Common Safety Hazards to Be Aware of In the Home

Common Safety Hazards Found in the HomeThinking about home should provoke feelings of comfort and security. However, the reality can be quite different when safety hazards lurk around the corner. The good news is that many serious safety hazards can be managed easily.

Once aware of the possible dangers in their house, homeowners can take the steps necessary to secure their home properly. Individuals often do not realize how small changes can reduce the likelihood of accidents. Explore some common safety hazards found in homes below.

Falls and Injuries

Slip and fall injuries occur quite frequently and can be a danger to anyone. This common household hazard can be due to wet floors, toys left lying about in high-traffic areas, and slippery steps. There are ways to reduce the likelihood of a fall, such as:

  • Installing safety gates when small children are part of the household
  • Securing the handrails and flooring of staircases
  • Maintaining an area for toy storage that is not near a frequently used path
  • Ensuring that any bathroom rugs are secured, and using non-slip stickers on any slippery surfaces in a tub or shower
  • Clearing outdoor steps and pathways by removing debris, snow, or leaves from steps to an entryway, and securing mats

Home Fire Hazards

Most people are not aware of how frequently residential fires happen. However, such fires can be avoided in many instances.

Residential fires can start due to sparks emitted from a fireplace or a lit cigarette. Fires can also begin in the kitchen when someone is cooking and leaves the area unattended. Additionally, having too many devices and appliances plugged in can overload a home's electrical system.

A homeowner can keep a proper fire extinguisher handy in their home. Different types of fire extinguishers may be needed to put out fires involving unusual chemicals or substances. Water is not always the best way to put out a fire, so homeowners should review the location of their fire extinguishers and how to use them with all household members.

Rodents can chew through wiring as well, making a home prone to an electrical fire. An important preventative step involves fire alarms. It is important for homeowners to replace batteries as suggested by the manufacturer, or use a smart home product such as a smart smoke detector. In many instances, this is the first alert that there is a fire in the home.

Keep Members of the Household Safe

Homeowners are often not aware of the potential dangers that may lead to a serious injury. Properly installed and working fire alarms, along with carbon monoxide detectors, can be useful in making residents aware of a possible fire or gas issue.

Other problems may develop with an older home. At times, their electrical systems need to be updated and are not compatible with newer technology and devices. Unpermitted home renovation projects can also leave a home vulnerable to an increased likelihood of injury. Those looking to buy an older home may want to get a home inspection, check the original blueprints, and gather any permits that were needed for previous renovations.

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