Your home is your sanctuary—a place of comfort, laughter, and cherished memories. But lurking behind those cozy walls are hidden dangers that can compromise your safety. Read this guide to get into the common pitfalls that homeowners often overlook and learn how to protect your home against intruders, accidents, and mishaps.
1. Poor Kitchen Safety
The kitchen, often the heart of our homes, can be the most dangerous corner of our homes. Over 10,000 injuries occurred in kitchens in the past decade, according to the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS), more than in any other room. Burns, lacerations, and cooking fires are common culprits. To keep your kitchen safe:
Close the Dishwasher Doors
Close the dishwasher door immediately after use to prevent tripping hazards. An open dishwasher door can be an invisible and painful obstacle, especially in busy or dimly lit kitchens.
Clean Up Spills
Address kitchen spills by mopping or wiping them down. Wet or oily surfaces can lead to slips, which may cause serious injuries, especially when handling hot items or sharp tools.
Store Items Wisely
Organize your kitchen so that frequently used items are easily accessible without stretching or climbing. For items stored at height, always use a stable and slip-resistant step stool rather than improvising with chairs or countertops.
2. Weak Home Entry Points
Burglars love easy access. Deny them by:
Locking Doors and Windows
Regularly check that all doors and windows are securely locked before leaving the house or retiring for the night. This includes ensuring pet doors are locked or secure and verifying that mail slots do not allow hand access to the lock from the outside. With access control features from home security system packages, you won't even have to physically lock the doors yourself when you can do it all from your mobile device.
Avoiding Spare Keys Outside
Instead of hiding spare keys in predictable locations such as under doormats or flowerpots, get smart locks that offer keyless entry and can be controlled remotely via a smartphone app. This eliminates the risk of lost or stolen keys and allows you to monitor your home freely.
3. Trip and Fall Environment
Falling is the leading cause of unintentional home injury deaths; it claims nearly 6,000 lives per year, as per the Home Safety Council. Prevent them by:
Securing Rugs and Mats
To avoid slips and trips, make sure all your rugs and floor mats have non-slip pads underneath. This simple step can keep rugs from sliding around and causing accidents.
Ensuring Good Lighting
Keep every part of your home well-lit, especially stairways and hallways. Bright lighting helps everyone see where they're going, reducing the chance of tripping over objects that are hard to see in dim light.
Using Sturdy Stools for Reaching
Always use a stable, reliable step stool when you need to reach something high up. Chairs can wobble and aren't designed for standing on, making them a risky choice for this task.
4. Fire Hazards
Good Fire safety can mean the difference between extinguishing the problem before it grows or letting the flames take over. Take these precautions:
Checking Electrical Wiring
Look around your home for any signs of damaged wires or signs that you're using too many devices on one outlet. If cables are frayed or you find yourself relying heavily on power strips and extension cords, it might be time for an electrical update.
Practicing Cooking Safety
Always keep towels, paper products, and other easy-to-ignite items away from your cooking area. Never walk away from the stove when it's on, even if you're just simmering or preheating.
Installing and Maintaining Smoke Detectors
Place smoke detectors in key areas throughout your house, particularly near bedrooms and the kitchen. Test them monthly to see if they're working correctly, and replace batteries at least once a year or as recommended.
5. Low Carbon Monoxide Awareness
Carbon monoxide (CO) is odorless and deadly. Protect your family by:
Installing CO Detectors Properly
Place CO detectors in your home close to sleeping areas and on every level, including the basement, so everyone can hear them if they trigger during the night.
Scheduling Annual Checks for Appliances
Ensure that any appliances in your home that burn fuel (like your furnace, water heater, or gas stove) are inspected and serviced by a professional every year to prevent CO leaks.
Keeping Your Home Airy
Keep areas with gas appliances well-ventilated at all times. Open windows or use exhaust fans to help circulate air and remove potentially dangerous gases, including carbon monoxide.
6. Child-Unfriendly Home
Children are curious explorers. Child-proof your home by:
Locking Away Hazardous Items in Cabinets
Store cleaning products, medications, and sharp objects in cabinets that are out of reach or secured with safety locks. This prevents curious hands from accessing dangerous items.
Anchoring Heavy Furniture to Walls
Prevent heavy dressers, bookshelves, and TVs from tipping over by anchoring them securely to the wall. This step is crucial in creating a safe play environment for little ones.
Using Outlet Covers for Electrical Safety
Protect tiny fingers from electric shock by covering unused electrical outlets with plastic safety covers or sliding plates. Make sure they fit snugly and are difficult for children to remove.
7. Zero Home Security Systems
Invest in home security services from a local professional to prevent intruders with:
Alarm Systems
Opt for a professionally monitored alarm system. When triggered, these systems alert a 24/7 monitoring center, ensuring immediate response to potential breaches. Choose systems with both window and door sensors for comprehensive coverage.
Outdoor Lighting
Brighten up all exterior entrances, walkways, and key outdoor areas with motion-sensor lights. Not only do they light up when someone approaches, making it safer for you to enter your home in the dark, but they also startle and deter intruders.
Security Cameras
Install high-quality, weather-resistant security cameras around your property, making sure they're visible from the street. Cameras not only deter potential burglars but also provide valuable footage in case of any incidents. Consider features like night vision and real-time alerts to your phone for added security.
Remember, a safe home demands vigilance and proactiveness from the homeowner. By avoiding these pitfalls, you'll create a secure haven for yourself and your loved ones.
