Your home is a sanctuary, but not keeping up with important maintenance or checks can result in accidents and undermine the safety of your living space. Each year accident and emergency units deal with serious injuries that happen as a result of hidden dangers in homes, affecting not just children and the elderly but anyone who is complacent about the safety of their living space. Here are seven hidden dangers in your home you should fix as soon as possible.
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No Carbon Monoxide Detectors
ShutterstockCarbon monoxide is deadly—make sure you have detectors and maintain them properly. “The NSC recommends placing them in the hallway near each bedroom,” says AAA. “The best spot is on the wall at least 5 feet off the ground or on the ceiling. If they’re battery operated, test or replace the batteries at the start and end of daylight saving time.”
Cluttered Staircase
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Always keep stairways clear of clothes and clutter. “Adults can fall down a staircase as easily as children,” according to StaySafe.org. “Keep the staircase clean, and free of toys or obstructions that can cause someone to trip. Look to see if the carpet has folds as this can also lead to trips. Check the handrail for stability. If a handle rail is worn out, tighten the screw to ensure that it is safely secured to the wall. Stairs are best lighted with high-quality overhead lights. Never leave a door to a stairway open as this is another potential risk for falls.”
Ignoring Mold
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Check for mold and deal with it immediately, experts say. “Our homes can become little petri dishes when microbes can proliferate due to adequate moisture in the indoor environment,” Doug Hoffman, the executive director of the National Organization of Remediators and Mold Inspectors, tells AAA. “People react to both the amount of mold and the type of mold.”
Slippery Surfaces
ShutterstockSlippery surfaces can be dangerous. “In the bathroom, consider adding non-slip surfaces to the tub and floor surrounding the tub/shower/sink,” says The Sig Insurance Agencies. “In the bedroom, look for potential slipping on rugs and runners or clothing left on the floor to keep slip hazards at bay.”
Leaky Pipes
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Old, leaky pipes can cause havoc to your home. “Many people think of damage from hurricanes and heavy rains when they think of water damage,” says Travelers Insurance. “But according to Travelers Claim data from 2013 to 2020, more property losses resulted from non-weather water claims (23%) than weather-related water claims (15%).* Non-weather water claims can involve plumbing-related losses, such as pipes, drains and valves, as well as appliance issues.”
Lint Trap
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When did you last check the lint trap in your dryer? “The lint trap on your dryer is a potential fire hazard if it isn’t cleared away regularly,” says The Sig Insurance Agencies. “Ensure your family’s safety by emptying it after each use.”
Leaving Candles Unattended
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Never leave candles unattended or burning all night. “One key to home safety is fire prevention,” says SafeWise. “In 2020, there were more than 356,500 fires in US homes, causing everything from mild smoke damage to total devastation, including the loss of 2,630 lives. Even candles or an unattended iron can lead to accidental fires in your home, but there is a lot you can do to prevent a home fire from starting or getting out of hand. Learn more from our fire prevention guide.”
