Ensuring the safety of your home is paramount for the well-being of your family. From the seemingly innocuous to the more apparent dangers, understanding and addressing common safety hazards can make a significant difference. In this blog post, we'll explore some prevalent safety concerns around the home and provide practical tips on how to prevent them.
Trips and Falls: One of the most common household accidents involves slips, trips, and falls. To prevent such incidents, keep walkways clear of clutter, secure loose rugs with non-slip pads, and clear ice and snow from all outdoor walkways. Maintain study handrails for stairways with more than 3 steps, the handrail should be at a height of 34" to 38" from slope of stairs. Ensure that any elevated spaces such as porches, decks, walkways, or balconies with a drop exceeding 30" are equipped with a sturdy guardrail, with a minimum guardrail height of 36". Adequate lighting in areas in all walk areas such as, stairways, hall and entryways is also crucial to ensure visibility, especially during nighttime.
Fire Hazards: Protecting your home from fire hazards is essential. Regularly check smoke detectors and replace batteries annually. Maintain and routinely check fire extinguishers and fire blankets in spaces with elevated risk of fire, such as kitchens, garages, and utility rooms. Create a fire escape plan for your family and ensure everyone knows the quickest exit routes and meeting spot once outside. Additionally, avoid overloading electrical outlets, unplug appliances when not in use, annually clean and inspect chimney used for wood burning, regularly clean lint from the dryer vent and keep flammable items away from heat sources.
Poisoning Prevention: Common household items can pose a threat if ingested, especially by children and pets. Store cleaning products, medications, and chemicals in secure cabinets or on high shelves. Ensure that all toxic substances are properly labeled, and use childproof locks on cabinets containing potentially harmful items. Store the phone number for Poison Control 1-800-222-1222.
Electrical Safety: Electrical issues can lead to fires and other dangers. Regularly inspect cords for fraying or damage, and replace them if needed. Avoid using damaged electrical appliances or cords. Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) are essential safety devices designed for areas with water exposure, such as kitchens, bathrooms, basements, and outdoor outlets. They enhance safety by swiftly interrupting the circuit in the event of a ground fault, preventing potential electrical hazards. Install Tamper Resistant "TR" outlets or use plastic outlet covers to protect young children from sticking objects into sockets.
Safety Glass in Hazard-Prone Areas: Use safety glass, such as tempered or laminated glass, in spaces where windows exceed 5 sq ft and are positioned within 22 inches from the floor, as well as in areas prone to slipping and accidents. Examples include deck railings, large glass windows and doors, and areas surrounding showers and tubs. This type of glass stronger and is designed to break into small, less harmful pieces, minimizing the chances of severe injuries.
Water Hazards: Water-related accidents, such as drowning, can be prevented by securing pools with proper fencing and ensuring children are supervised around water. Repair any leaks promptly to prevent water damage and mold growth. Additionally, set water heaters to a safe temperature to avoid scalding incidents; ideal water heater temperature range is 120°F to 140°F.
Carbon Monoxide Awareness: Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can be deadly. Install carbon monoxide detectors in key areas of your home, at least one carbon monoxide should be installed on each level of the home as well as near or inside each sleeping area. Regularly check and replace batteries in these detectors, and have your heating systems, water heaters, and other appliances serviced annually.
Secure Furniture and Appliances: Prevent accidents caused by tipping furniture or appliances by securing them to the wall. This is especially important in homes with young children, as heavy furniture or appliances falling over can result in serious injury or death. Anchor heavy furniture and appliances, such as bookshelves, dressers, televisions, and stoves/ranges, to prevent them from falling over.
Conclusion: Creating a safe home environment involves being proactive in identifying and addressing potential hazards. By implementing these preventative measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and ensure that your home remains a secure haven for you and your loved ones. Regular maintenance and awareness are key to a safer and happier home.
Schedule a complete home safety check today with a Certified Professional Inspector from Michigan Inspections. We want to make sure your home is safe for you and your loved ones. We're always here for you, we're your MI Guy!
(248) 742-5557
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