Watch Those Stairs: 7 Ways of Preventing Falls

Stairs are the cause for most of the accidental falls in the home. Because of the severity of these falls stairs falls are also the leading cause of death due to falls in the home. Consider the following 7 tips to keep your house safe and to prevent dangerous falls.

1) Be sure that the edge of the stairs are highly visible. Use a black border or some other indicator which keeps the edge of the step visible. Carpet patterns should not hide the edge of steps. Many falls are a result of some believing the steps have ended when in actually there are one or two more steps.

2) Don't place throw rugs at the top or bottom of the stairs. If rugs are used be sure to properly secure them with carpet tape or non-slip rubber backing.  

3) On non-carpeted stairs use skid resistant surface treatments, non-skid tape, or rubber stair treads. Follow the directions of experts for application.

4) Be sure handrails are installed on both sides of the stairs.

5) Be sure that the stairway has adequate lighting and switches are installed at both the top and bottom of the stairs.

6) Do not allow the stairs to be a collecting place for books, packages or other objects. Remove them immediately to prevent someone from tripping over them.

7) Be sure that single steps are visible. Single steps are often overlooked but many people trip on them frequently.

10 Ways to Prevent Home Electrical Fires

Electrical fires cause hundreds of lost lives and cost millions of dollars in damaged property each year.  Here is a list of 10 ways to prevent electrical fires from starting at home.

1) Inspect the cords and plugs on electrical equipment and appliances and replace anything that is frayed or worn out. Faulty wiring is one of the major causes of home electrical fires.

2) Do not overload your electrical sockets. The best guideline to the proper use of electrical sockets is to check how many spaces it has for plugs. If an electrical socket only has 2 plug outlets, then it is designed only to handle that many appliances at the same time.

3) Extension cords are alright to use, but not extensively. Under no circumstances should extension cords be used as permanent electrical sockets. Electrical fires happen most often in the month of December, during the holiday season when people use a lot of extension cords for decorations. If extension cords are used on occasion they should be heavy duty and good quality.

4) Electrical appliances have different pronged plugs. Don't try to force a 3-pronged plug into a 2-pronged outlet.

5) Use safety covers on electrical sockets particularly if you have small children.

6) A lot of fires are a result of using stand-alone electrical heaters. Be sure to keep these heaters away from curtains, drapes, clothes, and any other flammable materials, particularly Christmas trees during the holiday season.

7) Be careful of electric blankets. Buy only the highest quality electric blankets, preferably those with temperature safety controls which control how hot a blanket gets. Discard electric blankets that have loose or exposed wires to keep the user from being burned.

8) Do not place carpets or rugs over electrical cables. Carpets can be easily ignited by faulty exposed electrical cords. It is better to be able to see electrical cords than to be burned by them.

9) Only buy appliances that have passed all safety standards.

10) Watch out for fuses and sockets that frequently short-circuit. These are signs of faulty wiring or overloaded electrical systems. Contact an electrician immediately.

3 Easy Ways to Protect Yourself!

1)  Keep a weapon in your hand. You can use your car keys and cell phones to either stab or bludgeon an attacker. Pepper spray is also effective weapon because it can immobilize someone and keep more distance between you and the attacker.

2)  Be alert at all times and don't allow yourself to be distracted from getting to your destination. It is easy to be distracted by text messaging or cell phone calls and to become unaware of  your surroundings. Stay alert and ready to use your weapon if necessary.

3) Believe that an attack can happen to you! Too many people walk around with a false sense of security. If you find yourself walking down a sidewalk near an alley where someone might be hiding, walk in the street if possible until you reach a safer place. The more distance you put between yourself and a potential attacker the greater chance you have of not being attacked. Look assertive and confident. Remember, attackers are looking for weakness in a victim and not strength. Avoid areas with poor lighting, particularly when walking alone. Don't be afraid to ask to be escorted from a grocery store or restaurant. There is nothing to be ashamed of. It just makes good sense.

