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3 Parts Of The House That Pose Safety Risks
If you haven’t yet conducted a safety assessment of your home, it is not too late to consider it. For about 30 million homes, safety is a problem, but data indicate that occupants often cast a blind eye to them. Others prefer to keep an eye on the situation to catch early signs of escalated danger. Whichever way you look at it, every home holds potential threats that need attention and regular monitoring.
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Unguarded or unfenced stairwell
This is a problem for homes with young children. The risk of an exposed staircase is heightened when kids can run up and down without supervision. The problem is the ease of access. This is why stair gates are advisable in these places. A physical block will limit a toddler’s curiosity to explore the stairwell. A stair gate has additional responsibilities you must fulfill. This includes installing one that a curious toddler cannot easily unlock.
Secondly, it would help to maintain a space of one inch between the bars. However, this will depend on the design you opt for. The objective is to prevent a crawling child from squeezing between the bars. Meanwhile, brightly-colored edge strips can help prevent accidental falls among aging adults or senior citizens. The strip coloring improves visibility, especially when the stairwell is dim-lit. However, it will be better to install adequate illumination on the stairwell.
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Windows and doors
Glass doors and windows improve the aesthetics of your home. Unfortunately, anything other than safety glasses shatters easily and increases the risk of injury to house occupants. Moreover, during severe storms, these types of glass become safety hazards in the home. It explains why many households opt for safety glass for their windows and doors. Hurricane doors will be your best and most reliable option to minimize safety hazards in such extreme weather.
Another thing you want to avoid is leaving furniture too close to windows. They can become climbing aids for young children or even pets. A strong security mesh can provide additional protection for windows in your home. Unfortunately, in many situations, this may raise concerns about emergency exit problems in a fire. Therefore, safety windows can be secured with a lock mechanism that adults and older kids can figure out.
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Electrical hazards
You will often see exposed low sockets, electrical cables, and cords in your home. They are not usually considered safety hazards because adults are better equipped to handle these electrical outlets. On the contrary, it is not the same for kids. Another risk element to consider in this regard is a faulty electrical appliance. The danger of electrocution or fires makes it important to avoid operating a faulty home appliance without a relevant professional.
One way to reduce an electrical risk is to always check the cords of your household appliances. Be quick to notice electrical smells and strange buzzing sounds emanating from your home’s electricals. Meanwhile, light switches and power points must always be monitored, particularly in the kitchen and bathroom. These are places where water is used most, increasing electrocution risks.
