Everyone wants to keep their home safe and healthy, but hidden hazards can lead to potential threats if left unchecked. In fact, fatalities from dwellings increased by 76 percent in the United States alone in 2020.
That means it’s more important than ever to identify potential dangers and take the necessary steps to protect your family. Here are a few of the most common hidden home hazards to watch out for:
Gases
Homes can be filled with invisible, odorless gases that harm your health. Carbon monoxide and radon are two examples of potentially harmful chemicals that could be present in your home without you even knowing it.
Different types of gases could be coming from appliances like a gas stove or fireplace, leaking pipes, and even the walls themselves. So, ensure you install detectors in your home and regularly check for gas leaks. Carbon monoxide detectors are inexpensive and easy to find, so there’s no excuse not to have one (or more) in your home. Radon detectors are a little harder to come by, but you can usually order them online.
Investing in these detectors could save your life — or the lives of those you love. By making an effort to detect these gases early, you can prevent any dangerous build-up and keep your house safe.
Fire Hazards and Flammable Materials
It’s essential to be aware of both fire hazards and flammable materials in your home so that you can take steps to prevent accidents. Some common fire hazards include overloaded electrical outlets, overuse of extension cords, candles, and smoking materials.
To avoid fires, practice proper safety measures when using any of these items. Additionally, keep flammable liquids such as gasoline, kerosene, and cleaning fluids stored in safe areas away from heat sources. You can also install smoke alarms in every room to be extra vigilant.
It’s also best to ensure your home is equipped with fire extinguishers to ensure you’re covered in an emergency. This way, you can rest assured knowing you’ve done everything you can to protect your family.
Radiation
Exposure to radiation is a serious health risk that can cause long-term damage to the body. Common sources of radiation in the home are radiators, electric blankets, and even television sets. These items release ultraviolet and infrared radiation, which can harm your health.
You can protect yourself by ensuring all radiation sources are in good condition and not over-used. Additionally, try to position radiation sources away from the beds and seating area of your home. You can use today’s technology to your advantage by investing in a professional infrared drone roof inspection service. It’s a great way to get an up-close view of your home and spot any potential problems with radiation sources.
By being proactive in identifying radiation sources and taking the necessary steps to protect your family, you can avoid any unfortunate health risks in the future.
Dust and Dirt
Dust and dirt can accumulate in your home over time, eventually leading to health problems if not cleaned regularly. But you can avoid this problem by vacuuming regularly and dusting surfaces with a damp cloth. It would help if you also took care to clean any buildup around windows and doors and in air vents so that dust doesn’t have a chance to circulate throughout your home.
Other practices that can help keep your home free of dust and dirt include washing floors regularly, solving any potential humidity problems, and using air filters. When following these steps, you can ensure your home remains clean and safe for your family.
Pests
Several pests, such as rodents or insects, can carry diseases that can harm humans if not dealt with promptly. Many think that only rural areas are at risk of pest infestations, but this isn’t true. Pests can find their way into any home through cracks, crevices, and other openings.
If you suspect that there may be pests in your home, call an exterminator immediately so that they can safely remove them before spreading any illness. You can also prevent future infestations with regular inspections and the help of a reliable pest control company.
As simple as taking these steps, you can rest assured knowing your home is safe and free of any nasty visitors.
Many homeowners are taken by surprise when they find out their house was built with hidden dangers. Taking the time to identify and address these threats can help you keep your family safe and secure. Hopefully, this article has provided you with some helpful information on how to spot hidden home hazards and protect your home. By following these simple steps, you can ensure your home is a safe and healthy place for everyone.
