Using the word accidental to describe injuries and death gives the impression that they were completely unforeseen and unavoidable. However, most of them are considered preventable — and, in 2020, according to the National Safety Council, there were 200,955 recorded cases. Of those, only 22% didn’t occur in homes or communities.
It becomes more concerning when we look at where accidental deaths and injuries happen. Only preventable injury-related deaths at work decreased from 2019 to 2020. Motor-vehicle, public and home deaths all increased. The latter sector had the highest jump — home deaths went up by 21.1% in 2020, according to the National Safety Council.
Fast Facts on Home Fatalities and Injuries
Many injuries and deaths occurring at home are often avoidable. In the last several years, the frequency of home injuries and deaths have been increasing.
- 78% of all preventable injury-related deaths happen in people’s homes or communities. That’s 156,300 lives that could have been saved.
- Almost three-quarters (72.6%) of preventable deaths happened in homes. That’s 113,500 out of 156,300 fatalities.
- Besides the fatalities, those injured amounted to 46,800,000, their conditions being severe enough to seek medical consultation.
- From 2019 to 2020, the death rate per 100,000 population increased by 18.4%, from 40 to 47.4.
- Poisoning, falling and choking were the top causes of home deaths and injuries in 2020.
Sources:
NSC Home and Community Overview, NSC Deaths in Homes, Historical Preventable Fatality Trends
Frequency of Home and Community Deaths in the US
Fatalities in homes and communities happen more frequently than one might think. Home and community deaths have reached 156,300 from 52,700 deaths over 21 years.
Source: National Safety Council
The graph above shows deaths from two sectors — home and public. Home deaths are those that happen within your premises. The latter includes fatalities from recreational facilities, transportation (except motor vehicles) and public buildings.
There were only two instances when numbers decreased. In 2000, the numbers went down by 800 from 1999. Likewise, 2018 had 2000 fewer incidents than 2017. Otherwise, there has generally been an upward trend.
There are two five-digit spikes worth noting. The first was in 2016 when numbers increased by 12,000. The second was in 2020, with 24,900 more incidents compared to 2019.
Home Death and Death Rates
The trend of home deaths mimics that of total home and community fatalities. As the number of accidental deaths increases, so do those in homes. Home deaths consistently contribute more than half of the total fatalities. It went from a low of 56.26% in 2000 to a high of 72.6% in 2020.
Before 2020, there were three instances wherein home deaths increased by double digits. These were in 2001 (13.70%), 2005 (11.27%) and 2016 (14.08%). However, 2020 marked the first time when the increase exceeded 20%. With 113,500 incidents, that’s 21.13% higher than in 2019.
WHAT DOES “PREVENTABLE INJURY AND FATALITY” MEAN?
It refers to deaths caused by unintentional incidents. It does not include fatalities from natural causes, illnesses or deliberate actions like suicide.
Home Death by Age Group
Statistics on home accidents show that the number of deaths varies among different age groups. People between 25 to 64 contribute to around 60% of all home deaths. Almost a quarter of fatalities involved those 75 and older.
Three age groups contributed to 83.7% of all home accident deaths. These are:
- Between 25 to 44: 31.28%
- Between 45 and 64%: 29.07%
- 75 and older: 23.35%
However, it’s essential to note that the death rate for individuals 75 and older is almost three times as high as the two other age groups with the most home deaths.
Deaths include visitors, your child’s playmates, and even trespassers, not just you and your family. It may be wise to have personal liability insurance for this reason.
Leading Causes of Fatalities in Homes
Most people associate their home with safety. However, the number of deaths caused by home accidents makes you wonder what hazards homes have that we might not be seeing.
Only a quarter of 1.4 million fires in 2020 happened in homes, but it caused 74% of fire deaths and 76% of fire injuries. Swimming pools are usual sources of drowning incidents. Another hazard is having everyday items scattered on the floor, which can lead to falls. As a responsible homeowner, it’s best to shop for home insurance. It can shield you against costs should any of these accidents occur.
Poisoning and falling contribute to around 86.3% of fatalities from home accidents in 2020. Each of the following causes contributed less than 3% of the total count:
- Choking: 2.64%
- Fires, Flames and Smoke: 2.29%
- Mechanical Suffocation: 1.32%
- Drowning: 1.15%
Although these may seem insignificant in comparison, it’s still worth noting. These still translate to thousands of lives. The remaining causes — natural heat, cold temperatures and firearms — account for less than 1% each.
