How to Make a Bathroom Safer
According to the Home Safety Council, more than 5 million people are injured in the U.S. by falls in and around the home each year. A large number of these accidents occur in the bathroom. Taking the time to assess the risks and dangers in your family bathroom could prevent an accident or even a more serious injury. This article is meant to be a starting point to making your bathroom safer. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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How to Make a Bathroom Safer
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Many falls occur when people are getting in or out of the bathtub. Consider using a non-slip mat inside the tub to reduce the chance of accidents. If the bathroom floor is not carpeted, also consider a mat just outside the tub to provide a safe, secure place to step in and out of the tub. If you, or someone in your home is elderly or has trouble getting into the tub, consider the option of installing a walk-in style tub. These are designed for safety and freedom, and are readily available at most home improvement stores.
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If your bathroom floor is tile or other non-carpeted surface, you should invest in non-skid mats for areas that might get wet. These include in front of the vanity or sinks, around the toilet and in front of the bathtub. Since these mats are in high moisture areas, make sure that they are washed or replaced frequently to reduce the chance of mildew or mold.
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Check the electrical outlets throughout the bathroom to verify that they are 'ground fault' outlets. These type of outlets have an internal breaker that interrupts the flow of electricity if there is a short and can prevent electrical burns or electrocution. Most often this happens in the bathroom when a hair dryer or curling iron comes into contact with water. Although ground fault outlets are included in the electrical code for most newer homes, some older homes and those outlets installed by a homeowner might not meet code. Ground fault outlets are available in most home improvement stores and should be installed by a licensed electrician.
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Hand rails near toilets and the bathtub can help reduce accidents and assist the elderly or people with disabilities. Rails are easily installed and can be purchased at any hardware or home improvement store. Be sure to follow the installation guidelines to ensure stability.
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Make sure that your bathroom is adequately lit. Check fixtures and bulbs to ensure that you have good lighting in the vanity and bathtub area. Water and darkness are not a good combination, and can lead to accidents. Most often, the bathtub is the darkest place in the bathroom. Consider a self-contained, battery operated light that can be installed in the shower or bath to provide additional light. If this isn't an option, consider replacing your shower curtain with a clear plastic curtain to allow more light to reach the shower.
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Tips & Warnings
Always consult a licensed electrician before attempting any electrical upgrades
A safer, more accessible bathroom is often a selling point for a home on the market
Local home improvement centers often offer weekend 'Do If Yourself' clinics that show you how to complete these upgrades yourself
Always check local building codes before making any major changes to your bathroom
Some renovations will require a building permit before you can get started
Depending on the type of residence, you may need to consider accessibility requirements for upgrades or changes.
