Splish, Splash.. It is Time to Add Safety to Your Bath!
2014 has arrived and whether you brought the new year in like a wrecking ball or enjoyed a quiet night at home, it’s time to get down to business with all of those resolutions that you’ve vowed to keep this year. If you’re looking for an easy place to start, January is National Bath Safety Month; so, take a close look at your tubs, tiles, toilets and every other bathroom space that may pose a danger to you, your family and friends. Don’t worry; it may not take major renovations to make sure your bathroom is safe. Identifying possible problem areas and applying a little common sense can go a long way in ensuring your bathrooms are danger-free. Here are a few ways you can flush out potential dangers in the bathroom: 1. Caution: Wet Floor OK, so installing bright yellow signs in your bathroom to notify anyone who may walk in after you’ve just showered may be a bit much. However, you can prevent one of the most common causes of injuries in the bathroom, slips and falls, by choosing non-slip or slip-resistant mats for your floors. There also are tub and shower mats that offer suctioned backs to help prevent falls and even possible drowning in the tub. 2. Danger: Electrical Wires We’ve all been told to keep electrical wires away from areas where water is present, but many people dry and curl their hair, shave or do other things with electrical appliances in front of the bathroom mirror to start their day. Because this seems to be a “must” for so many, you can ask an electrician to install a ground-fault circuit interrupter to prevent shocks, in case electricity and water come too close during your daily routine. 3. Watch: Children at Play Certainly, the bathroom is no place for a child to play; however, if you have children, it is likely that they’ve been drawn to your toilets, tubs or even bathroom cabinets. Cabinets, in particular, can be especially dangerous for children if you store your medicines or household cleaners there. Perhaps, 2014 is the year to install locks on your cabinets, toilets or on the outside of the bathroom door. That way, you can make sure all unsafe areas are off limits for children. 4. Beware: Hot Water Just as you regulate the air temperature in your home, you should also regulate the water temperature. Water that is overly hot can easily scald and burn both children and adults. To keep your family safe from water that is too hot, set your hot water heater around 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Exhaust fans and anti-scald faucets are also great ways to keep the temperature of both the air and water in the bathroom safely regulated. 5. Do Not Enter (When Light is Off) Because falls are one of the most common ways that people are injured in bathrooms, proper lighting in the lavatory is a must. During the day, sufficient bathroom lighting can help anyone identify potentially dangerous areas. At night, installing even a dim nightlight in the bathroom will help family and friends navigate the room. When it comes to the safety of your family and friends, taking action is a must. Since January is National Bath Safety Month, now is the perfect time to make those actions a priority.