Poisoning
Poisoning, which includes drug overdose, caused 69,900 home deaths in 2020. It was the top cause for three age groups. It accounted for 93.62% of deaths between 15 to 24-year-olds, 94.87% for those aged 25 to 44 and 80.88% for those aged 45 to 64.
Cleaning supplies like bleach and detergents are fatal if ingested. The same goes for substances like paint and pesticides. It’s wise to keep cleaning products up high and away from small children.
Poisoning includes incidents of a drug overdose. You can also experience poisoning at home from excess alcohol, caffeine or carbon monoxide.
Falling
Although it affects people of all ages, falling is more common among older individuals. Falling is the primary cause of home death for those between 65 and 74, contributing 42%. For those who are 75 and older, the number goes up to around 76%.
Everyday items such as walkers and toys may cause someone to trip and fall. Seniors who have pets may be at higher risk unless they purposely chose pets that are ideal for older adults.
Some locations in a home are more prone to slips and falls. Examples of these are stairs and bathrooms.
Choking
Although it isn’t the top cause for any specific age group, it comes second for those 75 and older and third for those four and below. Choking hazards include toys, marbles and even jewelry.
Some types of food may also be choking hazards. Peanuts, popcorn, whole grapes and hard candy are examples. For older adults, eating too fast or trying to swallow large pieces of food can result in choking with the potential of being fatal.
Fires, Flames and Smoke
Cooking fires are common in homes, caused by unattended stoves or frying pans. Electrical surges may cause sparks that could quickly turn into a fire. Candles that fall over or cigarettes that aren’t put out are common causes of home fires.
If you don’t put the flammable item out correctly, you may sustain severe injuries from second or third-degree burns. Besides burns, you may also inhale large quantities of smoke, which is toxic to the body.
Mechanical Suffocation
The National Safety Council defines mechanical suffocation as fatalities caused by strangulation or hanging. Being trapped in enclosed spaces without enough air leads to suffocation. It’s the leading cause of home accident deaths for young children less than five years old.
Young children can get caught in the cords from windows or blinds while playing. Some children accidentally climb into refrigerators and can’t get out. Some household materials like plastic bags are also hazardous.
Drowning
Like mechanical suffocation, drowning as a cause of home death is more common for children.
It may happen in homes with swimming pools that don’t have fencing, allowing children to wander and fall in. However, other hazards include hot tubs or even regular bathtubs. While bathing your toddler, ensure that they are constantly supervised.
Death Rates and Causes of Deaths in Home by State
The death rate across the U.S. in 2020 is 61 per 100,000 population. However, it varies between states. When you look at the death rate at a state level, 21 states come out with a lower figure compared to the country’s death rate.
Our research found that the top reasons for preventable injury-related deaths across all states are poisoning, falls and choking.
MoneyGeek explores how death rates differ from state to state through the map below. Those in darker shades indicate a higher figure, while lighter colors suggest the opposite.
Without looking at specific causes of fatalities from home accidents, seven states had death rates below 50 per 100,000 population in 2020. These are Texas (44), Utah (45), New York (45.3), Hawaii (46.5), California (46.6), Nebraska (46.6) and Maryland (48.7).
In contrast, eight states had a death rate higher than 80. But West Virginia is worth highlighting, being the only state with a triple-digit death rate of 125.6.
West Virginia had the highest poisoning-related death rate at 73.1. That’s a significant difference from the District of Columbia’s death rate of 56.7, which came in second. The two states with the lowest death rates were South Dakota and Nebraska, with 10.9 and 10.2, respectively.
Falling, the second-leading reason for preventable injury-related deaths, resulted in a 33.2 death rate in Wisconsin. Alabama had the lowest with 6.1.
North Dakota had the highest death rate related to choking at 3.7, while South Dakota, Wyoming and Vermont had no choking incidents.
Causes of Death in Homes Over Time
We already know that the trend for the total number of deaths from home accidents generally increased over time. However, does the same pattern emerge for the different causes?
The graph below explores this further by looking at the trends of different causes over time.
Most of the leading causes of home accidents follow the same trend — they generally increase yearly.
Poisoning-related deaths only dipped twice in 34 years — in 1990 and 2018. For all other years, it increased. The most significant spike was from 2019 to 2020, when numbers went from 53,400 to 69,900. That’s a 30.9% increase.
The number of deaths from falls has followed an upward trend since 2001. From 2011 to 2019, these increments amounted to less than 10%. However, 2020 saw a 10.63% increase, the highest spike since 2007.
There was no increase in choking incidents between 2017 and 2019, but there were 300 additional choking-related deaths in 2020.
