Everyone deserves a healthy and secure place to live, so you need to take the right steps to keep your home safe. Check out these 6 ways to reduce hazards in the home.
Carbon Monoxide Alarms
According to the Center for Disease Control, about 50,000 Americans are hospitalized every year due to carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide is dangerous because can’t be seen, smelled, or detected without a carbon monoxide alarm. If you have gas, oil, coal, or wood-burning appliances, then it’s highly advisable to install a carbon monoxide alarm near those heat sources. Exposure to carbon monoxide can cause brain damage and even death, so it should be taken seriously.
Smoke Alarms Can Keep Your Home Safe
A house fire can quickly destroy your home and harm your family. To keep your family safe, you need multiple functioning smoke alarms. You should have a smoke alarm in each room and on every level of your home. Alarms should be tested monthly and cleared of cobwebs and other obstructions.
Radon Testing
Radon is a radioactive gas that can’t be detected without a proper test. Exposure to radon greatly increases your chances of developing lung cancer, especially if you have ever been a smoker. Radon is very localized and varies from house to house, so even if your neighbors don’t have a radon problem, that doesn’t mean that you’re safe. If your property has high levels of radon, then radon mitigation measures can be performed by a professional to keep your home safe.
Take Care of Mold and Water Damage
Mold can lead to serious respiratory problems. If your home has signs of water damage, then it’s time to call a professional. Water damage can severely threaten your home’s structural integrity. Furthermore, damp surfaces are a breeding ground for mold and mildew. It’s important to regularly check for signs of water damage and mold inside the home.
Amp Up Home Security to Keep Your Home Safe
Criminals target homes that don’t have security systems, and they’ll stake your house out until they find the best opportunity to strike. If your family goes away on a trip, then it’s a good idea to have the post office hold your mail. Criminals strike when they think that you’re away, so you should leave a light on and have someone check on your home when you’re not there. Whether you’re home or not, you should habitually lock all doors and windows to keep your home safer. A reputable home security company will set up cameras, alarms, and smart locks to reduce the risk of a home invasion.
Pest Prevention
Roaches, bedbugs, rats, and other pests aren’t only nasty, but they carry a host of diseases. To keep pests at bay, the foundation, walls, and roof should be sealed up well. Pests are attracted to trash, so you should keep any outdoor garbage receptacles far away from your house. Pests are less likely to visit a clean home, so always wash your dishes and quickly discard food scraps and other waste. If you think that you may have a pest problem, then you should contact an exterminator as soon as possible. Otherwise, the problem will just get worse.
It takes effort to prevent problems in the home that threaten the health and safety of your family. By addressing the hazards listed above, you can have peace of mind that you’ve done what you can to keep your home safe.
Aztec Home Services offers home inspection services, including radon testing and mold testing, to Waynesboro, Staunton, and the surrounding areas in Virginia. Contact us to schedule an appointment.