Keep Your Loved Ones Safe With These 4 Simple Swaps

It pretty much goes without saying that you want to keep your loved ones safe at home. You have covered the big things, like installing locks on the doors and checking the batteries in smoke detectors and the carbon monoxide alarm. There are other, little swaps you can make in everyday life that will also help improve household safety. Try implementing these four practices for a safe home, regardless of how old its inhabitants are. 

1. Move Medicines Out of Reach

The opioid epidemic has shown how otherwise useful medications can become incredibly dangerous in the wrong hands. Regardless of what type of medications you take, keep them out of reach of others. If you have a lockable cabinet, that is a great place for stronger medications. It’s also a good idea to use tamper proof caps to ensure kids can’t get to pills that might look a lot like their favorite candy. Learn about safe disposal methods for any pills that are out of date or that you aren’t planning to use. 

2. Store Firearms in a Safe

A growing number of households have a firearm in them. That might make you feel safer, but gun accidents are a leading cause of injury. You can prevent the chance of someone happening upon your firearm by storing it in a locked safe when it is not in use. While it may seem impractical, it is safest to keep ammunition in a separate location. In some places, it is also the law. Check to see if there are safe storage laws where you live to ensure you are compliant with those requirements. 

3. Add Motion Activated Sensors to Lights

You may already know that lights that turn on automatically when they detect movement can alert you to a possible danger outside of the house. However, they can also be used to increase safety within the home. Having a light that turns on when you enter a room can help minimize the risk of falling or bumping into furniture or the walls in the dark. That is especially helpful if you have overnight guests who may not be familiar with the house’s layout. 

4. Lower the Water Heater Temperature

Hot water can scald you at temperatures well below the boiling point. Children and older adults are particularly susceptible to hot water burns. The American Burn Association recommends setting household water heaters to 120 degrees Fahrenheit to avoid burns. 

Sometimes, it’s the little things that make a big impact. Storing firearms and medications in a safe manner, adjusting the water temperature and using motion sensors can improve household safety for everyone.