Home Matters: Safety Tips for the Bathroom

January is National Bath Safety Month, so it might be a good time to review some basic bathroom safety tips to stay safe in the new year. According to the Consumer Products Safety Commission, one third of all household falls occur in the bathroom, and almost four hundred people fall in the bathroom or shower every single day in the U.S.

It isn’t just older individuals or children who need to take care in the bath. Accidents can happen at any time, so it is important that all are cautious in this room of the home.

By following a few basic safety tips, you may be able to greatly reduce the risk of injury in the bathroom.

Add some traction – Decrease the slip factor with some type of non-skid surfaces in the tub and/or shower. Tubs and shower surfaces can be slippery, especially when water is present. A simple rough surface for the foot to grip getting in and out of the tub or while showering makes a tremendous difference in potentially reducing the risk of a fall.

Add a Mat – Again, slipping on bathroom floors is another possible hazard. Having a secure floor mat may help prevent slipping on the bathroom floor after getting out of the tub or shower.

Give Yourself a Hand (Rail) – Install grab bars to aid in getting in and out of the tub/shower safely.

Minimize Electric hazards – Keep hair dryers and electric appliances clear of water sources.

Decrease Clutter – Keep the floor clear of anything that might trip you up as you move around your bathroom. This might include items such as children’s toys that were left in the tub, laundry on the floor or other neglected items.

Unlock the Door – It’s actually a good idea to keep the bathroom door unlocked to allow for quick access if someone does take a fall.

Don’t get burned – Test your water before getting in the tub or shower. Also, take care to keep young children away from hot water where they have a higher risk of being burned. You can do this the old fashioned way with your hand (carefully), or you can go a little higher-tech and install anti scalding devices.

Safety for Little Rubber Duckies – If you have children or grandchildren, take extra precautions to keep their baths safer. Add cushioned covers to water faucets and never leave them in the bath unattended.

Keep these simple tips in mind this January to have a safer new year in the bath.