Causes of Death in Homes by Age Group
Another angle to consider is how home accidents’ leading cause of death varies between age groups. Poisoning and falls still appear as significant contributors, but the graph below shows that none of the three age groups had similar top reasons.
The leading cause of deaths from home accidents involving children 14 years old and younger is mechanical suffocation, with 1,040 incidents in 2020. That’s almost half of all fatalities among children 14 and younger that year. Drowning follows it with 680 deaths.
For the 15 to 64 age bracket, poisoning, which includes drug overdose, contributed to 88.5% of fatalities. That’s over 82,000 lives. The following two highest causes are falls (5.3%) and drowning (2.9%).
Falling is the top reason for home deaths for individuals 65 and older. It contributed to over 36,000 fatalities, over three-quarters of all incidents.
Home Death and Injury FAQ
The number of fatalities from home accidents can be eye-opening, and you may have some questions about it. MoneyGeek has compiled a few frequently asked questions and their answers for those interested in learning more about home and community fatalities.
COLLAPSE ALL
How many accidents happen close to home?
In 2020 alone, 156,300 fatalities happened within home premises or communities. That number has increased by 76% since 2000.
Where do most home accidents occur?
Each room in your home can be potentially hazardous, leading to home accidents. For example, death by poisoning can involve cleaning materials in your bathroom or kitchen and insecticides in your garage or garden shed. MoneyGeek’s findings on poisoning fatalities also includes drug overdose. Drowning is more common in bathrooms or pools.
Choking typically happens in your living or dining room during a meal. Most people fall on the stairs or in the bathroom.
How can you prevent accidents from happening at home?
The devil is in the details. Minor things can make a difference when you want to make your home safe.
Ensuring that your carbon monoxide alarm is working can help prevent poisoning. The same applies to keeping detergents or potentially toxic substances out of children’s reach.
Putting non-slip mats on your bathroom floor and adding non-slip strips to your stairs can prevent falls.
What are the most common causes of death from home accidents?
Poisoning and falling are the leading causes of home deaths across all ages. However, it’s essential to understand that the top reasons may vary depending on age.
If you consider age, poisoning is the top cause for individuals 15 to 64, and falling is for those 65 and older. For children younger than 14, mechanical suffocation is the most common cause of home death.
Which age group is most susceptible to home deaths?
Most home fatalities are individuals between 25 to 44. They made up 31% of all preventable injury-related deaths in 2020. Those 45 to 64 contribute 29%. It’s 23% for those 75 and older.
However, don’t gloss over the death rate. It’s crucial to note that those older than 75 have the highest death rate across all ranges at 114.7 per 100,000 population.
Expert Insights on Home Deaths and Injuries
MoneyGeek went beyond the research and asked industry leaders to share their insight regarding preventable injury-related deaths. Their feedback may provide additional information on the subject.
- The number of deaths that have occurred in homes has increased in 2019 and again in 2020. What factors do you think contribute to this trend?
- What hazards can be found in homes that we usually gloss over? How can these be potentially fatal to us and our guests?
- What advice can you give people who want to make their homes safer?
This article originally appeared on MoneyGeek.com and was syndicated by MediaFeed.org.
We’ve all seen it before: An actor who looks nothing like their character on the big screen. It can be pretty jarring and often leaves us wondering how they even got the part in the first place. In this article, we will look at 30 actors who don’t look anything like their characters! Some of them are so different that you might not even recognize them!
Left: Helen Sloan/HBO Right: DepositPhotos.com
We all know Lady Gaga for her outlandish fashion sense and outrageous persona. But did you know that she started her career as a relatively average-looking person?
That’s right; before she was the world-famous Lady Gaga, she was just Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta. She even played a relatively normal character on the hit show American Horror Story: Hotel.
But when she was cast as Scathach in American Horror Story: Roanoke, she underwent a complete transformation.
The character’s wild, feral look is far from Gaga’s usual out-there fashion.
Left: Fandom/Wiki Right: DepositPhotos.com
Mandy Moore is best known for her roles in romantic comedies and teen dramas. She’s always been the girl-next-door type with a down-to-earth personality.
But when she was cast as Rebecca Pearson in This Is Us, she took on the role of a woman who has been through some tough times.
The character is hardened by her experiences, which is reflected in her appearance. Moore looks completely different than she does in her other roles, having been seemingly aged several years.
Carrie-nelson
Austin Amelio is best known for his role as Dwight on The Walking Dead. He’s a rough and tumble sort of guy who has been through many challenging situations.
