Our
world is full of risk at every turn—from perilous jobs to dangerous driving
conditions – especially as the CNY winter sets in with snow. That’s why we all
love to get back to our homes and not worry about everyday safety hazards. It’s
great to feel comfortable and safe at home, but is it as safe as it can be?
With
a sharp eye and preventive action you can reduce the chances of lurking safety
dangers for everyone who visits your home.
The Top 12 Home Safety Tips
1. GOOD LIGHTING— Adequate lighting reduces the
risk of tripping and falling both inside and outside your home. This is
especially important in winters when days are shorter. Critical areas that need
to be illuminated are the stairs, exterior, and foyers. Make sure your street
number is well lit and visible from the street to aid first responders with
finding your home. The fix: Make
sure adequate wattage is utilized and long-life bulbs and motion detectors are
in place. We just installed a solar motion-sensor light and it’s fantastic!
2. ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS?— Electrical issues, like a flickering
light or a dead outlet, can be mild annoyances that actually signal serious
dangers. If not addressed promptly, a faulty electrical system can result in
house fires and shocks. The fix: If
you’re experiencing any problems with your electricity, contact a professional
right away. Also, make sure electrical cords are not frayed or pierced and
extension cords are securely connected. Do not run too many cords to a single
outlet. Unplug small appliances, space heaters, and power tools when not in
use. (Remember – extension cords are meant for temporary use!)
3. DO ROUTINE
CLEANING— Not maintaining appliances leads to a greater chance of accidental
home fires. The fix: Do simple tasks
regularly like cleaning grease off your stovetop, emptying the lint trap on
your dryer, and keeping your chimney clean and clear.
4. SMOKE AND GAS DETECTORS— Every home needs functional warning
devices that detect smoke and gases. The
fix: When purchasing smoke alarms, make sure they also detect carbon
monoxide, a deadly gas that is especially dangerous because it is colorless and
odorless. Replace the batteries every six months—or whenever you change your
clocks. Create an emergency evacuation plan, build a preparedness kit, and
practice regular safety drills with your family to ensure
awareness of procedures.
5. SECURE YOUR HOME— Many homes now have the latest
technological advancements but still rely on locks and hardware from decades
ago to keep you safe from intruders. The
fix: Do an audit of all entry points to your home—doors and windows and
screens. If any do not have secure screens, locks, and deadbolts, have them
installed. For those entry points that do already have door knobs, handles, and
locks, make sure that they are in good working condition.
6. WHEN YOU ARE AWAY— We all enjoy long weekends and
out-of-town vacations; unfortunately that leaves your home vulnerable to
intruders. The fix: Create the
illusion that someone may still be there. Leave a TV or stereo on in the room
where a burglar would most likely break in. Use smart home technology or timers
to turn on lights for a time in the evening. Have neighbor pick up mail and the
daily paper. Turn down phone ringers, keep blinds drawn, and don’t leave
unsecured valuables in the home even if you think they are well-hidden. Never
hide keys around the home or garden, and don’t leave notes on the door that
suggest you are out of town.
7. HOUSEHOLD REPAIRS— Even if you are an expert and know
your way around electrical, plumbing, or other household repairs, proceed with
caution. A poor repair could be a recipe for disaster. The fix: Call a professional – feel free to ask me for a referral
for a trusted contractor.
8. VEHICLE CAUTION—
Remember that there is danger even before
you drive on the street. If you are backing your car up, watch out for children
and pets on the sidewalk and road. The
fix: Be cautious and proceed slowly when driving vehicles in or out of your
driveway. If your driveway does not have good visibility in both directions,
walk down and look in both directions before you get in your car.
9. MAKE IT SAFE FOR VISITORS— If you are hosting
friends and family, consider what additional safety challenges they may face. The fix: Put yourself in the shoes of a
small child and look for low, hard edges, sharp objects, easy-to-open cabinets
with chemicals and/or cleaning agents. Look for falling and tripping hazards
that may fell seniors.
10. BRACE YOURSELF— Heavy
objects are rarely braced in the home. Appliances, artwork, bookshelves,
televisions, tall dressers and aquariums present real hazards if they are
knocked down by a person or a natural disaster. The fix: Strap and brace heavy objects and use security hardware
for large artwork.
11. UNCOVER HIDDEN DANGERS— If your home was built before the
late seventies, there’s likely lead in the paint under the top coats on your
walls and windows, and there might be traces in the varnish used on many
hardwood floors. In addition, asbestos often can be found in insulation and
“popcorn” ceiling textures. The fix:
Hire a licensed contractor to test for possible contaminants and remove them
safely, especially prior to a remodel.
12. MOTHER NATURE— Your
homeowners insurance will cover you in many instances, but did you know that
you may not be insured against natural disasters like floods or tornadoes? They
typically require an additional policy. The
fix: Contact your insurance agent to make sure you have adequate
replacement coverage as home values escalate and coverage amounts can stay
static. Discuss costs for adding disaster policies which may or may not make
sense based on where your home is located. I always say I’ll take the CNY
snowfall over earthquakes or hurricanes!
Safety Dangers to Kids You May Not
Think About
Do
you have small children who live with you or have some who may be visiting
soon? With the holiday season rapidly approaching, your home may welcome
friends with young children and older family members. This makes now the ideal
time to survey home your home for potential safety problems.
OPEN WATER
Did
you know that as little as an inch of water can be a major hazard? A pail of
water in the yard, large puddles from a storm, even a washing machine can
induce a small child to trip or fall into and become at risk. The fix: Watch for open ice chests and
other standing water, and don’t leave toilet seats open.
SMALL BATTERIES
Button-sized
lithium batteries power small electronic devices, including remote controls,
watches, musical greeting cards, and ornaments. When accidently swallowed, they
can get stuck in the esophagus and generate an electrical current that can
cause severe chemical burns and tissue damage. The fix: Only let small children play with mechanical devices and
toys under supervision, and make sure to put these items away when not in use.
WINDOWS AND STAIRS
Every
year, more than 5,000 kids end up in the emergency
room after tumbling out of a window. Combat that by installing window guards or
window stops so kids can’t fall out. Stairs are another potential hazard for
youngsters with less-than-perfect balance. The
fix: Baby gates can prevent young kids from venturing up or down. Steps
should always have firm footing and be clear of objects as even older people
can slip and fall or trip on items left on the stairs.
FAMILY PETS
Cats
can scratch a child not used to playing with finicky felines. The family dog
may be big and loving but can outweigh a child by five times. Children can be
easily knocked down, nipped, or even bitten by a dog not used to the activity
of small children. The fix: Monitor
play activity and make sure your pet is not getting anxious or annoyed.
CORDS
Babies
can be strangled by cords on blinds and shades. The fix: Excessive cords of all types should be removed or secured
down. Always keep cribs away from windows with loose cords.
Now’s the Time
With
the upcoming holidays at hand, now is the perfect time to survey your home and
address potential safety hazards to yourselves, your family, and your friends.
It doesn’t take long, most fixes are very inexpensive and simple to do, and
your efforts will pay dividends in peace of mind for years to come.
If
you would like our advice on how to make your home safer or would like a list
of trusted sources for home repairs, please contact me today. It’s my business
to ensure that your home is safe and secure for your family. I’d be happy to
meet with you at my Skaneateles RE/MAX Master’s office at 16 Jordan Street, Skaneateles, NY 13152 (conveniently located between Doug's Fish Fry and Johnny Angels) or feel free to Visit my
webpage, email me at amberspain@remax.net
or call/text me at 315-420-2985.
