It may seem like a good idea to use a single outlet to save space, but it could be extremely dangerous. Overloading electrical outlets can lead to electrical fires. Make sure you don’t plug too many devices into a single outlet, and use power strips with surge protectors to prevent overloading. The wires may overheat and cause a fire, or the wires may shock you. Either way, it can be dangerous and it’s never a good idea to overload them (PL Electrical).
Most of us have heavy furniture in our homes. We use it for storage and decoration. Without it, our house would likely look empty. Despite how common heavy furniture is, it doesn’t mean it’s fail-proof. With one wrong push, heavy furniture such as bookcases, dressers, and TVs can tip over and cause serious injuries, particularly to children. Secure these items to the wall to prevent them from tipping over. Do this by purchasing furniture anchors, attaching an anchor to a wall stud, and hiring a professional to help (Child Proofing Experts).
Use a pillbox or well-organized container to prevent accidental overdoses or missed doses. Taking the wrong dose of any medication can be detrimental and harmful to your health. You can also use a clear stacking organizer if you’re more of a visual person. Label each drawer with the correct medication, date, and time you’re supposed to take it to keep yourself organized. Use a dosing schedule chart and medication reminder app if you’re typically on the go. It’s especially important to organize your medicine if it’s for something like your heart or liver. In the case of an emergency, you need to act fast, so knowing where every medication is is a necessity (Very Well Health).
In case of an emergency such as a fire, it’s important to be able to quickly put on sturdy shoes to protect your feet from broken glass, debris, or other hazards. It’s also a good idea if you live in an area prone to tornadoes. At the first sign of an emergency, you’ll want to easily locate your sneakers so you can act fast, whether that’s fleeing the scene, getting your family to safety, or stepping over debris. During an emergency, you don’t have time to locate your shoes, so knowing exactly where they are could shave off vital seconds that could save your life (South San Francisco).
Children love playing. They don’t necessarily understand the danger that comes with playing next to windows, which is why it’s your responsibility to make sure they’re safe. Window stops can prevent a window from opening more than a few inches, which can help prevent falls, particularly for children or pets playing near a window. Ground windows or low windows on the second floor pose an especially high risk, so it’s important to first install window stops in these windows. You can do this on a tight budget of $10-30 (VCHCA).
A whistle has a multitude of purposes. It can be an effective way to call for help if you’re trapped or injured and can’t shout for assistance or need to get someone’s attention as fast as possible. In an earthquake or tornado, having a whistle nearby could save your life if you’re trapped under debris. The first responders can easily locate you without wasting any time or wondering where you are (Fire Chief Global).
Your pets are your family members too, so it’s important to have an emergency plan for them. This includes a way to get them out of the house quickly and safely. With an emergency plan set in place, it’ll increase your chances of protecting everyone in your household, and that includes your pets. Create easy ways for your pet to escape, like small doors that lead to your backyard. Assign someone the role of saving your pet, whether that’s you or your partner. Always know where their leashes are located, where they’re sleeping at night, and where they’re most likely to hide out. During an emergency, your pet may want to hide from fear, so it’s important to know where they’re likely to go. Put a decal in the front of your home indicating the type and number of pets you have, because in the case of a fire, this will cut the search and rescue time down (American Humane).