Keeping Fire Extinguishers Handy
Back in the day, a dish towel and water were the “fire plan.” We've come a long way since then. Fire extinguishers are cheap, easy to use, and can save your kitchen from becoming a disaster zone.
Unplugging Appliances After Use
Unplugging things when you're done with them saves you cash on energy bills and reduces the risk of house fires. Our grandparents didn’t know that, or maybe didn’t care. They left everything plugged in 24/7. It's a wonder the house didn't burn down a few times.
Keeping Cleaning Products Locked Away
Back then, cleaning products chilled right next to the snacks in the kitchen. Kids were told not to touch them, but that was pretty much the whole safety plan. We’re wiser now. Poison control gets millions of calls every year, and baby-proof locks actually save lives.
Wearing Gloves When Using Chemicals
Our grannies scrubbed the floors with their bare hands while humming along to their favorite tune. Fast forward to today, and we all know how harsh cleaning products can mess up your hands. Using a pair of gloves keeps your hands soft, safe, and ready for anything.
Turning Off the Stove Before Walking Away
Our grandparents were pros at leaving the soup on for hours while they went off and did other things. What could go wrong, right? Well, that’s how most kitchen fires start.
Using Step Stools Instead of Chairs
Granny would climb up a rickety dining chair to get to the top shelf like it was some kind of sport. Nowadays, we don't really like the idea of sending ourselves flying to the emergency room. Step stools are sturdier and safer, and you get to avoid the dramatic “thud” followed by a week of limping.
Checking Expiration Dates on Food
Our grandparents would just shrug their shoulders if you told them something was past its expiry date. If it smelled okay, it was safe to consume. But what they didn't know is that bacteria don't always announce themselves, and that's why checking the dates is very important.
Installing Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Back in the day, “carbon monoxide” wasn't even a household word. If someone felt dizzy, they'd just open a window. Today, we know CO is a sneaky killer, and detectors save lives. Gramps might have called them unnecessary, but they're one gadget worth keeping plugged in.
Keeping Medicines Out of Reach
Our grandparents used to stash medications in cute glass jars and leave them on the counter. Unfortunately, some curious kids didn’t see a difference between candy and medicine. Now we stash everything high up or lock it away, and our ER visits have decreased.
Using Surge Protectors for Electronics
Gramps' old TV was plugged straight into the wall, and it magically survived every thunderstorm. But today’s gadgets are fragile and expensive. Surge protectors prevent fried circuits and all the heartbreak that goes with them.
Securing Heavy Furniture to Walls
Grandma had that one massive old dresser that simply stood there for decades with no worries. Now that kids are climbing everything, you need to have some security measures in place. Furniture anchors stop bookshelves and TVs from getting knocked over during curious adventures. It's an easy fix that prevents something super bad from happening.
Childproofing Electrical Outlets
In the ‘50s, the open outlets in every wall looked like a fun little puzzle for any toddler to figure out. Our grandparents didn't give it a second thought until someone got zapped. Nowadays, we pop on plastic covers and call it a day.
Making Sure Water Heater Temperatures Are Safe
Scalding showers were kind of a rite of passage for some families. Grandpa liked it piping hot, no questions asked. These days, we keep our water heaters set to a nice 120°F to avoid nasty skin burns.
Cleaning Out Dryer Lint Traps Regularly
Laundry day used to end with a mystery smell wafting out of the dryer. Our grandparents ignored lint traps until something started smoking. Unlike them, we know that a little buildup can start fires. So, we keep lint traps clean and keep our house safe.
Securing Rugs and Mats
Grandma loved her throw rugs, even if they tried to trip her up every day. Slipping on a rug was practically a part of the home decor. Today, we use little rug pads or grips to keep them firmly in place. It's one of those tiny habits that makes a huge difference.
Installing Handrails on Stairs
In the good old days, balance was considered a skill in itself, not something you needed to take precautions with. And if you were doing the laundry, you'd just carry it down the stairs without a railing and with total faith. These days, we know that one little slip can leave you hobbling about for weeks.
Checking Smoke Alarms Placement
Many people didn’t have smoke alarms back then, and those who did just stuck one in the hallway. Today, we know that every level and bedroom needs one. It's not about being paranoid; it's about common sense and keeping midnight toast accidents from turning tragic.
