6 important actions to take at home that prevent domestic accidents

Domestic accidents happen more often than we imagine and often in everyday situations that seem harmless. Falls, burns, electric shocks, and poisoning are some of the unexpected incidents that can occur within the house — especially when there are children, elderly people, or pets in the projects. However, small changes in organization, maintenance of the spaces, and daily habits are already sufficient to create a safer and more functional home. In this content, we gathered six practical actions that you can implement right now to reduce risks and live with more peace of mind.

Organize the projects to avoid falls

Keeping the house organized is essential to prevent trips and falls, one of the most common domestic accidents. Start by removing loose objects from the path, such as toys, shoes, and boxes. Rugs are also points of attention: prefer models with non-slip bases or use adhesive tapes to fix them to the floor. In corridors and stairs, the lighting should be sufficient to facilitate circulation, and sturdy handrails considerably increase safety. In homes with elderly people, support bars in the bathroom and floors with greater friction help to prevent accidents and provide more stability when walking.

Reinforce electrical safety

Electrical problems can cause serious shocks and even fires, so attention to this topic is fundamental. Avoid overloading outlets with adapters and extensions, and always prefer equipment with safety certification. If you notice excessive heating in wires or a burning smell, immediately turn off the circuit and seek professional help. In homes with children, outlet covers prevent them from inserting metallic objects. Another important tip is never to handle electrical appliances with wet hands or near water, especially in bathrooms and kitchens.

Take care of the kitchen, the project most prone to accidents

The kitchen accounts for a large part of domestic accidents, mainly burns, cuts, and small fires. To reduce risks, keep pots always with the handles turned inward on the stove, avoiding someone bumping into them accidentally. Knives should be stored in appropriate holders or locked drawers, especially if there are children in the home. Regularly clean the stove and oven to avoid the accumulation of grease — which is highly flammable — and never leave pots on the fire unattended. Keeping dish towels away from lit burners also helps prevent accidents involving flames.

Store chemicals safely

Cleaning products, medicines, and chemical substances should be stored carefully to avoid poisoning, especially in homes with children and pets. Ideally, keep them in high cabinets or those with safety locks, always in their original packaging and away from food. Never mix different products, as this can create toxic chemical reactions. When using detergents, disinfectants, and other items, read the label to follow the instructions correctly and avoid inhalation or improper contact. Additionally, ventilate the project well during and after use, ensuring air renewal.

Keep the house well-lit and ventilated

Projects with poor lighting increase the chances of falls, trips, and even bumps into furniture. Therefore, it's worth investing in lamps with good wattage, especially in corridors, stairs, outdoor areas, and bathrooms. Lighting fixtures with motion sensors are excellent for those who get up at night as they automatically turn on without having to search for the switch. Proper ventilation also helps prevent poisoning and the accumulation of gas in kitchens and service areas. If you use gas heaters, make sure they are installed according to the regulations, with proper exhaust and maintenance up to date.

Install safety devices and perform regular maintenance

To make the house even safer, consider installing devices such as smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and gas alarms. These devices are simple, accessible, and can save lives by alerting you to risky situations. It is also important to perform periodic maintenance on electrical equipment, plumbing, and the house's structures. Checking roofs, gutters, and leaks prevents accidents caused by parts of the construction falling. In outdoor areas, keep floors clean and free of slime to avoid slips, especially on humid days. CASACOR Publisher is an exclusive content creator, developed by the Technology team at CASACOR based on the knowledge base of casacor.com.br. This text was edited by Yeska Coelho.