All articles tagged with #home safety
On World Alzheimer’s Day, the ARC PDX/KATU piece highlights awareness and reducing stigma around Alzheimer’s and other dementias, discusses recognizing early signs, and shares practical tips for making homes safer for people at risk, including insights from an interview and resources for caregivers; global impact is noted with more than 55 million people affected.
Experts say balance tends to decline with age, but stability can be improved with targeted training and practical at-home aids—like a foam balance pad, inflatable disc, weighted bar, barefoot/zero-drop sneakers, suction grab bars, a foam roller, and motion-sensor night lights—helping you stay safe and maintain independence.
A Richmond gastroenterologist woke up to a bat attempting to crawl into her mouth, quickly containing the animal and starting rabies treatment after direct contact; the bat was turned over for testing. The CDC notes bat bites can be tiny and easily missed, so seek medical advice after potential exposure. The incident highlights checking older homes (attics and chimneys) and keeping bedroom doors closed to prevent wildlife encounters.
A New York Post piece lists seven surprising city dangers—unattended drinks, headphone-blindness, sleep loss from noise, dehydration in heat, throw rugs, mosquitoes, and cooking fires—offering practical tips and product recommendations to reduce risk.
An expert advises unplugging high‑draw or heat‑producing devices when you’re away to reduce fire risk. The seven to unplug are space heaters, air fryers, portable AC units, hair tools, older coffee makers, lamps/old cords, and toasters; low‑draw electronics like monitors, phone chargers, TVs and alarm clocks can stay plugged in if cords and outlets are in good shape.
Indoor falls are the biggest risk, especially for older adults, but many can be prevented. A review of 22 studies found removing common hazards can cut falls by up to 38%, and additional steps include strengthening balance, decluttering and securing rugs, installing rails or a raised toilet seat, moving frequently used items to eye level, improving lighting (with night lights), and avoiding multitasking while moving. For personalized guidance, consider an occupational-therapy home visit or referrals to home-hazard programs and simple aids like rug tape and rubber-backed mats.
A NYT Wirecutter guide distills aging-well into practical, affordable home habits: stay moderately active daily, include strength or resistance training (or bands), and invest in supportive footwear and simple balance tools; boost safety with rug pads, grab bars, and better lighting; make easy, plant-based meals with handy appliances like an Instant Pot; and incorporate mood-boosting touches (a pride shrine) and ergonomic work setups. The core idea is to achieve better health and independence through small, consistent daily choices rather than drastic lifestyle overhauls.
As winter storms approach, experts urge homeowners to fill their bathtubs with water to ensure a ready supply if pipes freeze and cut off the water; bathwater isn’t ideal for drinking, but can be boiled or purified for safety, and is useful for bathing, cleaning and flushing toilets during outages, alongside tips on identifying and thawing frozen pipes and general winter preparedness.
A new small plug-in gadget has been developed to help prevent electrical fires in homes, enhancing safety and reducing fire risks.
To prevent pipes from freezing during a cold snap in Alabama and the Southeast, it is recommended to drain or cover exposed pipes, keep cabinet doors open, drip faucets, and consider insulation or heating products. If pipes freeze, shut off the main water valve and thaw carefully with a hair dryer or space heater.
Falls are a major risk for seniors but are largely preventable through regular exercise, such as balance and strength training, and simple home safety modifications like removing tripping hazards and installing handrails. Staying active and making small environmental changes can help seniors maintain independence and reduce injury risk.
Falls among Mainers aged 65 and older have increased dramatically over the past decade, with mortality rates rising by 165%, likely due to factors such as fewer residential facilities, aging infrastructure, and mobility issues. Experts emphasize the importance of home modifications, health assessments, and community resources to prevent falls and related injuries among seniors.
The article reviews eight smart home gadgets that the author has tested and recommends, including a highly rated video doorbell, reliable smart bulbs, a compact smart plug, a facial recognition smart lock, and a sensor for detecting electrical issues, emphasizing their ease of use, security features, and how they enhance home automation and safety.
Using extension cords for high-powered appliances like air fryers, microwaves, space heaters, toasters, refrigerators, and AC units is dangerous and can cause fires. These appliances should always be plugged directly into wall outlets to prevent overloads and hazards.
Using extension cords with high-power appliances like air fryers, microwaves, space heaters, toasters, refrigerators, and AC units is dangerous and can cause fires or malfunctions. These devices should be plugged directly into dedicated wall outlets to ensure safety.