Lighting Up Hallways With Nightlights
Grandma could navigate the house in total darkness like a pro. But for the rest of us, nightlights are a lifesaver. They prevent the dreaded stubbed toe and the surprise collision with the furniture. And the best part is that they're super cheap, cozy, and perfect for those late-night fridge raids.
Labeling Circuit Breakers
Back then, if a fuse blew, our grandparents just flipped switches until the lights came back on. Nowadays, we actually label our circuits so we don't shut off the fridge while trying to turn the porch light back on. It's pretty much the grown-up version of “measure twice, cut once.”
Storing Firewood Away From the House
Having a giant woodpile right up against the wall of your house used to seem like a good idea. Our grandparents didn’t worry about pests, but we know better. Keeping firewood at least 20 feet away from the house means those bugs stay where they belong.
Using GFCI Outlets Near Water
Back in the day, plugging a hair dryer next to the sink was the norm. But then Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters came along, and power just cuts out if there's a short circuit. It's like having our own personal safety net against the kind of shock that could ruin far more than just your hairdo.
Cleaning Exhaust Fans and Vents
We know dust-clogged vents can cause fires or trap moisture. Regularly cleaning them keeps the air in your home fresh. However, our grandparents weren’t bothered by this. Vent cleaning wasn’t on their to-do list. If it wasn’t visibly dirty, it didn’t exist.
Keeping a First Aid Kit Stocked
Back in Grandma's day, a first aid kit was just a tin of bandages and a bottle of iodine. We’ve come a long way, and we've got all sorts of cool tricks up our sleeves. A fully stocked kit means you can sort out cuts, burns, and minor mishaps without resorting to using paper towels.
Changing Furnace Filters Regularly
A dirty filter makes the air gross and keeps your energy bills through the roof. Swapping them every few months keeps the air fresher and the house running smoothly. The old-school way was to change them whenever someone remembered to, which could be never.
Keeping a Fire Escape Plan
For our grandparents, a fire escape plan basically meant that everybody got out of the house and hoped nobody got hurt. But now, we actually draw up proper plans, choose a meeting spot, and run through the practice drill with the family.
Using Non-Slip Bath Mats
Grandma used to have one of those old clawfoot tubs that practically wore a warning sign. One wrong move and you were doing a backflip. Here we are now with non-slip mats in the bath that prevent all sorts of accidents in the shower.
Keeping Flashlights With Fresh Batteries
When the power went out back then, Grandpa just grabbed a candle and lit it. We now have reliable flashlights and spare batteries. It's a lot safer, brighter, and less likely to end with the whole place covered in wax.
Checking for Radon and Mold
Radon and Mold are two silent enemies that can really do some damage. A quick test every now and then will give you peace of mind. But back in the day, our grandparents used to think that if it didn't smell, it was fine.
Locking Doors and Windows at Night
Living in a small town meant leaving the doors unlocked and keeping the keys hidden in a plant pot. But these days, we lock up tight and know that the only thing that'll get in is fresh air.
Using Ladder Safety
Grandpa had a real simple take on ladder safety: just hold on tight and hope it doesn't let you down. Nowadays, we actually take the time to set up the ladder right, make sure we've got shoes with some decent grip, and try not to lean halfway.
Storing Matches and Lighters Safely
Kids back then thought matches were toys, and somehow everyone survived. However, these days we keep them out of reach of inquisitive little hands. Fire safety starts with simple habits and not trusting a five-year-old’s definition of “just looking.”
Keeping Sharp Knives Properly Stored
Our grandparents used to just chuck their knives in a drawer without a second thought. Fast forward to now, and we use magnetic strips and knife blocks that keep our fingers safe.
Checking Smoke Alarms for Dust
You can end up with a smoke alarm that stops working if you let it get clogged up with dust. It’s important to give it a quick wipe every now and then to keep it in top form. Our grandparents hardly ever even bothered with theirs.
Using Proper Extension Cords
Grandpa probably just plugged ten things into one outlet and called it a day. But we now know that's just not the way to do it. Using heavy-duty extension cords and making sure they're not overloaded keeps sparks from flying.
