Do you know the Hidden Hazards that Lurk in your Home?
Home is supposed to be a person’s sanctuary, but hidden dangers may be lurking even here, just waiting to eradicate your inflated sense of security.
Some of the most persistent threats to the safety of a home are naturally occurring and organic. If children are around, a poisonous plant like aloe or philodendron could mean a toxic reaction if ingested. Some types of scorpions, spiders and even ants can cause deadly reactions, too, particularly when the victim is allergic to the venom. Finally, household mold can go hidden for years and create respiratory difficulties for everyone under that room. Inspect the home thoroughly (particularly behind washers, refrigerators and dishwashers) for any organic threats to your family’s well-being.
Chemicals are everywhere, but particularly in certain places around the home. Make sure that small children can’t get to where yours are stored. That could be as simple as putting a child’s lock on kitchen cabinets that store cleaners, solvents and bug sprays. It might also involve putting a padlock on a shed where paint, gasoline or lawn fertilizers are kept. If a container states that a product is harmful if ingested or combustible, it should be stored somewhere children can’t reach or enter. The same goes for prescription drugs.
Other hazards are often difficult to spot but are always potentially deadly, to children in particular. These range from leaving sharp objects where children can find and use them or leaving electrical outlets uncovered to leaving toilet lids down or keeping baby furniture away from radiators. Are electrical cords starting to crack or are appliances starting to spark?
Some hazards are inherent to a home, such as a problem with the structure or its susceptibility to creating accidents. Sometimes tall or heavy furniture isn’t anchored to the wall or heavy mirrors aren’t installed with anchor bolts and could fall at any moment, or heavy items are left sitting on high shelves, making the furniture they’re on top-heavy. Other times, the home is poorly lit or cords run across walkways, creating tripping hazards.
Fire is another potential menace. Lawn clippings drying near the house can catch fire and contributed to a larger conflagration, particularly if flammable materials are kept close by. Are there carbon monoxide and smoke detectors on every floor of the home, including the basement? Do they have working batteries?
Flooding is another danger to homeowners that some may think is too widespread to avoid. But having ready access to a sump pump generator and a bevy of empty sandbags on hand will help to counter the waters as they begin mounting. Flood insurance is another must-have for those living within or near any flood plain. Water is less apt to pool around a home, also, if gutters are kept cleared, which will guide water falling from the roof away from the foundation. If any low-sloping areas are visible around the home, fill them in with top-soil and landscaping elements, which will guide water away from the home and not into it.
John writes about home and business safety. For more home hazard prevention tips and products, such as fire standpipes and fire extinguishers, please visit our site.
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