4 Common Home Safety Hazards to Avoid

A home may seem like static structures in a person's life, but the trained eye knows that it changes constantly. From major events to everyday wear and tear, what was safe yesterday may not be safe today. Understanding the safety hazards of a home may mean having to consider some fairly unpleasant scenarios, but it's better to imagine the worst than for it to actually occur. To prevent property damage or bodily injury, here are five hazards that everyone should watch for.

Slippery Floors

Falling on a slippery floor is more common than many people realize. In fact, millions of people fall in their homes every year. One in five falls will result in a serious injury, such as a bone break. And while it's more likely to happen to the elderly, slippery floors can affect anyone. Spilled water in a bathroom or kitchen can end up being a dangerous hazard when combined with slippery tiles. Thankfully, it doesn't take much to safeguard against injuries. Additional mats in front of the sink or in the bathroom can be literal lifesavers.

Unsecured Handles or Rails

The stairway rail is made up of balusters and newel posts. If enough time passes, the glue that holds it all together will start to lose its grip or the screws may become loose. Tightening up the railings can be a simple home DYI repair project if only the screws need to be tightened. However, there's usually more it than that, so it may be better to call a handyman to ensure the job is done right. A staircase rail that's starting to come loose can end up breaking off from the wall at the worst possible time.

Exposed Heat

Candles in the bedroom, cigarettes on the porch, and space heaters can all contribute to a disastrous fire if homeowners aren't careful. Besides being extremely careful when handling these items, homeowners should test their smoke alarms as regularly as possible.

Now may even be a good time to upgrade the home to smart smoke detectors. These devices will not only alert a homeowner of a fire, but the devices will also send messages to a mobile device if the homeowner isn't there. These items are so effective that insurance companies regularly give out discounts to homeowners who have them.

Old Wiring

Old household wiring is common in many homes, but the problem is very much out of sight out of mind. Even if the house is new, wiring can still be a major problem. Rodents may gnaw through the connections or excess water may damage the electrical outlets. Homeowners should have their wiring checked at least every five years, and the outlets at least twice a year (all a homeowner has to do is hit the outlet reset button).

Extra Checks

In addition to the most common safety hazards, make sure to keep up the following tasks:

• Keep all prescriptions and cleaning supplies away from animals and children
• Inspect old appliances to ensure the electrical system can still handle them
• Label all containers so people know what they're using
• Install a fence around a pool and monitor activity

Common home hazards can be mitigated by common sense, but Westshore homeowners first have to recognize what the hazards are. It's not evident that the wiring is frayed if it's safely tucked behind a wall. Being vigilant and cautious is a great way to mitigate the risk and keep the home safe.