Household items that create surprising hazards and dangers

How can I avoid surprising household hazards?

• Keep treadmills and exercise equipment secured, powered off and unplugged . The rotating belt can cause friction rashes, broken bones and snagged clothing in an instant.
  • Keep the treadmill in a closed room, turn off the power switch (or unplug it).
  • Store the safety key away from the machine so that children can't accidentally turn it on.
• Keep refrigerator magnets out of reach or secured . Small magnets can be swallowed and put children at risk of choking or damaging their stomachs and digestive tracts.
• Keep coin/button batteries out of reach and secure items that use them. Coin lithium "button" batteries can put children at risk of choking or do internal damage to their bodies.
  • Tape battery doors shut on items powered by coin batteries so children can't access them.
  • Keep unused batteries out of children’s reach.
• Maintain and assure garage doors are operating smoothly and functioning safely . Malfunctioning and improperly installed garage doors cause injuries.
  • Regularly test garage doors to make sure they retract when an object is in its path to prevent injury if someone walks or stands underneath.
  • Have a professional inspect your garage doors, all springs and sensors to see if they need repair.
• Maintain and evaluate electronic appliances. The advanced features on today's high-tech appliances make them easy to use but they can short circuit and lead to fires. Pay close attention to:
  • Stove burner ignitions that turn on by themselves,
  • Refrigerator light bulbs that stay on and overheat, and
  • Appliances with warning signals. Display panels often flash unusual messages if there's a problem.

How can I avoid typical household hazards?

• Keep floors and stairways in high traffic areas clear to prevent injury and falls.
• Assure stairways are well lit .
• Store household cleaners and poisonous items and medications in safe places to prevent children from reaching them and to prevent accidental poisoning.
• Maintain fresh batteries in smoke detectors in case of fire and in carbon monoxide detectors to prevent poisoning.
• Verify wiring and light switches in your home are problem free.
• Secure swimming pools and spas with safety features to prevent drownings.

Other hazards to consider

• Store your hand tools and power tools behind a lock and key.
• Keep hazardous materials stored and disposed of properly (paint, heat-sensitive or combustible materials and solvents etc.).
• Keep fertilizers, weed-killers and pesticides stored out of a child's reach or behind a locked cabinet.
• Practice Kitchen Safety.
• Be cautious when opening plastic packages .
  • Trying to open rigid clamshell packages with knives or scissors can cause cuts and puncture wounds.
  • Sharp plastic can also gouge skin.
    • Instead, use tin snips, a manual-can opener or scissors specially designed for this purpose.

Regularly review your home for potential fire hazards

• Examine electrical and extension cords.  
• Review your light bulb appropriate wattages for fixtures using them.
• Examine the clothes dryer lint traps.
• Move glassware away from windows and direct sunlight.  
• Store and dispose of unused batteries and cover the posts with electrical tape.
• Use electric blankets safely.  

It is always a good idea to conduct a regular home inspection and to create and keep a well-stocked first-aid kit for your home using these tips from the American Red Cross.