The house represents a symbol of safety and tranquility in the collective imagination. When it comes to home security, in fact, the thought almost always goes to the defense from external threats, underestimating the dangers that lurk within the walls and that can cause even serious domestic injuries .
Perhaps few know that in Italy at least 3,000,000 domestic accidents occur per year (Istat 2010 data).
The most recurring accident is certainly the fall, followed by cuts, bumps and crushing. Poisoning, poisoning, burns, shocks and problems caused by failures or misbehavior are also numerous.
The number one rule to prevent this type of information is certainly to know the dangers.
Let’s see together some basic rules for living the house safely . Prevent falls
- Use folding stairs only if in good condition, using suitable footwear (never climb the stairs with footwear such as clogs, slippers or open shoes) and preferably in the presence of a person who guarantees stability from the ground
- Pay close attention to entering and exiting the shower and bathtub, falls with wet feet are among the most dangerous. Provide large handles in showers or bathtubs to help the elderly and people with reduced mobility
- Have an emergency bell installed in the bathroom, which is essential in case of sudden illness
Prevent gas leaks
- do not leave burning stoves exposed to drafts which could extinguish the flame
- close the gas tap or the cylinder before going to sleep and when you are away from home
- place the boiler in a place in the house where continuous air exchange is guaranteed (better still outside)
- never skip maintenance operations (required by law)
- do not use the same flue for more than one system: carbon monoxide, instead of being dispersed outside the room, could re-enter the house through another opening.
If you smell gas :
- do not ignite flames or cause sparks by operating appliances, using a bell, intercom or telephone
- open the windows and evacuate the environment
- close the main gas tap or that of the cylinder
- disconnect the main light switch (only if this is not in the room where the presence of gas is sensed)
Prevent electric shocks and short circuits
- do not overload multiple sockets respecting the absorption limits indicated on the socket itself (1000-1500 Watt)
- replace deteriorated cables or cables with exposed filaments, avoiding home repairs
- do not use appliances with wet hands or in the presence of water
- do not carry out maintenance or cleaning work on household appliances with the plug inserted in the socket
- do not intervene on the electrical system (even to replace a light bulb) without interrupting the power supply from the main electrical panel
Prevent poisoning from detergents, toxic substances and drugs
The substances contained in detergents or other products commonly used in homes such as metal cleaners, moths, insecticides, etc., if not used with the appropriate precautions, can be toxic , irritating or poisonous :
- do not buy products without labels or without directions for use
- always read the product label and follow the directions for use given
- do not mix substances based on different chemical compounds
- in case of pouring into other containers, always put an identification label
- keep detergents, drugs and toxic or dangerous substances in places not accessible to children
Preventing water damage
To avoid flooding , it is always good to repair water leaks and avoid leaving the washing machine and dishwasher unattended while they are in operation.
In the kitchen it is advisable to pay particular attention to boiling water , using caution so as not to spill it on oneself or on people and animals that are nearby.
Children and the elderly with mobility problems may have difficulty managing bathroom time , so they need the supervision of a person who is able to help them. Prevent fires
- do not use synthetic clothing and tie your hair when near stoves, fireplaces, or stoves
- do not leave burning candles unattended
- do not leave the fireplace unattended even if it is equipped with a flame arrester
- do not approach spray cans or batteries which could cause bursts
- do not smoke while you are in bed and always make sure that you have extinguished cigarettes, cigars, pipes and matches
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