How to Reduce Health and Safety Hazards in Your Home

12/17/2020 (Permalink)

photo via Burst Blog post contributed by Lisa Walker of neighborhoodsprout.org

Your home is a symbol of comfort and stability. We all want a cozy, safe place to live. Unfortunately, some common threats put your family at risk. For maximum comfort, remove any health or safety hazards. Here are some ways you can protect your home and your family.

Water Quality

Water quality is a common hazard that is often overlooked. However, neglecting to test or treat your water could potentially make you sick, so consider purchasing a home test kit. Home water test kits are extremely affordable and can be found for as little as $10. In order to be considered safe, your water’s arsenic level must be less than 10 parts per billion. It’s vital to understand that you can’t purify arsenic-contaminated water by boiling it. Because arsenic does not evaporate like water does, boiling the water increases the concentration of arsenic. Instead, stop drinking or cooking with your tap water until you can install a water treatment system.

Mold Prevention

In-home mold can cause health issues. To help eliminate mold from your home, it’s often best to call an experienced professional who specializes in mold remediation. For instance, SERVPRO of Minot provides a mold remediation service that includes inspection and assessment, followed by mold containment, air filtration, mold mitigation and remediation, and cleaning. If you suspect your home has a mold issue, the mold remediation process can help.

Smoke Detectors

Fires are another home threat that could strike at any time. Place smoke detectors in each room and a fire extinguisher on each floor of your home. Replace the batteries annually, and be sure to test the smoke detector monthly.

Another way to keep your family safe in the event of a fire is to have a carefully planned escape route. The National Fire Protection Association provides online guides that will walk you through the steps for creating your own at-home fire escape plan. Because fires spread in as little as one to two minutes, it’s vital to practice your escape plan as a family so that everyone knows what to do. If you don’t have them already, it’s also wise to purchase several fire extinguishers, with one specifically for the kitchen, as well as a fire-proof safe so documents and valuables are protected. Although you may not want to think about the possibility of a house fire happening to you, preparing in advance will help protect your family.

You deserve a safe, comfortable home. By taking the proper precautions, such as detecting and eliminating any potential safety hazards throughout your house, you can protect yourself and your loved ones. You’ll sleep better at night with the peace of mind that comes from knowing your family, belongings, and assets are safe and secure.

Contributed by Lisa Walker of neighborhoodsprout.org