Not to sound alarmist, here, but watch out! Seriously, though, there really are hidden dangers lurking all over the place.

The scariest part, though, is that most of us don’t think about these hazards until it’s too late. So, rather than waiting for tragedy to strike, it’s time to get proactive about protecting yourself and your loved ones.

All you have to do is take 5 minutes to read this list so that you’re aware of these issues. Then, follow the included safety tips.

1. Carbon Monoxide

Nothing is more hidden or dangerous than carbon monoxide. To be specific, it’s completely undetectable to our bodily senses and also 100% deadly, claiming over 430 American lives per year. That’s why the gas is nicknamed “the silent killer.”

It’s also why you need to be extremely sure that you have enough functioning carbon monoxide detectors in your home. Have at least one CO detector installed on every floor of your home (including the basement).

Change the batteries every 6 months so they keep working when the power goes out. Replace CO detectors about every 5-7 years (they should have their expiration dates printed on them).

Also, keep your HVAC well-maintained to prevent carbon monoxide leaks.

2. Medication Misuse/Abuse

Your medicine cabinet might be the biggest danger in your home. A lot of prescription medications or even OTC drugs are extremely harmful when not used as directed. Heck, some are even dangerous when you do use them as prescribed, as is illustrated here.

Child Safety

If you have kids in the house, do not allow them free access to your medicine cabinet. They could easily become poisoned, comatose, or even addicted to your prescription painkillers. Keep your drugs locked up out of their reach and administer any treatment they need yourself.

Adult Safety

Also, don’t you yourself misuse medication, either. Don’t use any drugs that are expired or are prescribed to someone else.

The directions are there to keep you safe. If you disagree with the instructions, though, by all means, ask your doctor about it.

He may tell you that you’re okay to take a double-dose of ibuprofen when you need to. But, more importantly, he might say, “No, using it that way would cause painful internal bleeding.”

3. The Hidden Dangers of Shopping

It’s hard to say no to the puppy-dog-eyes of your begging child. But, if you want them to stay alive, don’t let them pressure you into breaking store safety rules for them.

Take, for example, the age/weight requirements and other restrictions about children in shopping carts. If a child’s too big to ride in the cart, that’s because it’s surprisingly easy for them to tip the cart and fatally break their neck.

You’ll notice, if you’re actually looking, that there are similar warnings posted on everything from escalators to automatic doors. Next time you’re out shopping with your kid, give these warnings a quick look-see.

4. Furniture Anchors

Have you ever assembled furniture? You know those little leftover pieces you always end up shoving in a drawer somewhere? 

These usually include a strip that’s either flat or right-angled with 2 or more holes in it. The problem is, these ones aren’t extras.

They’re furniture anchors, an extremely important safety feature. They attach your heavy furniture to the wall so it can’t tip over and crush you. 

Take Precaution Against These Hidden Dangers

Don’t let these hidden dangers scare you. Instead, follow the tips above to keep you and your loved ones safe.

If you feel a little uneasy after reading about these hidden dangers, we’ve got you covered. Our Lifestyle blog has plenty of articles that teach you how to combat anxiety and infuse relaxation into your life. Check it out for yourself to find the post you’re looking for.