Safety Archives - George L. Duarte

How Can You Increase The Safety And Functionality Of Your Home? What do you need to do if you want to improve the safety and functionality of your home? You may not think that your home has a lot of safety hazards, but you might be surprised at how many people get hurt at home every year. Particularly if you have older people in your home, or if you have people in your house with disabilities, you need to pay close attention to your safety and functionality. What are a few tips you should keep in mind?

Target The Lights In Your Home

If you have an older home, it may have incandescent light bulbs in it. Pay attention to the lights in your home, and make sure they maximize the light in every room. If the bulbs are too dim, it may be a challenge for you to see where you are going, particularly when the sun goes down. Consider swapping out the lights for LED light bulbs. You can not only make it easier to see but also reduce your electricity bills.

Remove Trip Hazards

You should also try to remove trip hazards from your home. Falls are one of the most common reasons why people get hurt, so try to remove objects that you might trip over. For example, if you have area rugs, you may want to tuck the tassels underneath. That way, you have a much lower chance of tripping on them.

Install Grab Bars In The Bathroom

You may also want to consider installing some grab bars in the bathroom. Bathroom floors can get wet, making it easier for people to slip and fall. This is particularly true in the shower and bathroom. By installing some grab bars, you have an extra way to stabilize yourself when you are bathing. This can reduce your chances of falling and striking your head, shoulder, or hip.

Make Your Home Safer And More Functional With These Tips

From time to time, you should do a comprehensive evaluation of your home to see how you can improve your house’s safety and functionality. This can make a significant difference in the value of your home while also reducing the chances of someone falling and getting hurt.

Home Emergency Kit Some natural disasters can be forecast — hurricanes, snow storms and, in some cases, flooding. Other disasters occur unexpectedly, such as tornadoes and earthquakes.

As a homeowner or renter in Fremont , it’s a safe idea to prepare for disaster or unexpected emergency. Every home should maintain a ready, working emergency kit for such a time.

Here are some items to include in your home’s emergency kit :

Waterproof Container : Store items in a locking, plastic container
Battery-Powered Radio : A small radio can receive weather updates and emergency broadcasts. Pack extra batteries, or use a hand-crank radio, instead.
Light Source : Pack multiple flashlights and many spare batteries. LED flashlights are more expensive than “older” flashlights, but won’t lose battery power as quickly. Pack candles and matches, as well.
Water : Pack bottled water, storing larger bottles in a cool, separate place. Add several bottles of sport drink for variety, if desired.
Food : Pack non-perishable food such as canned fruits and vegetables; protein sources such as peanut butter or canned tuna; crackers and cookies; nuts and dried fruits. Remember to pack a can-opener, if needed. Include plastic utensils, if necessary.
Blankets : At least two blankets should be packed. Consider packing multiple sets of clothes, for different temperatures and seasons.
First-Aid Kit : A proper first-aid kit should include antiseptic, bandages, aspirin, an ace bandage, and allergy medicine for allergic reactions.
Emergency Contact List : Include a list of your local utility companies; phone numbers at which to contact friends and loved ones; and, your primary care physician’s number.

After packing your emergency kit, make sure to store it in an easy-to-reach location away from power lines, power sources, and any place that may be “extra dangerous” during a crisis. For example, storing an emergency kit in a garage or a shed may be safer than storing it in a basement or in a bedroom closet.

In an emergency, a little bit of preparation can go a long way. Be prepared and be safe.