An accident can happen without warning, anywhere, at any time. After all, that’s what makes them accidents.

And while many aren’t entirely preventable, you can help reduce the risk and severity of several through proper planning preparation.

Here’s a list of 8 leading accidental mishaps as provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and tips to help you avoid harm.

1. Trips and Falls – According to the National Institute on Aging, 6 out of 10 falls occur in the home. Minimize your risk by using properly positioned and secured handrails, placing night lights in dark hallways, stairwells, and bathrooms, and keeping floors free of clutter.
2. Poisoning – Keep medications and cleaning products out of reach of children. Also, wear goggles and gloves when using harsh cleansers to protect your eyes and skin from irritation. And make sure the area is well ventilated.
3. Drowning – Never swim alone or while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Teach your children to swim at a young age and never leave a child unattended near a body of water, including the bath tub. If you own a pool, be mindful of your visitors’ swimming abilities, and keep flotation devices handy.
4. Falling Objects – Secure dressers, TVs, and bookcases to the wall to prevent them from falling and injuring a family member or pet. Ask for help or use a steady step stool or ladder when reaching overhead items.
5. Over-exertion – Even enjoyable activities can over-exert your body and lead to an emergency room visit. When working outside in extreme temps, take frequent breaks and make sure you’re dressed for the weather. Stay hydrated and know your limits.
6. Burns – Make sure you have a smoke detector on every level of your home and replace the batteries twice a year. To prevent scalding injuries, set your water heater to 120 degrees Fahrenheit or below, never leave boiling pots on the stove unattended, and always test the bath water temperature before placing your child in the tub.
7. Concussions – Familiarize yourself with the symptoms of a concussion, like nausea, headache, confusion, and memory loss. Seek medical attention immediately if you experience any of these symptoms.
8. Electrocution – When repairing or replacing electrical outlets or fixtures, make sure the power to that area is turned off. Be aware of the location of outdoor power lines when working on an aluminum ladder. Never touch appliances with wet hands, and don’t use cords or wires that are frayed or damaged.

The problem is, not all potential electrical hazards are visible.  Your home could have hidden frayed or damaged wiring, overheated outlets, and other problem areas not easily detected.  This is especially true of older homes.  So, to ensure your house is as electrically sound as possible, contact Excel Electric today to schedule a whole-house electrical wiring and safety inspection. You’ll love the added peace of mind.