Homebuilding Insights

Your home is your sanctuary – a place where you relax, recharge, and make memories with the people you love. But every year, thousands of people are injured at home, often in preventable accidents. With a little planning and a few smart habits, you can significantly reduce the risk of injuries in your new home.

Preventing Falls at Home

Falls are one of the most common reasons people are injured at home, but many slip, trip, and fall hazards are easy to fix.

• Tidy up cords: Bundle lamp and TV cords so they don’t trail across walkways. Use zip ties, rubber bands, or twist ties to keep excess length off the floor, and never run extension cords through high-traffic areas.
• Secure rugs: Make sure all throw rugs have non-slip backing or are secured with non-slip rug tape to prevent sliding.
• Clean up spills quickly: Wipe up water, grease, or other spills as soon as they happen to reduce slip risk.
• Keep stairs clear: Avoid stacking items on steps “for later.” This common habit is a major tripping hazard.
• Add support in bathrooms: Install grab bars in tubs and showers if you have young children, seniors, or anyone with mobility challenges.
• Store everyday items within reach: Keep frequently used items on lower shelves and in base cabinets so you don’t need ladders or step stools as often. Never stand on chairs or countertops.
• Light the way: Make sure halls, stairs, and entryways are well lit. Use nightlights or motion-activated lights so you can see clearly when moving around at night.

Reducing Burn and Fire Risks

Candles, hot surfaces, and cooking equipment make our homes cozy and functional – but they can also create burn and fire hazards.

• Use candles carefully: Place candles out of reach of children and pets, away from curtains and paper. An adult should always be in the room when a candle is lit.
• Practice safe cooking: Turn pot and pan handles toward the center of the stove. Keep hot drinks away from counter and table edges where they can be bumped or pulled down.
• Use proper protection: Always use oven mitts or pot holders when removing items from the oven, stovetop, or microwave – never a dish towel.
• Store fire-starting tools safely: Keep matches and lighters locked away from children.
• Keep a fire extinguisher handy: Store one within easy reach of the kitchen and make sure adults in the home know how to use it. Remember: never use water on a grease or oil fire.
• Set a safe water temperature: Your water heater should be set no higher than 120°F to help prevent scalding.

Water Safety in Bathrooms and Around the Pool

Water can create slip hazards and, in some situations, life-threatening emergencies. A few simple safeguards go a long way.

• Keep electricity away from water: Hair dryers, straighteners, radios, and other electronics should be kept well away from sinks, tubs, and showers.
• Make bathrooms safer: Use non-slip mats in tubs and showers, and towel up water from the floor right away.
• Secure pools and spas: Fence pools, lock gates, and follow local safety requirements. Children should never swim unsupervised, and adults who are drinking should stay out of the water.
• Avoid glass by the pool: Use plastic or metal drinkware outside to prevent dangerous broken glass around bare feet.
• Close toilet lids: In homes with young children, keep toilet lids closed when not in use to prevent accidental falls into the bowl.

Handling Chemicals and Medicines Safely

Household cleaners, yard products, and medications all need careful storage to avoid dangerous chemical reactions or accidental poisoning.

• Store chemicals securely: Keep caustic, poisonous, or corrosive products in locked cabinets or on high shelves where children can’t reach them.
• Keep products in original containers: The labels provide important safety information and prevent mix-ups.
• Never mix bleach and ammonia: Combining certain cleaners can create toxic gases. Read labels and follow instructions closely.
• Manage medicines wisely: Store prescription and over-the-counter medications in secured cabinets. Dispose of leftover prescription drugs at a pharmacy or approved drop-off location.

Preventing Suffocation and Choking Hazards

Small objects, cords, and even vehicles can create hidden suffocation or choking risks, especially for young children.

• Secure cords and strings: Tie up blind cords, drawstrings, and ropes so they’re out of reach of little hands.
• Store plastic bags safely: Keep grocery and storage bags in a closed drawer or cabinet.
• Choose age-appropriate toys: Follow age guidelines and keep toys with small parts away from babies and toddlers.
• Watch for small objects: Coins, buttons, batteries, and other tiny items should be kept out of sight and reach.
• Use the garage safely: Never run your car in a closed garage. Open the garage door before starting the car, and shut off the engine as soon as you park.

Make Safety a Daily Habit

With a little planning and a few simple changes, you can turn home safety into an everyday habit that becomes second nature for your family. If you’d like more ideas about creating a safer home – or you’re ready to find a new construction home in the Savannah or Richmond Hill area – the Ernest Homes team is here to help.

Call us at 912-660-9673 or contact us online for more tips on living safely and comfortably in your new home.