But in real life, Amelio looks nothing like his character. He’s pretty clean-cut and well-groomed.
It’s amazing what a little (or a lot) of makeup can do to change someone’s appearance!
Left: AMC Right: Gage Skidmore/Wikimedia Commons
Phyllis Logan is best known for her role as Mrs. Hughes on Downton Abbey. She’s a no-nonsense woman who keeps a tight rein on the household staff.
But in real life, Logan looks nothing like her character. She’s pretty glamorous and stylish.
It just shows that you can’t always judge a book by its cover!
Left: Neondecember/fandom wiki Right: DepositPhotos.com
Ewan McGregor is best known for his roles in the Star Wars prequels and the Harry Potter movies. He’s a versatile actor who can play both good and bad guys.
But when he was cast as Emmit Stussy in Fargo, he took on the role of an ordinary man who gets caught up in a criminal scheme.
The character is downtrodden and unassuming, reflected in McGregor’s appearance. He looks completely different than he does in his other roles!
Left: FX Right: DepositPhotos.com
Naomi Grossman is best known for her role as Pepper in American Horror Story: Freak Show. Her character is a small woman who suffers from microcephaly.
But in real life, Grossman looks nothing like her character. She does not suffer from this condition. She spent hours in the makeup chair to achieve this impressive transformation.
Left: OGRastamon/Fandom Wiki Right: DepositPhotos.com
Matthew McConaughey is best known for his roles in romantic comedies and dramas. But when he was cast as Rust Cohle in True Detective, he took on the role of a dark and brooding character.
The character is haunted by his past, which is reflected in McConaughey’s appearance. He looks tired and world-weary, which is far from his usual charming self.
Left: Wikipedia/Fair Use Right: DepositPhotos.com
Emilia Clarke is best known for her role as Daenerys Targaryen in Game of Thrones. Her character is a strong and powerful woman who has been through many challenging situations.
But in real life, Clarke looks nothing like her character. She’s pretty petite and delicate-featured.
Left: Helen Sloan/HBO Right: DepositPhotos.com
Taryn Manning is best known for her role as Tiffany “Pennsatucky” Doggett in Orange Is the New Black. Her character is a white supremacist who is serving time in prison.
But in real life, Manning looks nothing like her character. She’s quite pretty and feminine.
Retna/AdMediaCourt
Rory McCann is best known for his role as Sandor “The Hound” Clegane in Game of Thrones. His character is a brutal and violent man who has been through many challenging situations.
But in real life, McCann looks nothing like his character. He’s pretty handsome and ruggedly good-looking.
Left: Helen Sloan/HBO Right: Gage Skidemore/Wikimedia Commons
Judy Greer is best known for her role as Kitty Sanchez in Arrested Development. Her character is a ditzy and incompetent assistant to the Bluth family.
But in real life, Greer looks nothing like her character. She’s pretty intelligent and put together.
Left: Ohmyn0/Fandom Wiki Right: DepositPhotos.com
Bryan Cranston is best known for his role as Walter White in Breaking Bad. His character has a bald head, facial hair, and signature glasses.
But in real life, Cranston looks nothing like his character. He’s pretty handsome and has a full head of hair.
Left: Ursula Coyote/AMC Right: DepositPhotos.com
America Ferrera is best known for her role as Betty Suarez in Ugly Betty. Her character is an unattractive and awkward young woman who works at a fashion magazine.
But in real life, Ferrera looks nothing like her character. She’s pretty beautiful and stylish.
Left: Wikipedia/Fair Use Right: DepositPhotos.com
Gwendoline Christie is best known for her role as Brienne of Tarth in Game of Thrones. Her character is a tall and muscular woman who is a skilled warrior.
But in real life, Christie looks nothing like her character. She’s pretty petite and delicate-featured.
Left: Helen Sloan/HBO Right: DepositPhotos.com
Tyler Perry is best known for his role as Madea in the Tyler Perry movies. His character is a large, loud, and outspoken woman.
Tyler does not even remotely resemble this character. The makeup and acting were quite impressive, and he represented his character perfectly.
Left: Lionsgate publicity Right: DepositPhotos.com
Kristen Wiig is best known for her role as Alexanya Atoz in Zoolander. Her character is a highly over-the-top villain. She revealed that she spent five hours in the makeup chair to achieve the iconic look.
But in real life, Wiig looks nothing like her character. She’s pretty down-to-earth. Her lips are standard-sized, and her hairstyles are quite demure compared to her character.
