Eliminating And Preventing Potential Hazards In Your Home

You want your home to be healthy and safe for your family members and guests. You can start by learning how to recognize common hazards, and then take the proper steps to eliminate them:

1. Mold

Mold is harmful to your respiratory system. While everyone in your household can be affected, it is especially dangerous to small children, elderly persons, and individuals with allergies or serious health problems.

It is not difficult to prevent mold. Moisture is the main cause of it, so check throughout your home for sources of moisture. Seal every crack, paying special attention to cracks in the basement and attic.

Check the pipes and plumbing, and have leaking pipes repaired. Humidity encourages mold, so your home’s humidity level should be kept between 30% and 50%.

Poor ventilation also causes mold. Make sure there is plenty of fresh air throughout your home, allowing it to come in through the window after a hot bath or shower.

2. Gas Leaks

Prevent gas leaks by having your appliances installed by a professional. You should hire a professional to check the gas lines regularly.

If you smell gas, use the gas meter to turn off the gas supply immediately. Open the doors and windows, and call your utility company.

3. Carbon Monoxide

Carbon monoxide poisoning can make you ill, and it can be deadly. Install a carbon monoxide detector in your home.

Carbon monoxide leaks can be prevented by having professionals service your water heater, heating and cooling systems, and any appliance that uses coal, oil, or gas, at least once each year.

4. Fire

Every level of your home should have at least one smoke detector or fire alarm. The batteries should be changed at least once each year.

There are other steps you can take to prevent a fire. If you use candles, never leave them unattended. Make sure all of your appliances are working properly. Never leave your stove, oven, or iron unattended.

Make sure electrical outlets are not overloaded, and unplug all appliances when they are not in use. Do not allow young children to use the stove without adult supervision. When you cook, long hair should be tied back, and you should avoid wearing loose-fitting clothing.

5. Falls

A slip-and-fall accident can be very serious. It is one of the most common causes of accidents in the home. Keep stairways free from debris, and use appropriate lighting in stairways. If you have carpeted steps, make sure the carpet is secure.

The floors throughout your home should be free from clutter. Avoid rugs that can slip and cause an accident. Wall-to-wall carpeting is the safest flooring for your home.

You can prevent falls in the bathroom by using secure rugs, or rubber mats on the floor. You can also add a rubber mat to your bathtub or shower. For the elderly or handicapped, safety rails can be placed around the toilet, tub, and shower.

6. Poisoning

Children are often poisoned by products in the home, but others can ingest them accidentally. Start by installing a medicine cabinet that locks, so that children can’t obtain access to prescription medications.

Household products should also be locked up. Cleaning products, detergents, paints, pesticides, and any other products containing toxic chemicals are in this category.

Personal products should also be kept away from pets and children. Hair care products and cosmetics are common examples.

7. Burns

Fire safety is not the only reason to secure your kitchen. Another reason is preventing burns. Keep kids out of the kitchen when you are cooking. Face pot handles toward the back of the stove, and use stove knob covers so no one can accidentally turn the stove on.

The stove is not an extension of your countertop. Avoid placing items on the stove that do not belong there. Nothing should ever be there, except the food when it is cooking.

Conclusion

These common household hazards can be addressed and corrected. It does not take much time to make your home safe. These few safety precautions can benefit everyone in your household. Talk to Rebecca’s Realtor for any questions regarding buying houses in SW Florida.

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