This is National Public Health Week – a great time for all of us to focus on the health and safety of our homes and our community. Check out the APHA (American Public Health Association) website for daily tips to prevent injuries and illness at home, at school, in the workplace and while travelling.
Here are a few of today’s tips about preventing injuries in your home:
Did You Know?
- The majority of fire-related deaths happen at home. Someone dies in a fire every 169 minutes and about two-thirds of home fire deaths happen in homes without working smoke alarms.
WHAT You CAN DO:
- Smoke alarms can double your chance of surviving a fire, so install alarms on every floor of your home and test that they’re working monthly. While you’re at it, install a carbon monoxide alarm on every floor of your home as well.
- Help prevent fires — as well as serious health problems and chronic diseases — by making your home tobacco- and smoke-free.
Did You Know?
- Nine out of every 10 childhood poison exposures happens at home, with medications being among the top culprits.
WHAT You CAN DO:
- Keep potentially dangerous household products, such as cleaning products, cosmetics and prescription medications, locked up and out of children’s reach. Also, never store household chemicals in old food containers or in the same place you keep food items. Learn more at http://www.upandaway.org/.
- Put this number on your fridge and in your cell phone: 1-800-222-1222. It will automatically connect you to your regional poison control center and often life-saving information.
Did You Know?
- Falls are the leading cause of injury-related deaths among people ages 65 and older. Each year, one out of every three adults ages 65 and older experiences a fall.
WHAT You CAN DO:
- Assess your home, or the home of a loved one, for factors that could contribute to a fall, such as: poor lighting, uneven flooring, throw rugs and clutter. For more infomations on falls prevention go to CDC Focus on Preventing Falls.
