Home Safety in today's Modern Home

So what does Home Safety have to do with Interior designers?

Well actually, it has alot to do with the design of your homes and rooms. 

Let me give you an example;

In my previous Career, as a Head of Service in Social Housing, I was responsible for a number of Sheltered Housing Schemes and Extracare Villages. Many of the residents had different ailments and trips & falls prevention was a huge consideration for us, to support tenancy sustainment and help to keep people in there homes for longer. Dementia and Alzheimer sufferers, also came under my remite and we were always looking at ways to help those residents live positive and happy lives.  The design of there homes and communal areas was something that we had to make a priority, to ensure their Safety.  Great Interior designer will consider functionality, practicality and aesthetics in those types of settings. 

It seriously can make a huge difference to people's lives.  

We take our Safety in our homes quite often for granted, however there are a number of quick wins you could consider when carrying out any restyles or DIY projects to keep yourself safe. 

DIY Safety 

My top tips for DIY Safety 

1, Ensure you use the right tool for the job

2, Check any electrical tools prior to plugging in at the mains. 

3, PPE, this is not just for factories, we should wear appropriate personal protection equipment be it gloves, eye wear and suitable clothing.  Loose clothing when climbing ladders is definitely a no, no.

4, Keep your work area clean and tidy, being sure to pack away or remove unnecessary objects and items. 

5, Know your limits and hire a professional if needed. 

6, Take regular breaks and try not to work long hours.  Sleep deprivation is when accidents occur. 

Kitchen Safety 

My top tips for Kitchen Safety 

1, Never leave appliances on, unattended. 

2, Store sharp objects safely, storage should be high up there on discussions with your interior designer when planning a room design. 

3, Remember the Kitchen work triangle; this includes Sink, Cooker and Fridge Freezer. 

4, Appropriate lighting in high risk areas to prevent Spills and burns. 

5, Traffic flow; Think about how your going to use the space in and around the room.  You may have an Island or a gallie kitchen.  There are simple designs features that you can introduce to make it a safe and enjoyable space

6, integrated appliances: Today's kitchens are filled with multiple appliances; from the AirFriers to Coffee Machines, smoothie makers to steam ovens, warming draws to tandoor ovens.  

Bathroom Safety 

My top tips for Bathroom Safety 

1, No slip walk in shower trays. 

2, Non-slip Flooring, like textured or matte floor tiles. 

3, Stylish weighted shower curtains, to prevent water from splashing into the floor. 

5, Aids & Adaptations for elderly relatives or people with disabilities.  It's worth liaising with Occupational therapists to ensure you have the right equipment, while still maintaining the aesthetics of a bathroom. 

6, Fixed vanity units to prevent furniture tipping. 

7, Motion actived lighting.  There are many stylish options.  Which we discovered when we visited the KBB Show at the NEC, last week. 

Appliances and Electrical Safety 

My top tips for appliances and electrical Safety 

1, Check cords for damage and ensure appliances are compliant with British Safety Regulations. 

2, Keep appliances away from moisture and water sources. 

3, Avoid overloading power outlets.

4, Keep appliances clean and well maintained. 

5, Gain advice from a qualified electrician for high powered appliances.

6, Charge devices safely and do not leave unattended and never leave plugged in over night. 

7, While we celebrate sustainability, if you purchase preloved electrical equipment, be sure they have been Portable Appliance Tested (PAT Tested)

Rugs and Flooring 

One of the leading causes of tips and falls is because of poor rug and flooring safety.  Choose appropriate flooring, secure rugs to prevent trip hazards and ensure level surfaces. Use non-slip pads, secure edges with double sided tape on high traffic areas. 

Fixtures and Fittings Safety 

My top tips for F&F safety. 

1, Heavy furniture items should be securely fixed to walls.  Especially if young children can attempt to climb them. 

2, If you're hanging pictures or objects to your walls, be sure to use the right fittings for it's purpose and check locations of concealed electrical wiring and water pipes.  

3, Check and clean regularly ubends under sinks and bathroom pedestals. This will avoid corrosion and moisture build up in infrequently used cupboards. 

4, Regulary check fire alarms and install carbon monoxide detectors especially where open fires or log burning stoves are installed. 

5, Use the right equipment and tools for the job. 

Children's Safety features 

My top tips for Safety in the home for young children. 

 Of course adults are responsible to be proactive in safety proofing your homes and supervision is required in high risk areas such as the Kitchen and Bathroom.

1, Safety gates have a practical use, not particularly aesthetical to look at.  A more aesthetic option is install pocket doors or install safety gates.  

2, Anchor heavy furniture.

3, Cover sharp corners on furniture. 

4, Address potential choking hazards like loose crystals and decorative stones & gems. 

5, Do not leave children unsupervised near naked flames and candles. 

6, Do not leave children unsupervised near water outlets to prevent scalding and never leave unattended near a bath.

7, The home is awash with cleaning products, chemicals and medicines.  Keep them locked away in high secure cupboard. 

8, Digital Safety: Monitor screen time and internet use to ensure positive health and Wellbeing of the children in your home.  

It may seem that Home Safety is the responsibility of the homeowner or the property owner and yes of course it is, however if your instructing an interior designer these tips for home Safety will have been given consideration before any design project takes place. 

Be sure to check with your Interior designer that this is the case.