F. Sadou/AdMedia
Tom Mison is best known for his role as Ichabod Crane in Sleepy Hollow. His character is a man out of time who was transported from the 18th century to the 21st century.
But in real life, Mison looks nothing like his character. He’s quite handsome and dapper. His hair is modernly styled, and he doesn’t have the same awkwardness as his character does.
Carrie-nelson
Amy Sedaris is best known for her role as Jerri Blank in Strangers with Candy. Her character is an overweight and unattractive middle-aged woman who is a former drug addict and prostitute.
But in real life, Sedaris looks nothing like her character. She’s quite slim and attractive. She doesn’t have the same rough edges that her character does.
Adam Nemser-PHOTOlink.net
Laura Gomez is best known for her role as Blanca Flores in Orange Is the New Black. Her character is a challenging and hardened woman who has been through a lot in her life.
But in real life, Gomez looks nothing like her character. She’s quite soft-featured and beautiful.
Byron Purvis/AdMedia
Jason Momoa is best known for his role as Khal Drogo in Game of Thrones. His character is a large and muscular barbarian who is a skilled warrior.
While Jason retains the gruff countenance of the character, he is much more refined and much less feral.
Xavier Collin/Image Press Agency
Madeline Brewer is best known for her role as Ofwarren in The Handmaid’s Tale. Her character is a meek and submissive woman who has been forced into servitude.
But in real life, Brewer looks nothing like her character. She doesn’t have the same downtrodden look that her character does. She’s actually quite strong and confident.
Left: Fandom Wiki RIght: DepositPhotos.com
Millie Bobby Brown is best known for her role as Eleven in Stranger Things. Her character is a young girl with supernatural powers.
But in real life, Brown looks nothing like her character. She’s mature looking for her age (and may not lack the superpowers).
Left: Wikipedia/Fair Use Right: DepositPhotos.com
Rainn Wilson is best known for his role as Dwight Schrute in The Office. His character is an eccentric and obsessive man who always tries to prove himself.
But in real life, Wilson looks nothing like his character. He’s quite normal and down to earth. He doesn’t have the same quirks that his character does.
Left: Wikipedia/Fair Use Right: DepositPhotos.com
Ed Speleers is best known for his role as Stephen Bonnet in Outlander. His character is a ruthless pirate who has no regard for human life.
But in real life, Speleers looks nothing like his character. He’s quite handsome and charming. He doesn’t have the same hardened look that his character does.
StillsPress
Jenna Coleman is best known for her role as Queen Victoria in Victoria. Her character is a strong and determined woman who ruled over the British Empire.
But in real life, Coleman looks nothing like her character. She doesn’t have the same regal bearing that her character does. She’s actually quite gentle and soft-spoken.
Keith Mayhew/Landmark Media
Richard Rankin is best known for his role as Roger McKenzie Wakefield in Outlander. His character is a shy and introverted man who is a historian.
But in real life, Rankin looks nothing like his character. He’s quite outgoing and charismatic. He has a much more refined look than his scruffy, long-haired character.
Carrie-nelson
Julia Garner is best known for her role as Ruth Langmore in Ozark. Her character is a challenging and street-smart woman who is a criminal.
But in real life, Garner looks nothing like her character. She doesn’t have the same hard edges that her character does. She’s actually quite gentle and feminine.
Image Press Agency
Edgar Ramirez is best known for his role as Gianni Versace in The Assassination of Gianni Versace. His character is a striking and outrageous fashion designer.
But in real life, Ramirez looks nothing like his character. He doesn’t have the same over-the-top look and greying hair as his character.
Xavier Collin/Image Press Agency
Johnny Galecki is best known for his role as Leonard Hofstadter in The Big Bang Theory. His character is a nerdy and awkward physicist.
But in real life, Galecki looks nothing like his character. He doesn’t have the same geeky demeanor that his character has. He’s actually quite handsome and suave.
Left: Wikipedia/Fair Use Right: DepositPhotos.com
Elisabeth Moss is best known for her role as Peggy Olson in Mad Men. Her character is a shy and timid woman who works in advertising.
But in real life, Moss looks nothing like her character. She’s a far cry from the plain Jane secretary turned advertising superstar that is her character.
FS/AdMedia
It’s always interesting to see how different an actor can look from their on-screen persona. It’s always interesting to see how different an actor can look from their on-screen persona. These are just a few examples of actors who look nothing like their characters. There are many more out there.
This article originally appeared on MaxMyMoney.org and was syndicated by MediaFeed.org.
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Featured Image Credit: AndreyPopov / istockphoto.
