Family Bathroom Tub and Shower Safety
The family bathroom gets a lot of traffic. Therefore, it is important to make it a safe place for all ages at all times. Potentially, bathrooms contain serious hazards, however common sense and simple precautions can keep everyone out of danger. Below is a checklist you can use to make sure your bathroom measures up.
1. Line your tub with a non-slip mat or decals.
Suction mats and adhesive decals or strips can help prevent slips and falls. You can find designs that match your décor or get transparent pieces that are nearly invisible.
2. Use a non-skid mat outside your tub and shower stall.
Slippery floors can also be a hazard when you’re stepping out of the shower or tub, that’s why you need a mat outside your tub or shower. Keep your floor dry and use a mat for extra protection.
3. Regulate your water temperature.
Set your water heater no higher than 120 degrees Fahrenheit. By regulating your water temperature, you can help prevent scalding. If you can hold your hand comfortably under running hot water, it’s a good sign the temperature is safe.
4. Supervise children at ALL times.
Keep close enough to touch when you’re bathing a child four years old or younger. Bath seats are nice aids, but it’s no substitute for a watchful adult. Small children should be supervised around all water, including the sink and toilet.
5. Install grab bars.
Safety bars are helpful for all ages. Place them where they can assist someone getting in and out of the tub or shower.
6. Remove breakable objects.
Don’t keep glass vases or breakable objects in the family bathroom if they can tip over or be easily reached by children. As people don’t wear shoes in the bathroom, broken glass poses a hazard.
Medicine Cabinet Safety
1. Lock your medicine cabinet if necessary.
Families with small children may need to lock the medicine cabinet. You can buy a model that needs a key or add childproof locks to your current cabinet. Many brands are easy to install using just adhesive strips.
2. Store medications safely.
Keep medications in bottles with childproof caps. Ensure that over the counter medicines are also stored securely. Remember, many medicines are affected by temperature and humidity so keep everything safe and out of reach of children.
3. Throw out old medications.
Medications lose their potency over time. Throw out anything past its expiration date. Look for signs of deterioration, such as moisture inside a bottle or liquids that look separated.
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Additional Safety Tips
1. Be sure electric outlets meet current safety standards.
Having a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) on outlets near water can help protect you from shock. If you don’t already have them, consult an electrician.
2. Use electrical devices safely and store them away when not in use.
Keep hair dryers and other electrical devices away from the tub and shower. Avoid leaving hot curling irons lying around.
3. Use candles carefully.
It’s fun to pamper yourself with candles at bath time. Just keep them away from flammable fabrics and extinguish them when you leave the room.
4. Avoid sharing towels or toothbrushes.
Give each family member their own toothbrush and towel to avoid transferring germs. You can use different colors or labels to keep them straight.
5. Clean surfaces with disinfectants and bleach regularly.
Use disinfectant daily on the surfaces you touch frequently, such as faucets and toilet handles. Scrub the shower and tub with bleach to fight bacteria.
6. Wash your hands frequently.
Wash your hands after using the toilet and after cleaning the bathroom.
In Summary
People spend a lot of time in the family bathroom, so keep it clean and safe. Spend a few minutes right now reviewing your family bathroom. Use the checklist above to get rid of any dangers and create a pleasant atmosphere in your busy bathroom that meets your daily needs.
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