In the new reality that in our climate of the coronavirus outbreak, many of us are spending more time home alone or with our families than ever before. In between work conference calls and “homeschool” classes, many are looking for productive ways to keep busy and our minds at ease during this challenging time. What better way to spend these hours at home than making it a little safer for ourselves, our loved ones, and (one-day soon) our friends and visitors.
Heavy Objects and Furniture
From an adult’s point of view, a wobbly dresser or table is more of a minor inconvenience than a dangerous hazard, but for a small child exploring her/his surroundings, a piece of heavy furniture can be life threatening. Earlier this year, IKEA agreed to pay $46 Million to the family of a California toddler who was killed after an unstable dresser tipped over in their home. Learn from this, as many other heavy objects in your home can your children and pets at risk. Use this time to secure any heavy furniture, including bookshelves and dressers, which can easily crash down on a curious young kid.
Slip and Fall Hazards
It is easy to overlook obvious slip and fall hazards in our daily lives, but it only takes one accident to affect a person for life. Check various areas in your home that could result in a slip or fall. Common areas to check may be window guards, loose carpet, elevated or uneven concrete, etc. Even the most coordinated adult can be at risk of these hazards when moving quickly throughout the house.
Toxic Products
Many things make our lives easier, but they can also be incredibly hazardous if left in the wrong hands. This includes all of the hand sanitizers, disinfectant wipes, and cleaning products we are now using daily. Keep these chemicals out of the hands of children as they are toxic.
Be sure you are aware of all medications that are kept in your home and always close the packaging on these items when they aren’t in use. Accidents happen in the blink of an eye and most are preventable. Take the extra time you now have at home to tidy up and put keep chemicals and medicine.
This is a difficult time for all of us, but often, peace of mind can be found by spending time in productive ways – especially when you know you are making a safer home for your family not only by staying home, but by securing their surroundings while you do. If you have questions pertaining to a potential personal injury lawsuit, contact us during this time at 949-753-9100 or by filling out the form on our website.