Your home should be your sanctuary, but sometimes there are dangers lurking around that you tend to overlook. Yup, we’re talking about invisible gases in everyday appliances you need to check. Why? They cause unwarranted injuries each year. Here are the 7 things you need to watch out for in your home.
7. Space Heaters
Consider getting a new heater model with enhanced safety features. You must pick the one with a UL label, as it’s a certification that’s recognized by the U.S. government. Ensure that you select the correct size for the room you want to heat. Get one with a safety switch that turns the machine off when knocked over. Place them at least three feet away from anything flammable and never leave them running when you leave the room or sleep.
6. Stairs and Steps
Many home injuries and even deaths are caused by steps or stairways. With this, never place anything on the steps, even temporarily. Install handrails on both sides and ensure that they have sufficient lighting, preferably with motion sensors if possible. For outdoor steps, you should clear them immediately after the snow.
5. Furniture Tip-Overs
If a chest has sat against a wall for years and never moved, we assume that it won’t fall. However, when you have children in the house, they may open the drawers or climb on them. There are a lot of injuries related to furniture that tips over, sending children to emergency rooms each year. With this, install wall anchors on your tall furniture. They bind them in the drywall, which makes it impossible to tip.
4. Loose Electrical Outlets
The constant movement of loose electrical outlets can loosen the wires they’re connected to. This created a dangerous arcing as the spark fires inside your walls. It’s alarming for older homes and may send warning signs, such as flickering lights, tripped outlets, or tripped breakers. To prevent further damage, hire an electrician immediately they tighten loose outlets. If you own an old house, consider having a professional electrical inspection to identify potential wiring problems.
3. Dryer Lint Buildup
Every year, dryer fires cause millions of dollars in damage and injuries. How? When dryer fires accumulate lint near their motor, gas burners, and heating elements can catch fire. While you clean the lint trap after each load, the duct is where lint really accumulates. To ensure this, be sure to clean your lint wrap and vent pipe regularly. If you notice that you get more than a little lint, then have it professionally cleaned.
2. Radon Gas
Radon gas can lead to lung cancer. Yes, since it comes from a natural breakdown of uranium in soil, rock, and water, it can enter your house through cracks. It can even enter gaps made by plumbing pipes and electrical wiring. The fix is to test your home with a radon test kit or hire a professional. Once they’re detected, hire a skilled contractor to install a radon mitigation system to safely lower the level.
1. Carbon Monoxide
Here’s the real danger: Carbon monoxide is something you can’t see or smell, but it’s enough to harm you. A healthy furnace even makes little carbon dioxide that’s left through a vent. However, a poorly maintained furnace is one fire hazard that can trap deadly amounts of gas in your home. The fix? Consider installing a battery-operated carbon monoxide detector near your sleeping areas to ensure your safety. Also, have your fuel-burning appliances inspected by a certified technician.
