours to fend for ourselves. That might include bottled water, personal hygiene items, pet food, board games for the family and other personal effects. When leaving your house where do you find these items? Are they quick, accessible and ready to go in a hurry?
