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Stay Safe By:

• Lowering the temperature on your hot water system or purchasing a mixer tap, so that scalding is not likely.
• Using the microwave rather than gas or electricity. A microwave heats food behind a closed door and shuts off automatically. Microwave cookbooks are available.
• Buying a cooker guard and turning the handles of pots and pans inwards so as not to knock them over if you have a fall.
• While cooking, you might place hands or arms on a burner or spill hot food on yourself. In order to avoid this, use oven mitts and cook only on the rear burners.
• Whenever possible, using plastic containers rather than glass.
• Taking plates to the stove rather than the saucepan or fry pan to the table. To avoid dropping hot food during a seizure, keep a cart in the kitchen that you can wheel to the table.
• NEVER carrying boiling water.
• Taking showers rather than baths and by making that the shower screen is made from safety glass or plastic.
• NEVER lock yourself into rooms (including the bathroom.)
• Making sure that wherever possible doors should open outward, especially the bathroom door.
• Selecting furniture with rounded edges or by padding sharp edges with foam rubber. Consider carpeting the kitchen floor. Although not as easy to clean, it is much more comfortable if you fall.
• Considering replacing free standing units such as a chest of drawers with a wall to wall wardrobe/drawer unit.
• Making sure you have fire or radiator guards if you can't avoid using such heating methods.
• If you have glass doors, ensure the panels are safety glass.
• It is not unusual for seizures to occur when one is on the toilet. This is particularly common in people with awakening epilepsy. The toilet or bathroom door should therefore always open outward. Otherwise it may be impossible to get in if the person is lying on the floor, blocking the door. Instead of a lock, an "engaged" sign can be hung on the door. People who have many seizures should take precautions when taking a bath. A shower is safer than a bath in a bathtub, but leave the door of the shower open.

Water Safety

Epilepsy Foundation Issues Alert on Water Safety

Washington, DC, May 26, 2000 -- Although a study of drowning accidents among people with epilepsy confirms that seizures in the water can be deadly, the Epilepsy Foundation says that people with epilepsy can safely enjoy water activities if they take a few simple precautions. The Foundation issued the alert today as a Memorial Day reminder, the beginning of the peak season for swimming and other water activities.

The study of drowning incidents, conducted in Florida, includes 2381 drowning deaths reported in that state between 1992 and 1997 (Epilepsia, Vol. 40, Supplement 7, December 1999). Of these, 58 or 2.4 percent were reported as seizure-related. The highest number of seizure-related drowning fatalities occurred in the 25 to 34 age group.

To help prevent drowning and other avoidable accidents in the water, the Epilepsy Foundation offers guidelines for safe swimming for people who experience seizures. "Contrary to what some may believe, most people with seizures can participate in swimming, boating and other water sports. But common sense in following a few basic rules is important in avoiding unnecessary accidents," said Steven C. Schachter, M.D. Chair of the Epilepsy Foundation Professional Advisory Board.

The Epilepsy Foundation recommends the following safety measures around water:

1. Before going out in the water, ask the doctor whether your or your child's seizures are under sufficient control to permit swimming.

2. Swim with your child or be certain that another responsible person is in the water with her at all times who knows first aid for seizures.

3. A floatation device that supports your or your child's head above water is a good idea. It's especially important for children and, in some cases, adults with seizure disorders.

4. Inform lifeguards and swimming teachers that you (or your child) have epilepsy.

5. Don't get over-tired or too cold while in the water.

6. Don't swim if you have forgotten to take your seizure medication.

7. Don't let your seizure medications get wet. Several are known to lose their anticonvulsant effect when exposed to the water.

8. If your seizures can be brought on by flashing light, wear polarized sunglasses to reduce the flicker effect of sunlight on the water and other reflective surfaces.

FIRST AID

If a seizure occurs in the water, support the individual's head and keep their face out of the water. Bring them to the shore or side of the pool and place them on their side. Check their airway. If water has been ingested or breathing is labored, get medical treatment- immediately!

Water presents a significant risk in backyard wading pools, showers and especially, in bathtubs

--even if there is one inch of water at the bottom, never leave a toddler or young child with epilepsy alone, not even for a moment. If you leave the area for any reason, wrap the child in a towel and take him with you.