It’s not fun to think about, but you’ll be glad you did!
Don’t live in fear.
As a proudly South African company, Homemakers can’t help but be positive about Mzanzi. We usually shy away from doom and gloom pieces, choosing instead to celebrate all the wonderful parts of our country.
However, this does not change the reality that sometimes, people fall victim to crime of other mishaps and we all know that accidents happen. As the year ramps up and hosting and outdoor living makes the most of the great weather, we decided to come up with a list of proactive ways to keep you and your loved ones safe.
Being proactive gives you freedom.
Pool covers and pool alarms.
This is something we feel strongly about, not only when you have kids around. Accidental drownings happen all the time and it’s no use to say your what-ifs after the worst has happened.
Pet ramps
If your babies are fur-babies, it is still important to keep them safe around your pool. Pool ramps are a great way to allow a pet that has fallen into a pool to self-rescue. This safety tool works best for animals that have some water sense and can swim towards the ramp, so be vigilant of your dog breeds that aren’t swimmers, (like staffies and bulldogs) or young animals.
Covers
Still one of the top ways to ensure pool safety and cut down on maintenance, a properly fitted and secured full pool cover can quite literally be a life saver. These covers not only stop foliage and debris from blowing into your pool, but also maintain heat, and stop excessive evaporation.
Nets
Another common way to secure your pool is with a well fitted safety net. While they do not necessarily help with pool maintenance they are still an affordable and easy to use way to keep kids, pets and adults from taking an unplanned dive.
Alarms
In addition to the above-mentioned safety tools, a pool alarm will alert you to anything that falls into the water (usually as long as it weighs more than 5kg and breaks the water surface). These alarms are an additional measure and as with any pool safety device, nothing beats constant vigilance.
Gates and fences
This is the classic way to keep your pool safe, and it’s still a favourite for its ease of use. Fences don’t help with evaporation or maintenance, but they are an easy and permanent way to ensure constant pool safety. Easier than having to take off a net or cover, fences can be safe if gates are locked, and fences are secure and intact.
Lighting.
Sufficient outdoor lighting can help you improve the safety of your home in various ways. Not only does a well-lit home deter any potential troublemakers, but it will also aid in outdoor safety when it comes to trips and falls. If its visible, people are less likely to fall into your pool, crash into your garden furniture, trip over forgotten toys and bicycles or even crash into gates and fences when driving in and out of your home.
We love outdoor lights that add to the ambience of your garden and there are unlimited options available.
Outdoor lighting ideas
Backyard lighting motivation
Fire hazards and burn kits.
Between conventional braais, gas grills, wood fire pizza ovens, fire pits and those little citronella candles, South Africans love a good flame. While no one is telling you not to braai and keep the bugs away, it doesn’t mean that we can blindly go forth and set things on fire. Basic fire safety remains a must and between teaching kids to keep their distance from flames, (specifically if they wear fleecy clothes) and making sure that inebriated guests don’t start making pizza-oven fireworks, it can be hard work to keep your outdoor time burn free.
Fire blankets and extinguishers.
For fires that are not out of control yet or cannot be extinguished with water, a fire blanket is perfect. This is ideal for stove top fires, or clothing fires and can be used to great effect to smother a fire before it becomes a crisis.
Fire Balls are another innovative way to suppress smaller fires and are easy to use, requiring no training.
Fire extinguishers are the original fire suppression method and with the right training they are still one of the best ways to deal with any type of fire. Keep them in areas where fires can occur or other easily accessible areas and ensure that all capable members of your household can operate them correctly.
Basic burn kit
Should the worst happen, its best to have some form of burn kit at hand. Burns should not be treated with home remedies and there are various first aid kits available to limit the damage of a burn injury while professional medical help is sought.
