Seems like every year around this time, we first responder types begin to see more accidents as a result of home improvement projects that are underway by homeowners. Common calls related to this increase in getting things done around the house include, but are not limited to: Falls from ladders, severe cuts from power tools, contact with buried gas or power lines and falls from roofs. Virtually all of these, sometimes tragic events, are preventable, and yet every year we see the same things over and over.
What can we as first responders do to help spread the word about prevention of these kinds of events?
Well, first of all, we can model good safe practices ourselves. Whether we know it or not, other folks watch what we do and how we do it, whether at home or on an emergency scene, especially the kids. Take a moment and ask yourself before every project if you have taken all the precautions needed to insure a safe outcome.
Secondly, take a look at this website link for some solid prevention ideas for all sorts of common everyday activities that are known to have risks. A little prevention goes a long way. It wasn’t too long ago when seat belts were considered a little utilized option, yet today, most of us wouldn’t think about driving without one. That same story can be true for these other common risks, if we just take the time to think about what we are doing before we do it.
Here’s hoping you have a safe and productive summer season!
