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(ARA) - “Safety in the bath.” When most people see these four
words, they think of two age groups: seniors and children. However,
creating a safe bath environment is equally important for every
member of your family. In fact, approximately 70 percent of all
accidents occurring in the home happen in the bathroom -- which
equals nearly 200,000 accidents each year. The bathroom can certainly
be a dangerous place, but with a few simple tips, it doesn’t have
to be. Below, find ways to increase the safety of your bathroom
with ease and minimal expense -- and without detracting from the
beauty of your bath’s décor.
Slips
To fight slick surfaces, place a nonskid bathmat inside the tub
or shower stall. This will increase the friction between wet feet
and the floor or the inside of the tub or shower. Also put nonskid
rugs on tile floors to minimize slips.
Falls
Grab bars should be installed near the tub or shower and next to
the toilet for a universally-safe bath. Whether it’s for young children
just starting to shower on their own, the elderly, or someone suffering
from a sports injury or recovering from surgery, grab bars are items
that are easy to install and a huge helping hand. And if you have
a senior in your life, this is the best safety device you can install
for the elderly -- where falling is the leading cause of injury
resulting in death among people 65 years and older, according to
the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control.
Worried installing grab bars will make your bathroom look too institutional?
Relax -- grab bars have come a long way. A new line of ADA-compliant
decorative grab bars from Creative Specialties International, a
division of Moen, come in a variety of designs and finishes to fit
any bath décor and are designed to match the style and look of Moen’s
popular faucets and bath accessories.
Kid-proof
If you’ve got youngsters in the house, label all cleaning agents
and lock them away. All medicines, even aspirin, should be put out
of children’s reach. Make sure hot and cold taps are easily identified
and put soft covers on tub taps and spouts. You might also want
to consider plugging in a night-light in the bath for safer late-night
visits by little ones.
Bathtub
For anyone who has problems getting into and out of the tub (think
little kids, seniors, even weekend warriors with a pulled muscle),
you may want to install a grip on the side of the tub wall for easy
bath tub “hurdling.” One to try is the ADA-compliant Dual Tub Grip
from Creative Specialties International’s Home Care line of bath
safety items, which features a sturdy, no-wobble design and two
different handle heights for grasping -- so anyone can easily enter
and exit the tub. Designed with textured grab areas shaped flat
for better gripping, it clamps easily onto the tub wall for a quick,
tool-free installation and removal without using any difficult or
twisting motions. It also features nonskid pads to prevent scratches
on the tub surface.
Temperature
We all enjoy a hot, steamy shower, but it’s important to ensure
that no one using the shower or sink will be scalded. The American
Academy of Pediatrics encourages parents to set their household
water heater no higher than 120 F. For children’s baths, there are
a number of bath thermometers available in the form of bath toys,
to help determine when the water is safe for a child to enter.
One thing we all want to avoid is “shower shock” -- that quick
change in water temperature due to a change in water pressure, brought
about by flushing the toilet, turning on a dishwasher, starting
a washing machine, or any other immediate household water usage.
Many older shower systems do not have the technology to fight shower
shock. If your shower valves are old, consider installing a pressure-balancing
shower valve, like the Posi-Temp valve from Moen. It has a unique
pressure-balancing spool to regulate water delivery and keep shower
temperature consistent, comfortable and safe. The water remains
a constant temperature (plus or minus 2 degrees) despite demand.
Electricity
One thing is for sure -- water and electricity don’t mix. Never
install a light switch in or near the shower, and don’t keep appliances
plugged in with cords long enough to reach the sink. Another quick
and inexpensive safety precaution is to install ground fault circuit
interrupters to prevent electrical shock. These outlets cut off
electricity if water does get into an appliance. Also ensure that
you have childproof covers over all electrical outlets.
Make the bathroom a relaxing haven for everyone -- with an emphasis
on safety. With a few adjustments and additions, you can ensure
your bathroom is designed with everyone’s safety in mind.
Article courtesy of ARA Content
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