Household Safety

Recently Answered

• QHow can I get rid of a bat inside my house?

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  A Univ. of Nev. School of Medicine, Family Medicine answered

  If a bat is present in your home, contact an animal-control or public health agency for assistance. It may be important to capture the bat for rabies testing, especially if a potential bite or exposure has occurred. Sometimes, professional help may be unavailable. In such cases, use precautions to capture the bat safely, as described below.

  To begin, you will need:

  • leather work gloves (put them on)
  • small box or coffee can
  • piece of cardboard
  • tape

  The steps you should take to capture the bat are:

  • When the bat lands, approach it slowly, while wearing the gloves, and place the box or coffee can over it.
  • Slide the cardboard under the container to trap the bat inside.
  • Tape the cardboard to the container securely, and punch small holes in the cardboard, allowing the bat to breathe.

  When no potential exposure has occurred, the bat can be safely released outside. If a bite or exposure to saliva (e.g., into a person's mouth, eyes or a fresh wound) has occurred, your health department or animal-control authority should be contacted to make arrangements for rabies testing.

   

• QHow can I keep bats out of my house?

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  A Univ. of Nev. School of Medicine, Family Medicine answered

  Some bats live in buildings and may continue to do so with little risk to inhabitants if they are unable to access living areas and the potential for contact with people is low.

  However, bats should always be prevented from entering rooms of your home. "Bat proofing" your home or living quarters can prevent bats from using a home for a roosting site. For best results, contact an animal control or wildlife conservation agency and ask for assistance.

  If you choose to do the "bat-proofing" yourself, here are some suggestions:

  • Carefully examine your home for holes that might allow bats entry into your living quarters.
  • Any openings larger than a quarter-inch by a half-inch should be caulked.
  • Use window screens, chimney caps and draft-guards beneath doors to attics.
  • Fill electrical and plumbing holes with stainless steel wool or caulking. Ensure that all doors to the outside close tightly.
  • Most bats leave in the fall or winter to hibernate, so these are the best times to "bat-proof" your home. During summer, many young bats are unable to fly. If you exclude adult bats during this time, the young may be trapped inside.
• QHow do I heat my home safely with a fireplace, wood stove, or space heater?

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  A Univ. of Nev. School of Medicine, Family Medicine answered

  If you plan to use a wood stove, fireplace, or space heater, be extremely careful. Follow the manufacturer's instructions and remember these safety tips:

  • Use fireplace, wood stoves, or other combustion heaters only if they are properly vented to the outside and do not leak flue gas into the indoor air space.
  • Do not burn paper in a fireplace.
  • Ensure adequate ventilation if you must use a kerosene heater.
  • Use only the type of fuel your heater is designed to use—don't substitute.
  • Do not place a space heater within 3 feet of anything that may catch on fire, such as drapes, furniture, or bedding, and never cover your space heater.
  • Never place a space heater on top of furniture or near water.
  • Never leave children unattended near a space heater.
  • Make sure that the cord of an electric space heater is not a tripping hazard but do not run the cord under carpets or rugs.
  • Avoid using extension cords to plug in your space heater.
  • If your space heater has a damaged electrical cord or produces sparks, do not use it.
  • Store a multipurpose, dry-chemical fire extinguisher near the area to be heated.
  • Protect yourself from carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning by installing a battery-operated CO detector and never using generators, grills, camp stoves, or similar devices indoors.
• QHow can I safely keep medications in a house with children?

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  A Univ. of Nev. School of Medicine, Family Medicine answered

  Always keep medications in original bottles or containers, with the cap secure, and up and away from children. Children getting into and taking medications without adult supervision can lead to serious and potentially life-threatening effects.

• QHow can I protect my child from household cleaners and other poisons?

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  A RealAge answered

  

  Keep all dangerous cleaners, paint thinners, antifreeze, pesticides, and medicines locked up or on high shelves. Ditto for mouthwash, perfumes, vitamins, laundry detergent, and batteries -- all can be deadly poisons to small kids, so make sure they are not accessible.
  
  From The Smart Parent's Guide: Getting Your Kids Through Checkups, Illnesses, and Accidents by Jennifer Trachtenberg.

  

  Find out more about this book:

  The Smart Parent's Guide: Getting Your Kids Through Checkups, Illnesses, and Accidents
  Buy book
• QHow can I browse the Internet and be safe from identity theft?

