Preventing Bathroom Injuries in Aldie and Loudon County

Injuries can and do occur anywhere inside and outside a home, even with great attention paid to injury prevention. So what does that tell you? That maybe we all need to try just a wee bit harder.

If you think your home is not as safe as it can be for all concerned, then a good place to start shoring up your defenses is in one or all of your bathrooms. After all, it is the most dangerous home locale, accounting for more than 200,000 injuries per year in the U.S. alone.

As such, here are 7 effective tips for your family’s added bathroom safety.

Gate It – If your bathroom door doesn’t close securely or have its own lock and you have small children at home, place a gate in the doorway when the bathroom is not in use. Better yet, replace your door for one that both securely shuts and locks.

Hold On – Installing grab bars in the shower and bathtub area, as well as near the toilet if needed, can help prevent a serious fall should you or a loved one slip or lose their balance.

Take a Seat – If you’re looking to update a toilet, consider purchasing a comfort height model to make sitting down and getting up easier.

Simplify – Looking to update your shower? Try a walk-in surround that doesn’t require you to step over a threshold.

Don’t Get Burned – Set your hot water heater to no higher than 120 degrees to prevent serious burns.

Light the Way – A mix of task lighting and soft overhead lighting can make shaving, putting on make-up, and taking medications easier. Add a night light to guide sleepy wanderers.

Get a Grip – Use rubber-backed bath mats in front of the tub, shower, and vanity, and install anti-slip stickers in tubs that do not have textured bottoms.

Use Common Sense – Wipe up splashes and puddles right away, don’t plug in electrical appliances near a water source, and never leave a child in the bath unattended.

Here at Your 1 Plumber, there’s a great deal we can do to assist you as you work to create safer bathroom environments. Installing an anti-scald shower valve, for example, will help reduce the risk of slips and falls in the tub or shower due to a sudden spike in the water temperature. We can also replace your tub with a walk-in model with a bench seat – a wise choice if you have elderly people living at home or others who need some assistance.

Call Your 1 Plumber today for more information and ideas for your family’s added safety.