RPPSOA   Accident Prevention Preventing Household Accidents If you want to make your home hazard-free, start with stairways and other places where people can fall. Falls are far and away the most common cause of accidental death and serious injury, in the home, and they are a particular problem for the elderly. Each year 200,000 people older than 65 wind up in the hospital with a broken hip suffered in a fall. If you want to reduce the risks, stairways are a good place to start. They should have sturdy handrails at the appropriate height--a minimum of 32 inches above the stair treads, with 36 inches a better choice--and stairs should be evenly spaced and of a consistent height. They should also be well lighted and be free of toys and other things someone could trip over. Loose rugs are another big problem because they are easy to trip over. Use a non-slip mat under rugs. Airborne hazards Some household hazards can't be seen because they're in the air. Carbon monoxide accumulates when gas, oil, wood or charcoal doesn't burn completely. Breathed in small amounts, it can make someone feel tired or even cause chest pain. In larger amounts, it can cause headaches, dizziness, flu-like symptoms and death. Install a carbon monoxide alarm to warn of dangerous levels of the gas. Childhood Accidents A house is an exciting place for infants and small children, who love to explore but aren't aware of the potential dangers. Protecting your child from household dangers is your job - and it's a job that will always be evolving to keep up with your child's growing mobility and curiosity. Even before your baby comes home from the hospital, you will need to think carefully about his safety at home. And as he grows older, your job becomes more difficult, as he touches, tastes, and climbs his way through the world. Life can't be risk-free, but most household accidents can be prevented by utilizing a household safety checklist. This will help you identify and eliminate potential hazards in your home. Animal Bites Pets and children seem like a natural combination - until one oversteps the other's boundaries. Take note of the following to promote household harmony... MORE>>>> RPPSOA Welcome to the Rohnert Park Public Safety Association's website. Use this site to inform yourself to the event, goals and views of the association and its members.