6 Safety Hazards Found in the Home

Most Common Household Safety HazardsAlthough being at home feels safe and secure, many residences may have unknown safety hazards. The majority of those issues can easily be fixed in just a few minutes. However, that's only if everyone knows what to look for as they survey the safety of their homes. The following information aims to help by highlighting the most common safety hazards found in residences.

1. Loose Rugs and Handrails

Out of all the accidents that can happen at home, falls are the most common. Many times, the problem comes down to loose rugs and handrails along walking paths.

To remedy this issue, it's important for homeowners to make sure all rugs sit upon a non-slip backing that doesn't slide around with each step. All rugs should lie completely flat without any edges rolling up or folding over. As for handrails, homeowners should tighten their hardware every month or so.

2. Slippery Debris on Outdoor Steps

Even with secure handrails in place, any slippery debris on outdoor steps can result in falls. Leaves and pine needles can get rather slippery and knock people off balance. The debris tends to accumulate fast, especially after heavy storms.

Homeowners should plan to check all their outdoor steps and walkways for debris on a daily basis. As long as the debris hasn't sat long on the surface, sweeping them clean is usually enough. Otherwise, it's important to scrub each step with a brush or a power washer to remove the slippery residue.

3. Lack of Fire Extinguishers

Fires are another major hazard in homes, and they can start in an instant from a variety of causes, such as:

  • Cooking grease igniting
  • Candles left burning
  • Items left too close to heat
  • Faulty wiring
  • Sparks from barbecue grills

In order to put out fires fast, everyone needs quick access to fire extinguishers. There should be at least one in the kitchen, garage, and in shared living areas. All the fire extinguishers in the house should carry a Class A, B, and C rating to ensure they are effective against fires caused by paper, flammable liquid, and electrical equipment.

4. Old Batteries in Smoke and CO Alarms

When fires and carbon monoxide (CO) leaks occur, the household's first line of defense is their smoke and CO alarms. Those alarms only work properly when they have fresh batteries installed. Homeowners should remember to switch the old batteries out every six months, so the alarms will have enough power to detect problems and ring out a warning that'll alert the entire household.

5. Easily Accessible Kitchen Tools

Many tools in the kitchen have rather sharp edges that can result in serious cuts in an instant. To protect everyone, it's important for homeowners to put those tools in secure areas that are not easily accessible.

For the drawers where the knives, peelers, and the like are kept, homeowners should use latches that are not easy to figure out. Additionally, homeowners should put food processors, blenders, and other items with sharp edges far out of reach or in locking cupboards.

6. Hanging Cords from Blinds and Curtains

The adjustment cords on blinds and curtains carry a risk of entanglement. Although modern window treatments use rods and other alternatives, many homes still have the dangerous variety inside.

It's possible for homeowners to tuck the cords out of reach, but a lasting solution is still needed. Therefore, cordless blinds are best. If this option is outside the homeowner's budget, it's possible for them to clip the looped cords or use safety devices to secure them out of the way.

By paying close attention to these hazards, homeowners can make their homes as safe as possible. Even after fixing these issues, it's wise for homeowners to inspect each area of the home on a regular basis to resolve any other hazards that may arise.

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