With 128,800 preventable deaths and 36 million injuries in 2022*, homes can be dangerous. Maintenance and updates can keep your loved ones safe. Assessing the condition of your house and property every year and making repairs can prevent emergency situations.
Electrical
Updating with GFCI receptacles everywhere in the kitchen, bathrooms, laundry rooms, exterior, and garage areas is of primary importance to prevent electrical shock. GFCI shuts off in 1/40th of a second. GFCI receptacles generally last between 15 to 25 years. Testing smoke and carbon alarms should be completed every year and replacing any yellow alarms prevent fire and carbon monoxide deaths. Smoke alarms last 8 – 10 years and carbon detectors (or combination) every 5-7 years. Installing motion sensor lights at doors and garages increases visibility and personal protection.
Structural
Structural changes to your house can prevent accidents. Replacing double keyed locks on exterior doors helps people to escape quickly in a fire. Installing fall protection on second floor (or higher) windows that are less than 24 inches above the floor prevents toddlers from falling to their deaths. Stairways and railings need to be sturdy and in good repair to prevent falls.
Maintenance
Lint build up combined with heat or spark causes thousands of fires every year. Clean the clothes dryer vent and bathroom/laundry room mechanical vents every January to prevent house fires. If there are young children, install latches on cabinets with cleaning products and medications to prevent poisoning. Make sure your fence and walkways are not loose or damaged. Strong fences protect from people and animals that might harm you, while stable walkways protect from dangerous falls.
If you make a habit of checking these items every January, you will increase the safety of your home. In many cases it will also increase your resell value because well maintained houses have better eye appeal and value. Start 2025 the right way by maintaining and updating your property to protect your loved ones!
*National Safety Council – United States Injury Facts 2022 https://injuryfacts.nsc.org/home-and-community/deaths-in-the-home/introduction/