December 1, 2023 The Newspaper Serving LGBT Los Angeles

Small Actions That Create Significant Differences

If you haven’t been in tune with what’s happening in the news lately, there was a massive oil spill along the Southern California coastline spreading from Huntington Beach to surrounding areas. Over 13,000 gallons have already spilled out, and marine life from plants to fish, turtles, seafaring birds, and more have been affected. 

The spill has created an ecological catastrophe that has overwhelmed local response teams. As a result, there has been a public call to action for donations to help with mitigation, rescue and recovery efforts, and cleanup programs. 

The City of West Hollywood Mayor Lauren Meister is on record as stating, “as we witness the devastating effects of the climate emergency unfold in a myriad of ways across the globe, the news of the oil spill hits close to home for our community.” 

She continued, “Trained spill-response personnel are deployed to stop the spread of the oil and to clean up parts of the environment that have been affected, so volunteers are not needed at this time. But donations are vital to helping organizations respond to the overwhelming need.”

While the catastrophe unfolds, there are health risks as consequences of the oil spill. And those health risks got us thinking about health risks around the house that are easily preventable. 

Some of the primary health concerns around the home include:

Injury From Falls 

Falls are the number 1 cause of severe injury and death in the home. The primary victims of severe injuries from falls are the elderly, and a few simple prevention tips are all it can take to avoid a nasty fall. Falls typically happen on staircases or the bathroom as people climb or descend the stairs or enter into or from the tub. A simple solution is to add handrails or other assistance for those high-risk areas, including non-slip mats in and around the bathroom. 

Accidental Poisoning

A second leading cause of severe issues is accidental poisoning, typically associated with young children. There are over 5,000 unintentional poisoning fatalities per year, and there are some simple solutions to avoid these tragedies. Store all chemical cleaners in secure cabinets or raised above the reach of a curious little one. Paint and other toxins should be stored in a locked storage area or placed high above on a rack in the garage. Do not store any potential toxin or poison in food containers, and have the poison control center number in a precise, easy-to-access location. 

Carbon Monoxide

The danger of carbon monoxide is that it is a clear, odorless gas that can slowly asphyxiate you and your loved ones. The primary way to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning is to have detectors located around the home, especially near or inside bedrooms. Another tip is to get yearly service for your home HVAC system, especially the heater, before the cold weather comes. 

Fire Hazards 

The third cause of death at home is due to fires in the house. Again, there could be issues with too much clutter, unsupervised fire risks associated with cooking or children, and the risk associated with pests. 

To eliminate and minimize these risks include:

  • Installing in-home smoke detectors
  • Always supervise cooking and open flame
  • Get electric wiring tested annually as pests or corrosion could create a potential fire risk
  • Be aware of external lights such as during the holidays, a faulty bulb or wiring is a significant risk factor
  • Extinguish all candles before leaving or going to sleep
  • Get your storage area inspected to eliminate the risk of pests and nesting. A good example is to get your attic inspected and consider attic cleaning services to take care of any potential risks associated with clutter and pests

Avoiding the potential of in-home risks is easy, but take some action. The environmental risks associated with climate crises are more complex to mitigate as an individual. That said, there are some simple ways you can minimize your impact on the environment, and those include: 

Being engaged and encouraging representatives to take action

Participating in volunteer organizations to aid in sustainability

Support local small businesses and farms

Move to a more sustainable home

  • Choosing more energy-efficient appliances
  • Turn off and unplug all devices when not in use
  • Use public transportation and hybrid/electric vehicles
  • Minimize packaging and single-use bags
  • Move away from a meat-centric diet

Taken together, these small efforts can add up to significant positive impacts on your safety at home and benefit your environment as well. 

in NEWS
Related Posts

(Video) Culver City’s Annual Tree Lighting Sled-tacular

December 1, 2023

December 1, 2023

Culver City’s Annual Tree Lighting Sled-tacular successfully brought the holiday spirit to the city’s residents. A large crowd happily sledded,...

Ladytron’s Surprise Gift: ‘All Over By Xmas’ Drops, Unveiling a Festive Classic Decades in the Making

November 30, 2023

November 30, 2023

Liverpool’s Electronic Pioneers Deliver a “Majestic Glam Stomp” for the Holidays By Dolores Quintana At the stroke of midnight, Ladytron,...

Los Angeles County to Open CARE Court One Year Earlier Than Planned

November 30, 2023

November 30, 2023

Program Seeks to Solve Mental Health Crisis Among the Unhoused By Dolores Quintana In a collaborative effort led by Los...

Alarming Surge in Hate Crimes: Los Angeles County’s Troubling Report Reveals Disturbing Statistics

November 30, 2023

November 30, 2023

Report Reveals Alarming Trends and Urgent Need for Action By Dolores Quintana The Los Angeles County Commission on Human Relations...

Sutton Stracke To Host The Abbey’s 14th Annual Tree Lighting Celebration

November 30, 2023

November 30, 2023

Commemorate World AIDS Day and Raise Funds To Help Those in Need By Dolores Quintana Decking the Halls with heartfelt...

(Video) Via Veneto, a classic Italian restaurant

November 30, 2023

November 30, 2023

Via Veneto, a classic Italian restaurant with real ingredients and delicacies from Italy. You can tell that the restaurant is...

Esquire’s Culinary Picks: Unveiling the Best New Restaurants in Los Angeles for 2023

November 29, 2023

November 29, 2023

Esquire Magazine Spotlights Most Memorable New Eateries  Esquire Magazine has released its year-end lists of the best new restaurants in...

Westfield Century City Unveils Enchanting 25 Days of Christmas Festivities

November 29, 2023

November 29, 2023

A Winter Wonderland With Festive Delights at Westfield Century City By Dolores Quintana Even though it’s only the week after...

Silencing Classrooms: The Alarming Surge of Educational Gag Orders Across U.S. States

November 28, 2023

November 28, 2023

PEN America’s Report Unveils Disturbing Trends in 2023 Legislation By Dolores Quintana Mostly conservative lawmakers all over the United States...

Bloomsybox Challenges Christmas Movie Fans to Rate Hallmark Christmas Movies

November 28, 2023

November 28, 2023

Applicant Chosen Will Receive Prizes and Cash Worth $2,500  By Dolores Quintana A flower delivery company, Bloomsy Box, is challenging...

Attorney General Rob Bonta Advises Californians to Exercise Caution Giving Tuesday

November 28, 2023

November 28, 2023

Tips and Resources Ensure Safe Donations Amid Rising Threats By Dolores Quintana Attorney General Rob Bonta, in collaboration with the...

Bimbos Theatre Company and Student Committee for the Arts Host Drag Event

November 27, 2023

November 27, 2023

UCLA Charity Drag Showcase Unites Students for LGBTQ+ Advocacy By Dolores Quintana On November 28th at 7 pm, the UCLA...

Major Cantaloupe Recall Expands: Brands, Stores, and Products Affected

November 27, 2023

November 27, 2023

Cantaloupe Products Linked to Ongoing CDC Investigation in 28 States By Dolores Quintana In an expanded recall from the FDA...

USC Forecast Predicts Rising Rents and Commercial Real Estate Financing Struggles

November 26, 2023

November 26, 2023

Report Sparks Concerns for Real Estate Development in Southern California By Dolores Quintana  The University of Southern California’s Lusk Center...

Historic Transition: The Abbey Food & Bar Changes Ownership in West Hollywood Landmark Deal

November 26, 2023

November 26, 2023

Entrepreneur David Cooley Forges Agreement to Sell Iconic LGBTQ+ Venue By Dolores Quintana Entrepreneurs David Cooley and Tristan Schukraft have...