For Your Safety,

Dr. Martin Wooten 

5 Pool Safety Tips to Keep Your Family Safe.

There is no better way to relax and avoid the summer heat than to spend the day playing in a swimming pool. Yet, as fun as a pool may be there are serious inherent dangers. Some 90 percent of drownings occur in fresh water and more than half of these occur in home swimming pools. Drowning is the second leading cause of accidental death for school-age children and the number one cause for preschoolers. Approximately 350 drownings each year involve residential swimming pools among children ages 4 and under. More than half of these drownings occur in the child’s home pool and one-third occur at the homes of friends, neighbors or relatives. Therefore, it is important to be conscious of pool safety precautions. Listed below are a few safety tips to keep in mind in order to help insure your swimming excursions are a safe and memorable experience and not a tragic one.

1) It’s much safer to always swim with another person. Because a person can drown quickly, swimming alone should be avoided. If another person is present, it is much more likely that a person who is drowning will get help before it is too late. Children should never be left alone while swimming. Most parents intend on watching their children but the phone rings or the baby wakes up, etc., and they become distracted. Remember this. Most accidents happen when a child is left alone. Also, children are much more playful and energetic which can lead to many more accidents.

2) Be sure your children learn to swim as early as possible. Most drowning accidents involve children who did not know how to swim. Learning to swim is a fun experience for children and will give you the peace of mind that if one of your children does fall into a pool they will have a much better chance of survival. It is important to realize that even if your pool is child protected, that might not be the case at another home with a pool where your children spend time. Also, parents need to be sure they can swim as well. It does little good if the person watching the children is unable to enter the water to rescue a child in trouble.

3) Children should wear life jackets. These give a extra measure of safety for children. Life jackets should be preferred because they help keep the whole upper body including the head above water. Arm flotation devices are another option, however, children can more easily pull them off and they are not as effective in case a child is knocked unconscious.

4) Never dive in the shallow end of the pool or in a body of water where you cannot see how deep the water is or what obstacles lie hidden beneath the surface of the water. Many people have suffered broken necks, been knocked unconscious, and have drowned because their heads hit the pool bottom or something else hidden from sight in a cloudy body of water.

5) Be sure your back yard pool is surrounded by an adequate fence and the gate automatically shuts. Also, it should go without saying that the gate should be locked at all times when there is no adult supervision. In places where home swimming pools are a common part of home life, a locked gate not only protects your children but also other children in the neighborhood who might wander into your back yard. Jacuzzi pools are often overlooked in regards to requiring the same safety standards as a pool. Jacuzzi covers which can be locked in place are available and should be part of the safety standards for your back yard. If your children are denied access to the pool or a jacuzzi then obviously they will not be another swimming accident statistic.

Home Security Tips For When You Are Away

With the rise in home burglaries, it is normal to feel apprehensive when we leave our homes for vacations or weekends away. A vacant home is like a sitting duck in a world filled with opportunity seeking intruders. Although no efforts at preventing a break-in are fool-proof, I have listed below some tips to help discourage someone from breaking into your home while you are away.

 

 

1) Lock all doors, windows, and garage doors. Sometimes the most obvious preventive measures are overlooked the most. Locks need to be reliable and strong enough to provide a serious break-in obstacle. Flimsy locks do nothing but give you a false sense of security. Place a rod or a broom- handle-thick piece of wood and put it in the tracks of your sliding glass doors and double wide windows to prevent them from being opened.

2) Outside lighting is important to discourage intruders. Every entrance to the house should have a light illuminating the area. Motion detector lights serve a useful purpose in this regard as do lights that are on timers. Motion detectors are better for the utility bill in contrast to lights left on all night.

3) Timers should be set to control lights and TVs etc., throughout the day to keep an intruder guessing if someone is home or not. Intruders want to reduce the risk as much as possible and if they have to wonder if someone is home, they usually move on to a house where it is more obvious that no one is home.

4)  Let neighbors you trust know that you will be away for a few days. Ask them to keep their eyes on your house and call 911 if they suspect something is wrong.

5)  Alѕο alert уουr local police department οf уουr vacation plans аnd give thеm a phone number whеrе уου саn bе reached іn case οf аn emergency.

6)  Stοр mail аnd newspaper delivery. Piled up mail or newspapers is a sure sign that no one is home.

7)  Be sure while you are gone that your lawn is mowed or if in the winter time that your driveway and walkway are free from snow. It is important that a potential intruder thinks that someone is home and taking of care of the normal duties of a home owner.

