For a home to be called a sanctuary in every sense of the word, it must offer comfort, security and safety for all its occupants. While this may seem complicated or challenging to achieve, it really isn’t.
Practical additions, such as installing aluminium stacker doors in Sydney, for example, can already bring safety levels up a notch.
Kitchen Safety
Safety in the home revolves around the idea of minimising or preventing domestic accidents, such as trips and falls. Your kitchen’s design and layout can dictate the likelihood of these accidents.
- There should be easy, unobstructed access to and from your kitchen’s work triangle. Cross traffic should be reduced, if not eliminated, as well.
- Round off sharp edges and corners of furniture and work areas.
- Reduce the possibility of fires by using a guardrail around hot plates, using heat-resistant mats or trivets, and using fire-resistant materials and finishes.
- Anything toxic and poisonous should be stored properly and out of children’s reach.
- The kitchen should be properly fitted with smoke alarms, which should be checked periodically for optimum functionality.
Bathroom Safety
The minimum housing standards for bathrooms and toilets list what every home should at least comply with for it to be considered “good enough.” We don’t want just good enough, however.
- It must be designed to ensure ease of movement within and around bathroom facilities.
- Add non-slip mats and install grab rails where appropriate to prevent slip and fall hazards.
- Make sure it’s adequately ventilated and illuminated, complete with motion sensor lights for better bathroom access at night.
- The distance between water sources and power points must meet minimum safety requirements as specified by the Australian Standards.
- If there are children living with you, install child-resistant cabinets and storage solutions for medicines and hazardous products.
Other Interior Features
Investing in home security is one of the many ways to make your home safe. But there are also small changes that can further enhance safety.
Doors and Windows
- Toilet doors must meet the National Construction Code requirements that specify doors must open outwards, or sliding doors must be removed from the outside when the need arises.
- Consider the materials used and operational efficiency. For example, an aluminium stacker door made with Grade A safety toughened glass is stronger, less likely to break, and less harmful when it does break.
- Paths and access leading to doors should be kept clear so you can evacuate quickly.
Floors
- The majority, if not all, floors should be resistant to slipping or tripping.
- When installing rugs and carpets, they should be secured down and kept flat.
Stairs and Ramps
- Handrails should be installed on both sides of the stairs and ramps.
- Stairs should be well-lit and clutter-free, and with each step highly visible.
- If you or any member of the household uses mobility aids, the ramps should be smooth and free of obstructions.
Wiring and electrical
- While in the design stage, talk to your designer and electrician about the optimal layout of power outlets.
- There should be adequate power outlets to prevent the use of power boards or extension cords that may lead to overloaded circuitry.
- Make sure safety switches are used on both interior and exterior areas, and that the switchboard allows for easy access at night.
Creating a safe home environment doesn’t have to be complicated. This is especially true if you’re still in the design and build process. Otherwise, a few practical improvements and retrofitting will help. For safe and secure sliding doors, Rylock offers high-quality products.
Additional Safety Considerations
Outdoor Safety and Surroundings
Safety does not end at the front door; it extends to your garden, driveway, and even the pathways around your home. A well-lit exterior discourages potential intruders and helps residents move around more confidently at night.
Motion-sensor lights placed near entrances, pathways, and the garage not only save energy but also provide immediate illumination when movement is detected. If you have a garden, ensure that tools, lawnmowers, and chemicals such as pesticides or fertilizers are stored in locked sheds, away from children and pets.
Swimming pools or ponds should always be covered or fenced off to prevent accidental falls. For families with children, installing safety latches on gates is a simple yet effective step.
Bedroom Safety
Bedrooms should be cozy, but they also need to be safe. Position furniture in a way that allows easy movement, especially at night when visibility is reduced. Avoid clutter on the floor and secure wardrobes or bookshelves to the wall to prevent tipping accidents.
Consider placing non-slip mats near the bed and adding small night-lights along pathways to the bathroom. For older family members, bed rails and accessible light switches can provide peace of mind and reduce the risk of falls.
Living Room Precautions
As a central space for family gatherings, the living room should be designed with safety in mind. Anchor televisions and large furniture to the wall, use corner protectors on coffee tables, and keep decorative items out of children’s reach.
If you enjoy candles, opt for flameless LED versions to eliminate the fire hazard. Secure loose wires and place remote controls, phones, and other gadgets in designated spots to reduce clutter.
Emergency Preparedness
Beyond accident prevention, true safety means being ready for emergencies. Every household should have a first-aid kit, a fire extinguisher, and an evacuation plan. Practice fire drills with children, and make sure everyone knows how to call emergency services.
Keeping an emergency kit with flashlights, batteries, water, and non-perishable food is also a smart precaution, especially in areas prone to power outages or natural disasters.
In the end, creating a safe home is a continuous process. By combining smart design, practical adjustments, and a proactive mindset, you can ensure your living space remains a place of comfort, peace, and protection for the entire family.
