There’s No Place Like a Safe Home!
They say there’s no place like home, and for most of us, that’s very true. Still, for all the joy and comfort our home may bring, it can also be a labyrinth of accidents and disasters waiting to happen. Given all the time and money we put into decorating and upgrading our homes, it would be smart to put forth just as much effort to ensure they are safe and secure. During June, we observe Safety Awareness Month and Home Safety Month – the perfect time to review some important home safety tips.
Keep your home well-lit: Adequate lighting can help prevent trips and falls, particularly in areas such as stairs, hallways, and entryways. Ensure that all rooms are well-lit, and install night lights in bathrooms and other areas that may be used at night.
Secure rugs and carpets: Securely fasten area rugs and carpets to the floor to prevent slips and falls. Use rug pads or double-sided tape to keep them in place.
Install smoke detectors: Smoke detectors are an essential safety feature in every home. Install them on every level of your home, including the basement and the attic, and test them regularly to ensure they work properly.
Check electrical cords and outlets: Inspect all electrical cords for fraying or damage, and replace any worn or damaged ones. Securely fasten all outlets and electrical boxes to the wall.
Keep your home clutter free: Clutter can create tripping hazards, particularly in high-traffic areas such as hallways and entryways. Regularly declutter your home and organize your belongings.
Install carbon monoxide detectors: Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can be deadly. Install carbon monoxide detectors on every level of your home, particularly near bedrooms and other areas where people sleep.
Have fireplaces and chimneys inspected: Have fireplaces and chimneys inspected and professionally cleaned regularly. Keep fire extinguishers handy and near fireplaces and kitchen stoves.
Keep a first aid kit on hand: Accidents can happen, even in the safest homes. Store a well-stocked first aid kit in a central location in your home, and ensure that everyone in your family knows where it is located.
Check for plumbing leaks: Plumbing leaks are a major cause of significant wood rot and mold issues. If there is any possibility or concern that a leak could exist, it would be well worth your time and money to bring in a professional to investigate.
Crawl spaces and basements can present unique safety hazards for homeowners. Here are some specific safety tips to help you stay safe in these areas:
Wear protective clothing: When entering a crawl space or basement, wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and closed-toe shoes with slip-resistant soles. You may also want to wear gloves and a dust mask to protect yourself from dirt and debris.
Use proper lighting: Basements and crawl spaces can be dark and difficult to navigate. Use a bright flashlight or work light to light your way, and make sure that the area is well-lit before entering.
Check for water damage: Water damage can weaken the structural integrity of a basement or crawl space and create mold and mildew issues. Have a professional assess soft or spongy spots found in your home for possible wood rot that can cause the floor system to fail. In some cases, wood rot can cause injury if the floor can no longer carry the weight of people or items in the home.
Check for gas leaks: Gas leaks in a basement or crawl space can be highly dangerous. Before entering, check for the smell of gas and install a carbon monoxide detector to alert you to any leaks.
Watch for pests: Rodents, snakes and other pests may reside in a crawl space or basement. Be alert for signs of infestation, such as droppings or chewed wires, and take steps to eliminate the problem.
Install handrails: If your basement or crawl space has stairs, install handrails to help prevent falls. Be sure they are securely fastened and can support your weight.
Keep the area clean: Clutter and debris can create tripping hazards in a basement or crawl space. Keep the area clean and well-organized to prevent accidents.
Check basements for water intrusion: Water intrusion in your basement can cause dangerous mold that can affect the air quality in your home. Look for basement walls with cracks or that bow inwards towards the interior of the basement. In some cases, if this is not addressed, the wall can actually implode into the basement.
Finally, continue to do everything possible to preserve the structural integrity of your home. Monitor signs of cracking throughout the interior of your home and along the exterior foundation. You can even purchase crack monitors online through Amazon. If you find cracks, don’t wait – bring in a professional immediately to inspect and correct the problem early before it gets out of hand and becomes insanely expensive. As always, let us know if there is anything we can do to help.