Being Aware of Bathroom Safety

Despite all of the time we spend in the bathroom, it can be a potentially hazardous place. Here are a few tips to help you and your family avoid any unnecessary mishaps.

Slippery floors can be a very real hazard. To minimize the risk, make sure that all mats are slip-resistant and colorful so that they contrast with the flooring. If you have slippery ceramic tiles, consider replacing them with unglazed tiles or another type of slip-resistant flooring.

Slipping is also a real danger in the bathtub and shower. Installing grab bars and anti-slip mats or decals can help prevent a fall. Be sure that if you do fall, you do not grab onto the soap bar or towel racks, as they are not meant to support that much weight. In the bathtub, you may want to put a soft cover over the tap, to protect family members, especially young children, from hurting themselves on the sharp edge.

If you have small children in the house, be especially careful with the toilet. Toddlers are fascinated by water and quite curious by nature. They are also top heavy, as their heads are still big in comparison to their bodies. This makes drowning a real possibility. To keep curious youngsters out of the toilet, think about putting a lock on the toilet cover. Always, no matter what the circumstance, keep a watchful eye on your child.

Anywhere there is water, scalding is a possibility. The first step you can take to prevent scalding is to lower the temperature on your water heater. Once you do that, you may also consider purchasing some kind of temperature indicator for bath water. There also taps available with an anti-scald safety cutout. Burning can also happen by touching heaters or radiators. If there are any in the bathroom, be sure that they are hidden away, covered or have a surface cool enough to touch. Also be sure not to leave curling irons plugged in and unattended. They are the cause of many childhood burns.

Many people keep at least some of their medicines in the bathroom. Make sure that they are in their original containers with childproof caps. Do not leave them where children can reach them, even climbing children. You can lock them away in a cabinet or place them on a high shelf. The same goes for any cleaning supplies.

Electrical risks are also more common in the bathroom. Bathrooms should not have any electrical sockets other than a safety shaving socket. If your bathroom does have sockets, these should be covered with plastic guard plugs, to prevent water from getting inside.

The bathroom should be a pleasant, enjoyable place. Do not let your fears and worries get the best of you. Simply take the proper precautions and try your best to enjoy the bathroom space.

Being Aware of Bathroom Safety

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