Every home is a potential minefield of dangers. Even the seemingly safest homes still house the possibility of injury and damage. That’s why it falls on homeowners to maintain constant vigilance for hazards in their homes. Some things are easier to catch and fix than others. Not so coincidentally, these are some of the worst issues as well. Here are the four worst household hazards and how to eliminate them.
Poisonous Gases
Some of the worst hazards aren’t even visible. These include colorless, odorless, and tasteless gases, such as carbon monoxide and radon. They enter your home in different ways. Carbon monoxide can creep in because of car exhaust or a backed-up furnace. Radon comes up through the ground and can enter the house through water pumped from underground. Radon can be present in building materials as well. The best way to handle it is through testing for its presence, good ventilation, appliance maintenance, and detector installation. You can also eliminate radon from the home through the installation of radon mitigation systems.
Mold and Mildew
Nobody likes the sight of mold in the bathroom or elsewhere. But sometimes the worst mold stays out of sight, gathering and growing around high-humidity areas in the basement and behind the walls. Mold and mildew can cause respiratory issues, especially in those suffering from asthma, allergies, and other medical conditions. It’s best to address mold and mildew through regular cleaning, healthy sunlight, fresh air, good ventilation, fixed leaks, and dehumidifiers. Have your home tested for mold and follow the technician’s advice. If it’s extensive, you may require professional removal services.
Fires
Fires are an ongoing worry for any homeowner. They can spring up almost anywhere in the house but tend to occur around the kitchen or fireplace. They may also arise through electrical wiring. Fight fires before they happen with smoke detectors. Keep them well stocked with fresh batteries and inspect them once a month. Also, keep a fire extinguisher handy in the kitchen, but have one nearby at every level of the property. Have an electrician review your wiring and circuit breaker, looking for loose and exposed wires.
Slips and Falls
One of the bigger killers in the home isn’t flames or gases but rather slips and falls. Loose rugs, cluttered floors and staircases, and bad lighting frequently contribute to people falling end over end. They lead to potential bone breaks and other injuries. Secure rugs with nonslip tape, declutter everywhere, and make sure walkways are bright with new bulbs. Handrails can also help reduce falls in the most dangerous room in the house, the bathroom.
Those are the four worst household hazards and how to eliminate them. Keep an eye out for other ways your home can become a dangerous place to live!