8)  Keep уουr travel plans confidential. Many people make a huge mistake by broadcasting their travel plans to people they don't know or by posting their plans on Facebook οr οthеr social networking websites.

Following these tips can give you much needed peace-of-mind when heading out of town for that special weekend or vacation. Be sure to plan ahead so that you have the time needed to implement all of these tips. You'll be glad you did!

For Your Safety,

Dr. Martin Wooten

Home Safety: Carbon Monoxide Detectors Can Save Your Family's Life

It can kill in a matter of minutes, but you can’t see it, smell it, or taste it. Carbon monixide has been called the invisible killer. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are similar to those of the flu, food poisoning or other illnesses, such as dizziness, confusion, nausea, headaches, and shortess of breath.

Sadly, carbon monoxide poisoning kills hundreds of people every year which has motivated more and more homeowners to purchase carbon monoxide detectors for their homes. Many home owners recognize the value of smoke detectors which in many states are required in all new homes and buildings. However, carbon monoxide detectors have not reached the same home safety emphasis. However, carbon monoxide is even more deadly because it is oderless and invisible. Its victims simply fall asleep, yet never wake up.
Carbon monoxide is produced when any fuel such as gas, oil, kerosene, wood or charcoal is burned. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, dangerous levels of carbon monoxide are produced when appliances are used incorrectly or are not functioning properly. Idling cars are a common source of carbon monoxide poisoning. Anyone using fuel sources besides electricity should be very familiar with the equipment and have it professionally inspected. Unlike propane, which is heavier than air or natural gas which is lighter than air, carbon monoxide has the same buoyancy as room air and therefore, circulates easily and evenly.

Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors should be partners in providing early warnings of dangerous and poisonous gases in the home. There is no better insurance than a properly operating smoke and carbon monoxide detector. They both save lives.

For Your Safety,

Dr. Martin Wooten

If You Can't Afford a Home Security System, Try This!

Sometimes we overlook a simple solution to a problem because we're led to believe that the more sophisticated solutions are the most reliable, particularly in this age of technology.

In general, most people believe that the best way to ward off burglars and the like is to invest in an expensive technologically sophisticated home security system. Yet, in reality, all they really want is something to make a lot of noise to scare off a would-be intruder.

A simpler solution if you don't have a home security system is to use your car as an alarm. Most cars these days have alarm systems included in the price of the car and can be set off by pressing the panic button on the car key. Keep your car key close at hand, next to your bed at night, etc., and when you hear something suspicious or someone trying to break into your house, press the panic button on your car key. That should startle any burglars from continuing their break-in attempts. Whatever the case, it is a lot less expensive than installing a home security system, particularly if you are short on case.

Just be sure to check the detection range of your car alarm to be sure it will go off if the button is pressed inside the house.

For your safety,

Dr. Martin Wooten

4 Tips for Selecting a Home Security System

With the increase in home invasions and break-ins, acquiring a home security system is an important option to consider. Yet, how does one go about choosing which system is the best? Whether you randomly choose a company or you decide to install a system yourself, there are a few things to consider in order to make the best choice.

1) Allow a professional to install the system for you. Unless you are very technically savvy this is the best course of action. Professional installation usually comes with a warranty in case of a malfunction. Also, it will give you more peace-of-mind that the system is installed correctly. It is important that the system functions properly when you need it the most.

2) Select a well-known home security system company. There is a reason some companies have been around for a while. Though longevity is not always the final proof of quality, the companies with a track record are a good place to begin your research. What kind of warranties do the companies offer? Do they monitor their home security clients in-house or do they hire another company for their monitoring? What happens exactly if the security system is triggered. What is the plan of action? Do you believe the plan of action is sufficient and provides you the security you feel is necessary?

3) Determine what your security needs are. Not all security systems are the same. Some are very basic and some come with all the bells and whistles. Do you need motion detectors in all of the rooms or is it enough just to have the doors and windows of the house monitored? Just like in the purchase of a car, there are always a list of options to choose from. Be sure that what you are paying for is actually what you believe you really need.

4) Determine how much you can afford to spend. Affordability should be the bottom line of any purchase. Figure out how much you have to spend first and then choose a security system which offers the most for that price.

