Cincinnati-Based Plumbing Company Promotes Family Bathroom Safety in January

In honor of National Bath Safety Month, Roto-Rooter offers tips on how to stay safe in the bathroom

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Jan 22, 2014, 11:01 ET

CINCINNATI, Jan. 22, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- January is National Bath Safety Month, reminding families that the most popular room in the home can also be one of the most dangerous. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, every year 200,000 Americans age 15 and older are treated for nonfatal injuries that occurred in the bathroom.

Especially for young children and the elderly, precautions must be taken in order to maintain a safe bathroom environment. Many of these injuries, particularly falls, are easily preventable with these simple tips for improving bathroom safety from Roto-Rooter Plumbing and Drain Service:

Be wary of hot water: Bathroom burns are no joke! If there are young children or elderly people in your house, adjust your water heater to stay no hotter than 120 degrees at all times to prevent scalding.
Hide the supplies: Many bathroom cleaning supplies contain toxic chemicals that are extremely harmful if ingested. Play it safe by locking them away where curious fingers can't find them.
Slippery surfaces: Bathroom floors are notorious for being slippery – why else would bath mats be such a big thing? Always prepare for the worst when it comes to slippery surfaces, and invest in quality mats to prevent falls.
Leave the toilet seat down: This has always been a problem in relationships, but now it has become a safety issue too. Keep toilets seats down and, if possible, locked to prevent flushed cell phones or small children from falling in.
Electricity + water = bad: You've known this shocking equation for years, but now is a good time for a brush-up. Televisions, computers and stereos are all electrical items and therefore don't belong anyplace that's in danger of getting wet.
Bath rails to the rescue: Falls are highly preventable and especially dangerous for seniors. A simple bath rail can make all the difference. DIY bath rails are easy to install and provide extra stabilization when sitting, standing or exiting the bathtub.

Although bathrooms can present safety issues, if the correct measures are taken you can reduce the risk of accidents and injury. Make a New Year's Resolution to give your bathroom a safety check and make sure it's a safe place for the entire family, regardless of age.

SOURCE Roto-Rooter