Home is a place where we all seek safety and protection. However, it's important to be aware that even with our best efforts, there are still potential dangers that can threaten our well-being. This is especially true for children and older adults, who may be more vulnerable to hazards that often go unnoticed. In order to ensure the safety of our loved ones, it is crucial to be aware of these commonly overlooked hazards in our Lowcountry homes.

1. Falls

Falls are a major danger at home, with children and older adults being particularly vulnerable. Each year, approximately 2.2 million children and 3 million older adults end up in the emergency room due to fall-related injuries. These falls can result in various injuries, including head, hip, and limb injuries. Even seemingly minor falls can have serious consequences, such as fractures and head trauma, especially for older adults. It is crucial to be aware of this risk and take preventive measures to ensure safety at home.

Stairs, uneven surfaces, bathrooms, and elevated areas are known to be the most common causes of falls. To prevent children from accidentally falling, it is essential to add sturdy safety gates on both ends of the stairs. Additionally, ensuring that stairs, bathrooms, and areas with uneven flooring are well-lit will greatly help people see where they are going. Lastly, it is important to have functional and durable handrails on your staircase to further enhance safety.

Non-slip mats are essential in bathrooms to prevent accidents. They provide a secure and stable surface, reducing the risk of slipping and falling. By placing non-slip mats near the shower, bathtub, and toilet, you create a safer environment for everyone in the household.

2. Furniture and Appliance Tip-Overs

Children's natural inclination to explore and climb can pose a serious risk if they choose unsecured appliances or furniture as their climbing structures. In 2021 alone, a staggering 22,500 Americans sought emergency room treatment for injuries caused by tip-overs. What's even more alarming is that nearly half of these cases involved children under the age of 18. It is crucial for parents and caregivers to prioritize the safety of their little ones by securing furniture and appliances to prevent these accidents from occurring.

Injuries and fatalities caused by heavy items like televisions, bookcases, dressers, and drawers are a serious concern. To ensure safety at home, it is crucial to properly secure all furniture. Taking these preventive measures is essential for maintaining a secure and hazard-free living environment.

3. Unmaintained Equipment

Neglecting maintenance on household equipment and appliances can lead to serious consequences. For example, failing to clean your dryer's lint trap creates a major fire hazard. Similarly, an HVAC system with a dirty filter can distribute pollutants throughout your home, posing a risk to your respiratory health. Regular maintenance is crucial to ensure the safe and efficient functioning of these devices.

4. Carbon Monoxide

Carbon monoxide, often referred to as the silent killer, is a dangerous gas that is both colorless and odorless. Due to its lack of detectable characteristics, it is virtually impossible to identify with the five senses alone. The only reliable method of detection is through the use of electronic sensors. It is important to note that even symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning can be misleading, as they often mimic those of the common flu.

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a dangerous gas that can have serious health effects. When exposed to high levels of CO, individuals may experience a range of symptoms including headaches, weakness, vomiting, stomach issues, and confusion. In severe cases, CO poisoning can lead to loss of consciousness or even death. It is important to be aware of the potential dangers of carbon monoxide and take necessary precautions to prevent exposure.

To avoid carbon monoxide poisoning, it is crucial to take certain precautions in your home. One effective measure is to install a carbon monoxide detector on every floor. This ensures that any potential buildup of carbon monoxide can be detected early on, allowing you to take necessary action to prevent harm.

Keep Your Home Safe

In every home, there are potential hazards that can harm our loved ones. Despite being our safest haven, our homes can still pose risks that can cause injury unexpectedly. By taking additional precautions to ensure a hazard-free environment, we can protect our families and keep them safe.

Are you buying or selling a home in Beaufort, Bluffton, Hilton Head, Port Royal, Lady's Island, Habersham, Coosaw Point, or Fripp Island? We can help with our full range of home buying and selling services and military relocation! You can use our convenient and powerful home search to find the home of your dreams in the Lowcountry! And check back on our blog every week for informative real estate and local Lowcountry information. Contact us today at 843-321-2158.