According to U.S government statistics the number one place for accidents is the home, year after year. A report by the Rospa Home Safety Congress revealed over 3,500 deaths and 2.5 million visits to the hospital came from home accidents.

What's more surprising is most home related accidents is preventable. With more awareness, common sense and planning "before" the accident occurs, you can reduce the potential for accidents in and around your home.

Here are 7 tips to keep your family safer in and around your home.

1. Have A Safety Minded Attitude

This is one of the first and most important rules. Get in the habit of thinking safety. Think what could happen if. What could happen if I leave that electrical cord laying on the floor? Or if I leave that knife at the edge of the table? Or what could happen if I unplug that bathroom cord with wet hands?

2. Don't Allow Yourself To Think "It Could Never Happen To Me."

Known as a false sense of security - and an attitude that lands scores of people in hospital emergency rooms each year. Remember accidents have no discrimination, they'll visit you if your rich, poor, educated or innocent.

3. Avoid Crowding Electrical Plugs

With the abundance of electrical appliances today, it's tempting to place excessive pressure on electrical plugs. We use combination plugs, extension cords, surge protectors with an army of appliances. For safety's sake it's better to unplug items than risk shorting the plug out - or worse cause a fire. It's best to have an electrician install more outlets if necessary.

4. Is Your House Child-proof?

It's surprising how fast little children can get into bottles, jars and other places too many to mention. Make sure dangerous materials such as cleaning fluids and other liquids have child-proof caps and keep them out of children's reach. Teach your children safety minded habits as soon as possible.

5. Where There's Smoke There Should Be A Detector.

Dollar for dollar a smoke detector has saved more lives and injuries than any other appliance in the home. I am still shocked at how many people still refuse to spend $20 to buy one. The people who neglect to keep fresh batteries in the smoke detectors risk the same injuries as those who refuse to buy them. After you read this article you'll never do that right? Right.

6. Don't Fall For It.

Slip and falls lead the way for accidents around the home. Stay aware of potential slip and fall hazards around your home. Provide something to hold on to if you have more than 3 steps to entrances.

Place slip-resistant strips on outdoor steps, they work wonders when it's raining or damp outside. Make sure walking paths are clear of toys, shoes, stools and other items.

Another handy item to use is a night-light when you have to get up at night. A night-light has saved more stubbed toes - with the accompanying choice words than any other small appliance.

7. Heat In The Kitchen

The kitchen is the most dangerous room in the home. With fire, hot water, slippery floors, knives, forks and an army of appliances that toast, chop, dice and slice - does it surprise you?

Slips are always a danger in the kitchen, so make sure to keep floors free from food and liquid spills. Keep pot handles turned in toward the back of the stove to prevent accidents. Always place knives in drainers and drawers with the blade down and handle up, to avoid accidental cuts.

If you follow these 7 tips you'll go a long way in helping to protect your family and keep them safe from accidents and injuries.

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