- Because accidents happen...
While home sweet home should be the safest place on Earth, that’s not always the case.
That’s why homeowners should spend the time and money to properly maintain their properties so they’re as safe as possible. Many accidents that occur either within or around a home are mishaps that could and should have been prevented.
Locating sources of possible harm and working toward preventing said harm should be on the top of every homeowner’s agenda.
Here are five accident sources common among homeowners and reasons why intervention is so imperative.
- Slip, Trip, and Fall Hazards
Slips, trips, and falls are a major cause of home injuries. Slippery floors, uneven rugs, and obstructions on hallway floors are some of these contributing factors. So, too, are walkways, steps, and paths if they’re in a state of disrepair.
Foundation issues can also lead to problems. Soil erosion, water infiltration, and natural settling can negatively impact the ground and cause slabs, walkways, and entrance steps to become uneven. Perhaps it will not make a difference at first, but it can eventually worsen and increase the risk of slips, trips, and falls. Dragging your feet on such issues is not an option.
It’s essential for people with foundation problems to call in the experts and get the issue assessed and remedied as soon as possible.
Keeping well-maintained paths, repairing broken steps, using proper lighting, and ensuring smooth transitions between levels of flooring can help prevent falls.
- Electrical Hazards
Electrical issues are also a serious hazard to property owners. Such issues are often hidden behind walls where they can worsen over time and wreak havoc. Outdated wiring, overloaded circuits, and amateur electrical repair work are among the most common causes of house fires and electric shock. Old homes may still have old wiring that does not support modern electrical demands, so it’s a good idea to call a licensed plumber if any of the above apply.
Warning signs like flickering light bulbs, buzzing electrical outlets, warm electrical switch plates, and frequent breaker trips should never be dismissed.
- Fire and Heat Related Risks
According to one source, cooking is the leading cause of home fires in the U.S. Accidents related to cooking, heaters, fireplaces, poorly maintained heaters and coolers, and malfunctioning appliances are, unfortunately, not uncommon.
Dryer vent buildup is yet another hazard waiting to happen. A buildup of lint will reduce airflow, causing a dryer to overheat. It’ll also increase the risk of a fire. Don’t overlook regular cleanings.
Many burn injuries can be prevented with proper practice and regular maintenance. First, there should be smoke alarms inside and outside every bedroom and on every level of your home, and these should be checked once a month. Fire extinguishers should also be installed in easy-to-reach places such as your kitchen and garage.
- Outdoor and Landscaping Risks
Lawn mowers and chainsaws are yard maintenance equipment that have to be handled with caution to avoid cuts and burns. In addition to using the right safety gear, homeowners should ensure their children and pets stay clear of equipment that can cause them harm.
Other possible outdoor problems include tree roots that lift sidewalks, rocky outcroppings that shift, and potholes caused by erosion. Landscaping can also obstruct pathways and make it more difficult for your visitors to navigate. It’s a worthwhile goal to survey your property and eliminate hazards so that pathways are visible and easy to navigate.
- Water Damage and Mold-Related Risks
Slippery floors, structural safety, and mold present various safety hazards. Water with low evaporation rates enters homes, affecting floors and ceilings. Mold and mildew can also be a source of danger because they impact respiration, especially among older people and children.
Dehumidifiers should be placed within zones with high moisture levels, and regular inspections with regard to roofs and plumbing can also help avert serious accidents.
Home accidents are not uncommon, but you can lower the risk level with proper maintenance. Homeowners can make a house safer for all occupants if they consider the five possible injury risks homeowners face on their own properties, whether interior or exterior.
If you’re proactive about safety, the odds are your home will be the haven of safety it should be.