Bloomington / Normal, IL

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Five Ways to Create a Safer Bathroom

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Submitted by DJ’s Painting and Remodeling

According to the National Safety Council, approximately 70 percent of
all accidents occurring in the home happen in the bathroom — accounting
for nearly 200,000 accidents each year. While it’s difficult to
eliminate risks entirely, you can make your bathroom safer for the whole
family by following a few simple steps:

Choose a textured floor.
The splish and splash of taking a bath often leads to slippery surfaces.
When choosing flooring for a bathroom, avoid slick surfaces like
porcelain and granite, and look for textured choices with better
traction. If ceramic is a must, look for certified slip-resistant
options. When in doubt, opt for smaller bathroom tiles. The more grout
lines, the more resistance your flooring will offer.

Make it level.
You don’t need a large, walk-in shower to get one with a low threshold.
As trips can be as dangerous as slips, look for a safe shower pan that
is level with the floor, making it easy to step inside.

Get a grip.
Installing grab bars in the shower and next to the tub is a good idea
for everyone, but it’s especially important for those looking to stay in
their home as they age. Be sure to use a product that meets or exceeds
the requirements of the American with Disabilities Act (ADA-compliant).

Keep kids in mind.

Locks for every style of cabinet or drawer are readily available at
local hardware stores. If you have small children (or if they visit),
remember to lock away medications, small electrical appliances, and
cleaning supplies. Above all, never leave children unattended in the
bath or shower.

Don’t get burned.

Water heater thermostats can be preset up to 140 degrees, a temperature
that can easily burn sensitive skin. Reduce the risk of burns by setting
your water heater to 120 degrees. For added peace of mind, there are
also shower systems that provide a digital temperature read out.

No matter what age or stage of life, mishaps can happen to anyone and
making a few simple adjustments could make all of the difference for
your family’s safety in the bathroom. To learn more about home safety
from the National Safety Council, you may visit www.NSC.org.

DJ’s Painting & Remodeling is a locally owned, full-service
painting and remodeling company. For information on any painting or
remodeling project, you may contact them at 309-452-9643, email
sales@djspaintinginc.com, or visit them online at www.djspaintinginc.com.

Photo credit: BCFC/iStock