How to tackle these common home hazards

By Destiny Uko

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), over 4 million people die each year from unintentional injuries, many of which occur at home. Millions more suffer non-fatal injuries that lead to temporary or permanent disability. Falls, burns, poisoning, and other household mishaps are especially dangerous for children under 5 and adults over 65.

Despite the risks, most domestic accidents can be prevented with awareness, safety measures, and prompt first aid. Here are the ten most common household accidents and how to prevent and deal with each one.

1. Slips, Trips, and Falls

Common causes: Wet floors, slippery rugs, poor lighting, and clutter.

Prevention:

1. Use non-slip mats in bathrooms and kitchens.
2. Install night lights in hallways and staircases.
3. Keep pathways free of wires, toys, and other obstacles.
4. Wear the flip-flop 

How to tackle it:
If someone falls and injures a limb, check for swelling or bruising. Elevate the leg and apply a cold compress (e.g., a bag of frozen water wrapped in a towel) for 15 to 20 minutes. Avoid putting weight on the ankle or arm. If the pain is severe or persistent, seek medical help if pain persists or if a fracture is suspected.

2. Burns and Scalds

Common causes: hot liquids, boiling water, steam, heated appliances.

Prevention:

1. Turn pot handles inward while cooking.
2. Test bathwater before putting a child in.
3. Keep hot drinks and appliances out of children’s reach.

First-aid response:
If someone suffers from a burn (e.g., from hot coffee), run the part of the body under cool (not cold) running water for 10 to 20 minutes. Do not apply butter, toothpaste, or ice. Cover the burn with a clean plastic bag. Apply salt to the area too. For large or blistering burns, seek medical attention.

3. Cuts and Lacerations

Common causes: kitchen knives, broken glass, tools, or sharp edges.

Prevention:

1. Store knives safely in drawers or blocks.
2. Wear gloves when handling glass.
3. Keep sharp tools out of children’s reach.

First-aid response:
Rinse the injury with clean, running water. Apply pressure using a clean cloth to stop the bleeding. After the bleeding stops, disinfect the area and cover with a sterile bandage. In the event of a deep cut or persistent bleeding, visit a clinic.

4. Poisoning

Common causes: household cleaners, medications, and certain plants.

Prevention:

1. Lock up all chemicals and medicines.
2. Clearly label containers and keep them out of reach.
3. Discard expired medications properly.
4. Do not leave food open 

First-aid response:
If a child ingests dishwashing liquid, rinse their mouth with water immediately. Unless instructed by medical professionals, do not try to induce vomiting. Be ready to describe the substance and amount ingested.

5. Choking

Common causes: Hard food, small toys, coins, or improper chewing.

Prevention:

1. Cut food into small pieces for young children.
2. Avoid giving nuts, grapes, or hard candy to toddlers.
3. Supervise meals and playtime.
4. Avoid talking while eating 
5. Do not give children meats and fish containing bones 

First-aid response:
If a person cannot cough, speak, or breathe, give five firm back blows between the shoulder blades using the heel of your hand. If unsuccessful, perform five abdominal thrusts (Heimlich manoeuvre). Alternate both techniques until the object is removed or emergency help arrives.

6. Electric Shocks

Common causes: exposed wires, wet hands using appliances, or overloaded sockets.

Prevention:

1. Use socket guards, especially around children.
2. Keep electrical items away from water.
3. Unplug appliances when not in use.
4. Wear a pair of flip-flop when approaching electricity 
5. Dry hands properly before approaching electric items 

First-aid response:
If someone is shocked, do not touch them directly. Turn off the power supply first. Once it’s safe, check for breathing and pulse. If they are unresponsive, begin CPR if trained and call for emergency medical help immediately.

7. Drowning (including bathtubs, buckets, and pools)

Common causes: Unattended water sources and lack of barriers and preventive gears.

Prevention:

1. Never leave children alone in or near water.
2. Empty buckets and bathtubs immediately after use.
3. Install childproof locks and barriers around pools or ponds.
4. Use life jackets at all times in pools (especially for non swimmers)

First-aid response:
If someone is found unconscious in water, remove them from the water and check for breathing. If  not breathing, start CPR with 30 chest compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths. Continue until professional help arrives.

8. Fires

Common causes: Unattended cooking, candles, flammable materials near heat, or faulty wiring.

Prevention:

1. Install smoke alarms and test them regularly.
2. Do not leave stoves, ovens, or candles unattended.
3. Keep flammable materials away from heaters.

First-aid response:
If clothing catches fire, smother the flames with a blanket or heavy cloth. Cool any burns with running water. Seek emergency medical attention if burns are severe or involve the face or airway.

9. Falling Objects

Common causes: unstable furniture, stacked storage, and heavy items placed too high.

Prevention:

1. Secure bookshelves and televisions to the wall.
2. Store heavy items on lower shelves.
3. Avoid overcrowding cabinets.

First-aid response:
If a heavy object falls on someone’s head, have them lie down. Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling. Monitor for signs such as dizziness, confusion, or vomiting. If any symptoms appear, take them to the hospital for evaluation.

12. Bites and Stings (Snake, Scorpion, dog and Cat)

Common causes:
Encounters with venomous or aggressive animals such as snakes, scorpions, or even domestic cats. These incidents often happen in storage areas, gardens, near water sources, or when handling pets improperly.

 

Prevention:

1. Wear boots and gloves when working in gardens, garages, or bushy areas.
2. Shake out shoes and clothing left outside before wearing.
3. Teach children to avoid provoking or handling unfamiliar animals.
4. Vaccinate pets regularly and supervise them outdoors.
5. Keep your home and surroundings clean and free from rodent nests or hiding spots that attract snakes and scorpions.
6. Be mindful while handling pets (dogs, cats etc)

First-aid response:

1. Snake bite: Tie around affected area to prevent venom from moving. Call emergency services immediately or rush to the hospital. If possible, describe the snake’s colour and shape to the care provider.
2. Scorpion sting: Tie around affected area immediately and seek medical attention.
3. Cat and dog bite: The bites of domestic animals and pets can cause deep puncture wounds which could lead to infection. Wash the area thoroughly with soap and running water for at least 5 minutes. Apply antiseptic to the area. If redness or swelling develops or if the bite was deep consult a doctor promptly for antibiotics or a tetanus injection if needed.

 

Conclusion 

Domestic accidents can occur in seconds, but with basic first aid skills,you can prevent minor mishaps from turning into major emergencies.

Keep a fully stocked first aid kit in an accessible location. Display emergency phone numbers clearly, and ensure that every family member knows how to respond in case of accidents.