Consequences on Safety at Home
- If the home is not equipped with certain safety devices, the results could be disastrous.Fire image by Luke Haverkamp from Fotolia.com
Home safety is something that is often overlooked, but is very important to plan--or else the consequences could be deadly. For example, placing smoke alarms in strategic areas of the home could prevent injury or even death due to smoke inhalation. Carbon monoxide is an odorless yet potentially deadly gas and can be identified only by a carbon monoxide detector. Planning a home escape route is also important. - Though people generally believe fires are started because of a stray cigarette or grease fire on the stove, many house fires start during the night or early morning. Without strategically placed smoke alarms in the home, residents are in danger of incurring smoke inhalation or even death. Therefore, smoke alarms should be placed on every level of the home, including the basement. They should be installed both inside and outside bedrooms and in hallways to provide instant warning of a fire in the home. Batteries should be changed annually, though every six months is even better.
- According to the U.S. Fire Administration, "[C]arbon monoxide poisoning claims approximately 400 lives and sends another 20,000 people to hospital emergency rooms for treatment." Carbon monoxide is an odorless gas that can cause flu-like symptoms or even death, thus it is important to monitor carbon monoxide levels in the home. A telltale sign of carbon monoxide poisoning is when all residents inside the home suddenly become ill with dizziness, disorientation, nausea and flu-like symptoms. Homeowners can purchase a carbon monoxide detector and install it just outside bedrooms.
- The U.S. Fire Administration cites that "More than 3,500 Americans die each year in fires, and approximately 20,000 are injured. Deaths resulting from failed emergency escapes are particularly avoidable." In the case of a house fire in the middle of the night, tiredness can lead to confusion and disorientation. This is the main reason why residents become ill from smoke inhalation, and some even die from it. Creating a plan of evacuation with your family helps should that situation arise. On a piece of paper, draw your entire floor plan and identify exits. Make sure these exits are not blocked. For second floors, the homeowner can purchase an emergency ladder that can be dropped from a window.
