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The bathroom can be a very dangerous place for everyone, no matter how young or old. Statistics indicate that for every five accidents in the home, two occur in the bathroom. Many simple tips and fixes that will make a bathroom safer for everyone.
The bottom of a web bathtub is a slippery surface. Residues from soap and cleaning products, along with water, can make it even more slippery than normal. A simple tip and fix is to place tub treads on the bottom. There are full and partial mats that can be used as well as many cute shapes for the younger ones. Do not ever leave a young child in the bathtub by himself for any reason. A child can drown in as little as two inches of water. Make sure there are no distractions, such as cooking dinner, while giving a child a bath. Another simple tip is to set your water heater thermostat to its lowest setting, usually around 120 degrees Fahrenheit. This simple step saves on the electric bill and preventing scalding burn accidents. Do not forget to use pads on the tub spout in case you do fall.
Make sure that all the rugs used in the bathroom have a non-slip tread or backing on them. If water gets onto the floor, clean it up immediately to prevent a fall. Bathrooms for older persons should include handrails in needed areas such as the bathtub or toilet. If there are young children in the house, a toilet lock should be used. If a child has older siblings, make sure they know to reset the lock every time.
Check any electrical appliance that is used in the bathroom. Make sure that if the cord in long enough, while plugged in, to reach the water, then the item needs to be moved or have the cord shortened. When the item is not being used, store it in a pantry or under the sink. Some shower areas have lights on the ceiling directly over the bathtub. Make sure any fixture has a cover for the bulb. The steam from a hot shower can make a light bulb explode. If your bathroom does not have a ground fault circuit interrupter outlet, have an electrician install one. This outlet will shut off power immediately if there is a short circuit, such as water contact.
A night light in the bathroom is extremely helpful for any aged person. A stumble in a dark bathroom can have bad consequences. When decorating or redecorating a bathroom, avoid monochrome color schemes. Walls and floors that are colored similarly can have a confusing effect on people. Place hampers and laundry chutes in out-of-the way places and secure them with locks if children are present.
If there are children in the house, use a locking medicine cabinet. Do not store cleaning products in the bathroom unless there is a lock on the cabinet door. Replace towel rods with sharp corners with models that are rounded. Make sure they are installed properly and that children do not hang from them.
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