Household Safety Quiz

Household Safety

• Leading causes of injury and death in the home include burns, cuts, choking/strangulation, poisoning, fires, falls, and drowning.

Falls

• Falling is a leading cause of injury among seniors in Canada, responsible for approximately 85% of injury-related hospitalizations.
• To prevent falls:
• Ensure adequate lighting in stairwells and basements
• Pick up and put away toys
• Install no-slip stickers in bathtubs and showers
• Keep stairs and sidewalks clear of snow and ice
• Install safety gates at the top and bottom of stairs
• Ensure area carpets and rugs are secure
• Ensure all staircases have rails beside them
• Install locks on lower cupboard doors and drawers
• Use sturdy step ladders
• Avoid clutter in front of doors, hallways, and stairs

House Fires

• Cooking-related incidents are the most common cause of house fires in Canada.
• Heating equipment, such as portable heaters, fireplaces, and wood-burning stoves, is the second most common cause of house fires.
• Smoking is the third most common cause of house fires.
• Other common causes of house fires include electrical fires, candles, children with matches and lighters, inadequate house wiring, and flammable liquids.
• To prevent house fires:
• Store lighters and matches in a safe place, out of reach of children
• Purchase and learn how to use a fire extinguisher
• Keep a grate in front of wood-burning stoves or fireplaces
• Never leave candles unattended
• Unplug appliances not in use
• Avoid overloading electrical outlets
• Ensure all appliance cords are in good condition
• Test smoke detector batteries monthly