Safety in the Home

1. Safety in the Home Did you know: - Total number of accidental deaths in homes decreased from 29,000 in 1950 to 26,700 in 1994 Today about 2.7 million people go to the hospital each year due to home accidents The cost of home injuries - $45.63 billion Name the most common

2. Answer the following questions • Identify traffic pattern in relation to a home. Why should you keep it clear of clutter. • Why care for space in a home?? • List three daily or weekly tasks that contribute toward a neat & clean home. • Identify three cleaning activities outdoors? • What is preventive maintenance? • List two maintenance jobs that should be conducted once a year. • Identify four tasks that should be done twice a year.

3. What do you think? • Which household chore to you like to perform the least? Why?? • If you could invent any device to make household maintenance easier, what would it be?

4. Learning Targets • I can list the most common dangers in the home • I can predict the causes of home accidents • I can develop strategies for preventing home accidents • I can describe ways that you could take responsibility for the safety of others

5. Assessing The Dangers • Home – constantly changing environment • People/pets come & go, objects = rearranged • Before you can prevent accidents you must know what they are • Common accidents • Falls & bumps • Greatest cause of injuries & death in the home • Cuts • Poisonings • American Red Cross – over 90% of all poisonings takes place in the home • Fire & Electrical Problems • 2nd greatest cause of accidents in the home • Most fires – careless cooking or cigarette smoking

6. Preventing Home Accidents • Both human factors & physical conditions cause accidents • If you know what to look for, you can prevent accidents • Common reasons: • Carelessness • Under stress, upset • In a hurry, tired • Physical limitations • Young children – not developed the physical coordination & awareness • Elderly, people w/disabilities – may not be able to act quick

7. Do You Know….. • Indentify the four most common accidents that occur in the home. • Which accident results in the most injuries & deaths? • Where do most poisonings occur? • What are some main causes for accidents happening in the home? • What should you care for your space at home? • Identify two tasks that you should do twice a year.

8. Preventing Falls • Falls can happen anywhere, but most common on cluttered surfaces, slippery floors & stairs. • What can you do?? • Keep floors clear of clutter • “Caution: Wet Floor” Sign • Wipe up spills immediately • Rugs – tape or nonskid mats • Furniture – out of the path of traffic • Shorten/secure cords/wires • Use stepladders when needed • Keep areas well-lit

9. Preventing Falls • Watch out for • Stairs • Rugs • Bathtub • Showers

10. Preventing Cuts • Occur most often in the kitchen • Pay close attention • Sharp objects stored properly • Protective shield • Drawer – handles toward the person opening the drawer • Store out of reach of children • When operating tools • wear gloves & goggles, no dangling jewelry or loose clothing • Always wear closed-toe shoes • Turn off tool/appliance when not in use

11. Preventing Poisoning • Most occur in the kitchen, bathroom or bedroom • Young children – most at risk • To help prevent: • Know what poisons are in your home • Lock or attach childproof latches • Choose items in childproof containers • Never refer to medicine as “candy” • Never put dangerous substances in containers w/out warning labels

12. Preventing Poisoning • Can happen when certain gases are inhaled • Carbon monoxide is a tasteless & odorless gas that is extremely poisonous • Can be produced by a defective heater or fire place, clogged chimney, automobile exhaust & other gas sources • Carbon monoxide detector – is a device that sounds an alarm when a dangerous level of carbon monoxide is reached • Yearly inspections of heating systems & detector – preventive measures

13. Preventing Electrical Injuries • Mainly occur due to problems with plugs, wiring, outlets, extension cords, improper use of appliances • You can prevent it!! • Plugs & Outlets • Inspect for loose plugs or exposed wiring • Children – cap all outlets • Extension Cords • Avoid plugging in too many – overload • Use extension cords to share • Keep out of traffic patterns • Do not run them under rugs/carpet • Appliances • Check wiring, never use on wet surfaces

14. Preventing Fires • Check outlets & appliances • Never store items near a heater or furnace • Be careful when you use a portable heater • Follow directions • Avoid clutter near the range (stove) in the kitchen • Gas range – check pilot light – thin stream of gas that burns constantly and is used to light the burners • Use matches, candles & lighters safely • Smoke detector – makes a sound when smoke is detected • Know how to leave a home, in case of a fire – have a plan

15. Taking Responsibility • To prevent accidents – you must be aware of the dangers, stay on guard & plan for prevention • “childproof” your home • Offer assistance to those with special needs • Prepare in advance for such emergencies as fire and severe weather

16. Complete Questions • #1-6 on page 713

17. Questions • Complete Questions #1-6 page on 713