A home accident is an unintentional occurrence that leads to injuries or even death within the home. A home accident is a major cause of injury to members of the family, especially children.
Home accidents have given an increased level of morbidity in homes.
Home accidents though are said to be unforeseen but are avoidable.
Lack of supervision or carelessness from parents or guidance are the major pathways home accidents find their way to homes, causing avoidable damages both to humans and properties.
One bad thing about home accidents is that is can have an extension to neighbors, visitors, or other innocent people and their properties.
In this article, We shall be looking and pointing out five (5) most occurring home accidents, how to prevent and manage or treat them. We have taken our time to check out the 5 most occurring home accidents, they are listed and explained in no particular order of occurrence.
Types Of Home Accidents and How To Manage Them.
1. Falls:
This is very common in most homes, it involves falling from a height or falling from the ground; falls from heights may occur when climbing a ladder, standing on stools or chairs, climbing, or coming down on stairs. The ladder or stool may have lost its balance or may not be in good shape, hence may cause a fall when weight is on it. Falls from the ground may occur as a result of a slippery floor, slippery materials like banana peels. A slippery floor or ground may occur as a result of water spilled on the floor, smooth tiles, uncleaned liquids on the floor, this is more common in the toilet, bathroom, and kitchen as well as other rooms in the house.
This can be prevented by ensuring the floor is as dry as possible, one should also be careful when moving in places where there is water spillage. Ensuring banana peels and other fruit wastes are disposed of properly. Take measures to ensure ladders, stools are in order by ensuring the nails and nuts and screws are intact. Also, take care when climbing or using the staircase.
In the case of injury, administer basic first aid like stopping bleeding or managing fracture or dislocation as the case may be, then call your physician as soon as possible.
2. Electric shock:
Electric shock can cause severe health effects to the body or even death in the case of electrocution. Electric shock occurs when an electric current passes through the body, it has a painful contraction feeling, and it can be deadly.
Electric shock can be caused by naked wires or switches, non-insulated electric metal materials. Wrong wiring or electric connections can also cause electric shocks. Contact with electrical appliances with wet materials or the body is also a major cause of electric shock. If one encounters electric shock, they should be quick to withdraw from the electric source, if possible switch off the electric source. In the case of severe shock, the individual may pass out or faint, administer artificial respiration, and rush to the hospital.
3. Cuts:
Cuts are of various degrees and can be caused by different sharp objects or materials. Cut often occurs in the kitchen and is unintentional, cuts occur from kitchen knives; when not used properly or mistakenly comes in contact with the skin. Broken glasses, sharp objects should be properly disposed of or kept, and out of the reach of children.
If a cut eventually occurs, one should be quick to stop the bleeding and cover it with a bandage, bleeding can be stopped by applying hydrogen peroxide or pressing the affected area (for minor cuts). In the case of severe cuts, contact your doctor.
4. Fire outbreak/ explosion:
Fire outbreak easily occurs in homes because they can come from different sources. A fire outbreak can be disastrous. It can be caused by electric sparks, fire from cooking can also cause havoc if not checked. A fire outbreak is easily curtailed when it’s still small.
Fire outbreaks can be curtailed by supervising any burning utensils in the house, insulating every naked wire and connection, the house fire extinguisher is very important in all homes, Also monitor children’s use of gas cooker or stove.
In the case of a fire outbreak, it is important to be calm, rush for the fire extinguisher, and quench the fire, if the fire is of a high degree, it's important you call the fire service officials.
Gas explosions also occur in homes, this can be caused when using expired gas cylinders, leaking gas, or even overfilled gas. Carefulness should be taken when filling gas for cooking, ensure there is no leakage, buy your gas cylinder from secure gas dealers. In the case of a gas explosion, one should ensure the face and nose are properly covered, if it’s leaking gas, take it to more open space.
5. Poisoning:
This is more common among children, poisoning can occur by ingesting harmful substances or contaminated foods. Children out of curiosity or ignorance may take things that are harmful to their health. Parental guidance is highly recommended, there are cases where children drink poisonous substances like disinfectants or even eat raw foods.
in the case of taking the poisonous substances, induce vomiting, give milk to the victim, then call the attention of a physician.
Other forms of a home accident include suffocation, choking, injuries from fights or rough play, etc. Home accidents are avoidable, it is easy to prevent than to manage. Parents and guidance are encouraged to be vigilant and careful, they should always watch out for the kids in the house. Carefulness and vigilance will reduce the rate and effect of home accidents. Knowledge of its management or treatment is also essential. We are all going to have safer homes if we put all health safety measures in place.
©️Anunobi, Solomon C.
Thanks for sharing this helpful tips
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