Hi lovelies,

The last thing you want is to live in an unsafe house. Your home should be a safe place for you to relax and enjoy. However, your home can become damaged and worn over time, and this can lead to hazards and dangers both visible and hidden becoming apparent. You need to identify any risks and know the warning signs that something is wrong to rectify them quickly.

This post looks at some common risks in the home and how you can rectify them.

Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide is a silent killer that kills without being noticed. It is not detectable by smell, in contrast to gas. Following these steps will help you keep your family safe:

• Make sure you have carbon monoxide detectors installed in your home and that you test them regularly.

• Make sure your heaters are inspected at least once a year to avoid the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

• Some home security systems are equipped with carbon monoxide detectors, which will alert you if dangerous gas levels are detected in your home.

Fires
Over 356,000 fires broke out in homes across the United States last year, causing everything from minor smoke damage to complete devastation, as well as the deaths of 3,655 people. Even small things like candles or an unattended iron can cause accidental fires in your home, but there are things you can do to keep a house fire from getting out of hand. Avoid using open flames close to flammable materials or in spaces where they can be knocked over. Having an electrician assess your electrics, sparking sockets, heat from outlets, or warm walls can indicate a potential electrical issue.

Have a fire extinguisher to hand or a fire blanket for use if you need it.

Slips or Falls
This is an easy one to keep on top of. Make sure spills and debris are cleared from floors regularly, and slippery floors have mats on to aid stability when walking on floors. Use absorbent bath mats in the bathroom around baths and showers and keep wires or electrical cables clear from frequently used walkways to remove trip hazards.

Injury
Injuries around the home are relatively common, especially around the holidays when people prepare for the arrival of family members and celebrations. Letting your home fall into a poor state of repair can result in increased injuries as the damaged area can cause harm depending on what it is. Make sure anything that needs it is repaired quickly to remove the risk. 

Keep sharp knives, blades and scissors kept closed away in a drawer or cupboard or out of reach of young children if applicable. Never put sharp knives in a sink full of water to avoid cutting yourself when putting your hand in the water.

Poisoning
In 2018, more than two million poisoning incidents were reported to poison control centers across the country, an increase from 2017. Poisoning hazards can be found in various everyday household items, including cleaning and home maintenance supplies.

However, with a bit of forethought and the appropriate knowledge, you can reduce the likelihood of accidental poisoning in your family. Use cupboard locks to ensure no children or pets can access harmful chemicals, and be vigilant about how and when you use your products to reduce the risk of accidental poisoning.