Your home can be a dangerous place for you and your guests.
According to the National Safety Council, injury is the leading cause of death among children and young adults and nearly half of these accidents occur in the home.
If you’re not more careful in preventing tripping hazards in your home, slips and falls can seriously injure you or a loved one.
Your homeowners' insurance policy can help protect you if there is a claim when someone is injured or your property is damaged. But you can take some steps to minimize injuries at your home.
It all begins with being more proactive in preventing falls before they occur and incorporating some simple universal design features.
1. Maintain your property. Make sure you’re always maintaining the property and that there is not a dangerous condition present. You can hire a contractor to come in and inspect your premises. But there are also many things you can do yourself to make your home as safe as possible. For instance, if you have a loose floorboard or a wet floor in your bathroom, be sure to mop up the floor or put a nail in that floorboard.
2. Level flooring. While you may do your best to make sure your floor is dry or there are no loose floorboards, there are some common overlooked areas that present a tripping hazard for your employees and patients. The mis-elevation between one-floor level and another is often a cause for trips. A change of elevation as much as 3/4 of an inch can be a tripping hazard for some people. Leveling them can prevent future accidents.
3. Zero-step entry. Whether you are a senior who has arthritic knees or young person who recently sprained an ankle, creating at least one zero-step entry makes it easier and safer to go in and out of the house. At least one no-step entry to the house either through the front, back, or garage door is recommended.
4. Doormats and carpeting. Examine the doormats or carpeting around the doorways. Are any of them turned up or folded in a way that can trip someone?
5. Exterior steps. Exterior steps without handrails could pose a hazard. In addition, if you have stairs that contain less three steps you may want to add friction tape. Lack of handrails or friction tape may jeopardize your coverage.
6. Wider Doorways. Entryway doors should be at least 32 inches wide and interior doors at least 30 inches wide to allow for ample room for anyone to pass through.
7. Covered Entryway. Not only will a covering help protect the porch from precipitation, but yourself as well from rain and snow, preventing potential slips and falls.
8. Safe Stairs. If you have steps leading up to one of your entryways, and you do not want a zero step entry, at least make sure your handrails are sturdy and in good shape to make it easier for you to climb up and down.
Protect Your Home With Homeowners Insurance
Spending a little time on improving your home’s safety may help make your home ownership a happy and healthy experience.
Be sure to also protect yourself with affordable home insurance. Contact us today to learn how Bock Agency can help with your homeowners' policy. We offer home insurance tailored to your needs in North Huntingdon, Pennsylvania including the Greensburg, Irwin, N. Huntingdon, Pittsburgh, and Trafford areas. Request a homeowners insurance quote today.