Deciding what home security system is best for you does not have to be a complicated process. If you take a little time, consult a reliable professional, determine what you need and can afford, the security system you install will bring you the peace-of-mind and confidence that you and your family are secure.

For Your Safety,

Dr. Martin Wooten

 

5 Self Defense and Safety Tips for the Elderly

Elder abuse is one of the most heinous crimes in our society. With people living much longer, elder abuse is destined to be on the increase. The following are some helpful tips to keep you safe.

1) Be sure you have adequate locks on your doors and windows. It is well worth the price of new locks if a burglar comes around looking for a way to get into your house. Don't make it easy for them.

2) Get to know your neighbors. Ask them to keep an eye out for any suspicious looking activity and either inform you or call the police themselves. Also, ask them if you can contact them if you become startled. The majority of people are more than happy and even eager to help.

3) Keep emergency numbers in close view. Calling 911 is the most important call you can make. Secondly, call your neighbors.

4) Don't be embarrassed to ask for help. It is normal not to want to bother anyone but a little humility can go a long way in keeping you safe.

5) Think about getting a watch dog. Check out my post which discusses the difference between a watch dog and a guard dog. If you are comfortable with a guard dog then invest in one. If not, be sure you select a breed known for watch dog capabilities, particularly a breed that barks. Barking dogs are an excellent deterrent to break-ins. Obviously, burglars operate best when they are undetected. A dog can hear suspicious activity well before you can.

Stay safe,
Dr. Martin Wooten

3 Important Aspects of Personal Self-Defense

The statement, "The best defense is no defense", though seemingly contradictory, is ironically true. Not having to defend yourself is a much safer scenario than a scenario in which you must defend yourself against an attacker.

1) Be aware of your surroundings. Only allow yourself to be alone if it is absolutely necessary. Late night activities in secluded places are prime hiding places for an attacker. Plan ahead in order to avoid being caught in a dangerous place. Why go to a late movie when you can attend an earlier one and avoid the chance of being attacked?

2) You have heard the saying, "There is strength in numbers." Well, it's true, particularly when it comes to protecting yourself. Robbers, rapists, and muggers are cowards by nature and prey on the weak and isolated. If attending a party where you are unacquainted with most of the people, take a friend along and stay together. Remember, date rape is not a group event.

3)  Unless you have had some extensive training, you'll need to get in a learning mode, put aside some time, and be ready to have some fun learning how to better defend yourself. There are a lot of resources available from books to DVDs that will help you get started. It is not necessary to enroll in a karate course to prepare yourself. A few basic but effective moves can take you a long way!

For Your Safety,

Dr. Martin Wooten

(I copied and pasted the following article from physorg.com in hopes that you will take seriously the importance of providing the necessary safety measures for the well-being of your children. The article is evidence-base and very informative.)  

The Faculty of Health Sciences professor of children’s health was a co-investigator on A Randomized Controlled Trial of Home Injury Hazard Reduction, published in the Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine (April 2011).

The two-year study in Cincinnati, OH looked at how young children in more than 300 homes with safety devices fared compared to those in homes without the devices. They included stairway gates, cabinet locks, electrical outlet covers, safety storage for sharp objects such as knives and hot water heaters set below 48 degrees Celsius (120 F).

Along with Lanphear, five researchers at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Centre, including the lead investigator Doctor Kieran J. Phelan, studied the impact of installing and maintaining the devices. Their efficacy was studied during the first two years of a baby’s life.

The researchers found children in the equipped homes experienced 70 per cent fewer preventable injuries. The rate of all housing-related injuries dropped by 30 per cent.

“The results of this study are important because injuries are the leading cause of morbidity, mortality and disability in Canada and other developed countries,” explains Lanphear.

“Injuries that occur in the home are the most common and preventable injuries. Cuts, bruises, burns, poisonings or falls are not usually severe or fatal, but falling down stairs or out of an open window can result in serious injuries or death. Ingestions, fires or poisonings occur frequently and can be serious or fatal.”

This is the first study of home-safety device efficacy to go so far as installing, maintaining and evaluating their injury reduction. Previous studies typically only provided families with educational literature.