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  A Multiple Sclerosis Foundation answered

  Identity theft is a major concern in today’s digital world. Whether you shop online or not, it’s possible that companies have and store your information online. And although you do not have control over how these institutions use your data, you do have control over how you use and store your data on your mobile device. Familiarize yourself with the following elements on online security:

  • Security settings. There are common security settings in most browsers. While they perform the same function, each browser will have a unique way to implement these functions.
  • Cookies. When you surf the Internet, a trail called cookies is created using the sites you visit. Cookies are stored on your devices and can easily be obtained by anyone who has an interest in finding out what sites you frequent. All browsers allow you to turn off cookies or decide if you want to accept them from certain types of sites. Use the most restrictive cookie setting that works for your surfing needs.
  • Auto fill. While it might be more convenient to have your personal data automatically filled in to save time, it is not a good idea. This allows the data to be stored on your device and makes it easier to steal.
  • History. As you surf, the sites you visit are stored. You can erase the history when you are done browsing. In addition, features such as private browsing turn off history so that it is not stored. It is safer to use private browsing, but there will be no record of your surfing. If you want to revisit a site, bookmarking or tagging it would be a better way to go back to the site.
  • Plugins and extensions. These programs add functionality. Extensions add functionality to your browser. Plugins are limited to a simple task, usually embedded in a particular site. Extensions are much more likely to be hacked because they have readable code that can be changed. With extensions and plugins you have to weigh usefulness versus risk. Err on the side of caution and only load extensions and plugins from companies that are reliable.
  • Pop­up blocking. Windows that appear out of nowhere are called pop­ups. Pop­ups often cause problems such as viruses and malware. Pop­up blockers should be turned on to prevent attacks. 
• QHow can I keep my email account secure?

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  A Multiple Sclerosis Foundation answered

  To keep your email account secure, follow a few simple rules:

  • Be cautious of unsolicited email from companies requesting information. Imposters may disguise email as though it is coming from a reputable company in order to get your information. This is known as phishing. If you receive an email that appears to be from your bank or another institution with which you have an account requesting information, avoid using links within the email. Call the company or go directly to their secure website instead.
  • Do not open mail unless you recognize the sender. Even then, use caution. Email address books are often hacked and what looks like an email from someone you know can be spam or junk.
  • If available, use the feature that scans email attachments for problems before you open it.
• QHow can I prevent falls at home?

  8 Answers

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  A Discovery Health answered

  The risk of falling affects seniors for several reasons, not just because of mobility problems. Reduce your risk with these tips:

  • Check your medication: Diuretics for high blood pressure can cause leg cramps, and medicines for overactive bladder and chronic pain can cause dizziness.
  • Critique your home: Move obstacles such as extension cords and furniture out of all high-traffic areas. Install night-lights in dimly lit areas and along stairwells. Secure loose rugs with nonslip pads. In the bathroom, install nonslip mats or hand bars, or a nonskid seat in the shower. Store items only on low shelves, and use a grabber tool or a stepstool with nonskid steps and a handle to reach them.
  • Consider using a cane or walker. Learn to use it correctly.
  • Replace your shoes: Slip-on shoes are a hazard because they tend to slide around. Instead, go with a sturdy shoe with a firm, nonslip sole and laces. Spring laces stay tight and don't need tying. Velcro fasteners also work fine.
  • Exercise: Practice a fitness routine that improves concentration and balance, such as yoga or tai chi. Classes are available for beginners and seniors.
  • Stay in touch: Be sure you always have a way to call for help if needed, whether it's a cell phone with 911 and family members on speed dial or a 24-hour monitoring service.

  See All 8 Answers
• QHow can I stay healthy while spring-cleaning?

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  A Mercy Medical Center answered

  You can stay healthy in your spring-cleaning mission as you push your body to the limit to get glowing floors, fresh powder rooms and clean-smelling carpets. Just don’t let your ultimate goal cloud your common sense. Keep the following in mind as you take on the cleaning challenge:

  • Buddy up. Don’t try to lift heavy furniture or climb ladders alone. Enlist the help of a cleaning partner to help you divide and conquer.
  • Circulate. When you’re moving around dust and polishing surfaces, the air can get a little hazy. Keep some doors and windows open as you work.
  • Look at labels. Most products shouldn’t be swallowed, but there are several that should also not come into contact with skin. Stay informed by reading the safety labels on household cleaning supplies.

  Trinity Health is a Catholic health care organization that acts in accordance with the Catholic tradition and does not condone or support all practices covered in this site. In case of emergency call 911. This site is educational and not a substitute for professional medical advice, always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider.
• QIs your water safe to drink?

  1 Answer

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  A HealthCorps answered

  The best resources to determine if your local drinking water is safe to drink are local news outlets and local public works offices. The EPA now plans to tighten drinking-water standards to eliminate the carcinogen (cancer-causing) hexavalent chromium. Until that standard is implemented nationwide, if you are concerned about your drinking water, you can consider using faucet or water pitcher filters that contain activated carbon, which eliminates 40% - 90% of this contaminant. The range is based on how much of the hexavalent chromium is in your drinking water.
  A more expensive option is a reverse-osmosis home filtering system, which can remove this carcinogen. Systems can cost between $200 and$700, sometimes even more, depending on the size of your home and the installation time.
  
  For more information check out: www.ewg.org/chromium6-in-tap-water