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Real Estate Tips
Tuesday, September 22, 2020

5 Common Safety Hazards Found in the Home

5 Common Home Safety HazardsY our home should be a safe place for everyone. And in most cases, our homes are safe places. Yet, every home has hazards that homeowners might not always think about. That’s especially true if you don’t have little ones or elders. You know to think about how they’re moving about the home. Luckily, most home hazards can easily fixed so everyone can safely go about their day.

Prevent Trips and Falls

A fall from any height has the potential to cause injury. Installing handrails on the stairs gives people something to hold onto while climbing or descending. An adjustable gate can be installed to prevent those too young to use stairs on their own from trying to climb them. And while it’s tempting to stash what needs to go back upstairs on stairs, you’re really creating a tripping risk.

Slippery floors are another hazard. Placing rugs on floors more likely to get wet, like bathrooms and kitchens, can prevent someone from slipping. Putting children’s toys away is also an excellent way to avoid tripping and falling. That’s especially true for toys with wheels, such as skateboards. Make picking up a habit at the end of playtime.

Store Items Carefully to Avoid Cuts

Many common items around the house can cut skin if people aren’t careful. That’s why you need to carefully store sharp kitchen tools such as knives and peelers. Using magnetic strips to hang knives may not be the best choice.

The same goes for sharp bathroom tools like razors and nail clippers. Child safety locks on drawers and cabinet doors work to prevent small children from accessing these tools.

Also, think about outside.  Lawnmowers, rakes, and other sharpened yard tools should never be left lying out in the open. Always put them away securely when you’re done using them. And when in use, wear the right safety equipment like work gloves and safety glasses.

Keep Chemicals Stored Properly

Decrease the chances of someone in their house ingesting poisonous substances primarily by keeping these items out of reach. Have curious toddlers at home? Paint, personal grooming products, and cleaning chemicals should be stored in a child-proofed cabinet that children can’t reach. A child safety lock is a good idea here.

Additionally, keep chemical products in their original containers. This keeps them labeled so a) you know exactly what may have been swallowed, and b) often they have safety information on the label or the number for poison control. Keep these products away from heat or flames to prevent other hazards in the home.

Store all medication properly. Do not leave bottles on the counter or out in the open.

Don’t Leave Any Fire Unattended

Many people know that they should never leave a lit candle unattended, as the flame can potentially spread. All it takes is a cat knocking it over onto a curtain, or a curious child putting a hand on a fire grate, and suddenly you’ve got an issue.

To prevent other fire hazards, inspect the cords of their electrical appliances regularly. Discontinue use if a cord becomes damaged or frayed. All it takes is a spark to ignite a rug, a sofa, or a carpet. For added safety, unplug appliances when they aren’t in use.

And while this isn’t a fire, do clean home dryer vents regularly. The lint that builds up can quickly spark a fire.

Install Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Carbon monoxide poses a serious health threat. It is almost impossible to see or smell, so it can be easily overlooked until it’s too late. Low levels of carbon monoxide poisoning can lead to headaches and dizziness, but higher levels can be fatal.

To keep their homes safe, purchase a carbon monoxide detector to alert if the air is becoming dangerous. This is especially wise if the home uses natural gas for any reason or has a fireplace. Another way to prevent carbon monoxide leaks is by hiring a professional to inspect their water heater, HVAC system, and other gas, oil, or coal appliances on a yearly basis at a minimum.

Safety at Home

Supervision and proper storage are one of the main ways to keep a house safe for everyone in the household. Inspect your home fairly regularly for these common home safety hazards. Make the appropriate changes as soon as someone sees something amiss.

Updated March 2024

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Preston Guyton