Home Safety Hazards To Watch Out For
Many homeowners regard their homes as warm and secure sanctuaries devoid of danger. However, the National Safety Council’s data indicates that about 89,300 deaths occurred in 2018 due to preventable injuries in American homes. Therefore, it is prudent to proactively identify and address safety concerns around your home and avoid any mishap. If you wish to learn more about safety hazards to look out for around the house, please take a look at these points.
- Fire hazards
Fires remain one of the most devastating threats to homeowners in America and beyond, so it is crucial to take steps to avoid any fatalities and damage to your home and belongings. As such, consider installing smoke detectors in your bedrooms, basement, and kitchen to detect fires in time. Also, don’t leave candles burning overnight or put down cigarettes without extinguishing them carefully. Additionally, your fireplace is more than capable of starting a house fire if it is incorrectly installed or poorly maintained. Therefore, prioritize hiring professionals to clean your chimney regularly to prevent creosote buildup. In addition, ensure that your fireplace is installed according to all the guidelines from the National Fire Protection Association, the venting manufacturer, and the fireplace manufacturer.
- Mold
Mold is an essential component of the exterior ecosystem, but it is an absolute nightmare in indoor spaces. You will likely find it growing in the darkest and dampest areas in your home. Mold is more than a cosmetic problem since it can damage your home and worsen some health issues. In addition, you can develop allergy-like symptoms like runny nose and congestion, sore throat, headache, wheezing, and skin rash from inhaling mold spores. Fortunately, you can hire a mold remediation expert for home mold removal to preserve your structure’s integrity, improve your indoor air quality, and preserve your overall health and wellness.
- Falls
Falls are one of the leading causes of accidental deaths in homes, so it would be best to identify and eliminate fall risks around your house for optimum safety. Getting rid of these risks is even more vital if you live with an older adult since those over 60 years suffer the highest number of fatal falls annually. Thankfully, you can simply keep your stairs clear of laundry, toys, and other tripping hazards to prevent falls. Additionally, ensure that all your staircases have adequate lighting, solid handrails, and safety gates if you live with children. Furthermore, prioritize investing in rubber mats for bathrooms to prevent falls due to slippery wet surfaces.
- Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide is a colorless, tasteless, and odorless gas produced by your dryer, water heater, and other fuel-burning appliances. The CDC estimates that about 50,000 Americans visit emergency departments nationwide due to accidental carbon monoxide poisoning. Prolonged exposure to carbon monoxide can cause dizziness, headaches, impaired vision, vomiting, and even death. Thankfully, you can install a carbon monoxide detector in your home to keep your family safe. Furthermore, consider hiring a professional at least once annually to service your fuel-burning appliances and prevent any carbon monoxide leaks.
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