JUNE IS HOME SAFETY MONTH

For most of us, home is a safe haven. However, every day in homes across America, 55 people die and another 58,000 people are injured and need medical care. Many simple things can be done to help save lives and prevent injuries. Installing the right safety products and planning ahead can prepare you to deal with whatever may arise, and could even save your life.

This year during Home Safety Month, the UAB Injury Control Research Center offers tips to prevent three of the most common causes of unintentional injury in Alabama: falls, poisonings and fires and burns.

Tips for the Prevention of Falls

Make sure all porches, hallways and stairwells are well lit.

Have grab bars and use a non-slip mat, or install strips or decals in bathtubs and showers.

Use gates at the top and bottom of the stairs if babies or toddlers live in or visit your home.

Tips for the Prevention of Poisonings

Post the Poison Control Center 24-hour hotline (1-800-222-1222) at every phone. If you think someone has been poisoned, call right away!

Use medications carefully. Follow the directions as prescribed by a physician or printed on the label. Use child resistant lids, but remember – nothing is childproof!

To prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, install a UL-listed CO alarm near every sleeping area.

Tips for the Prevention of Fires/Burns

Install smoke alarms on every level of your home and outside all bedrooms. Test alarms monthly. If you build a new home, install fire sprinklers.

Plan a home fire drill and practice it at least twice a year.

Keep hot water heaters set at or below 120 F degrees to prevent burns.

If you smoke tobacco products, do it outside. Never smoke in bed. Use deep ashtrays and put water in them before you empty them.

Before grilling, position your outdoor grill at least 3 feet away from other objects, including the house and any shrubs or bushes.

Back

For more questions, please contact the ICRC Intern, Carrie Connolly at connolly@uab.edu or Katherine Terry Harper, UAB ICRC Associate Director for Education, Training and Service at ksterry@uab.edu.