Homes and other buildings standing for decades can often accumulate significant safety hazards that weren’t apparent when the building was new and shiny. Electrical dangers like faulty outlets and exposed wiring can be hazardous. Still, they might not be easy to notice at first glance.
If you want to make sure your home doesn’t cause bodily harm, there are several things you can do to conduct a thorough house check-up. Here are some simple tips on checking your house for potential hazards so you can be sure your family will be safe at all times:
Identify Potential Hazards
One of the easiest ways to ensure your home is safe is through a thorough inspection. Get on your hands and knees and check everything—from walls, floors, doors, and cabinets. You’ll be surprised by what you might find. Here are some common potential hazards:
- Radon: It is a severe hazard that affects many homes in America. If you suspect radon may be a problem, have it tested. The same goes for asbestos and lead-based paint.
- Open electrical wiring: Exposed wires can pose a safety hazard. If your wires are visible when your appliances aren’t turned on, consider rewiring or repairing them before an accident occurs.
- Broken glass: Although people usually think of windows when considering broken glass in their home, mirrors are just as dangerous. They’re even more common than broken windows.
- Defective and obstructed handrails: Homeowners often overlook handrails during home inspections, and they play an essential role in preventing falls.
Gas Leaks
A silent danger, gas leaks can be highly hazardous and put your family in danger. A few quick checks of your home should let you know if a gas leak is present. Open all doors and windows, including oven doors. If you smell anything unusual, like rotten eggs or bleach—gases that indicate you have a dangerous gas leak—get out of your house immediately.
Call emergency services as soon as possible from a safe location. Never attempt to fix a gas leak on your own. Remember that it might not always be clear when there’s a problem with natural gas in your house.
Electrical Problems
Not only is improper wiring dangerous, but it can also result in hundreds of dollars worth of damage—and potentially a loss of power. To quickly and safely get your home up to code, you’ll need an electrician.
They can do everything from installing outlets to fixing faulty switches. They’re also cheap enough that even if you don’t need any actual work done at your house, they’re worth calling just to get an inspection. It might be expensive to make all these repairs, but how much would repairing furniture damaged by a surging cost? It could run into thousands, so it’s better not risk it.
Check Faulty Systems
Take a look at all significant systems like your water and heating systems, and ensure they’re working correctly. If there are problems, you’ll need to fix them or hire someone else who can. Now that winter’s here, it’s important to check your heating systems. Not only will you want to be warm and cozy during freezing temps but also so you don’t end up with an expensive repair bill down the road.
For example, if there’s no heat coming from one side of your house, then something is probably wrong with your thermostat or furnace. Contact a reputable furnace maintenance company as soon as possible to ask them about any issues you might be having.
Structural Issues
A structural issue is an issue that could compromise a home’s foundation, integrity, or safety. These issues include cracked foundations and foundations that are moving or sinking. When you suspect a structural problem, the first step is to call a professional inspector.
Structural problems can cause severe issues, so it’s best to let an expert handle these issues before they become more significant concerns. The last thing you want is your home collapsing on top of you. Keep in mind: all cracks should be checked by someone with experience. Don’t stress out about structural problems. Once an inspector has pinpointed something wrong, you can move forward with making repairs.
Always take time to examine your property closely. It’s easy to miss things when you don’t look closely enough. All it takes is one loose nail or another hazard to create a severe accident in your home. No matter how small or large, regularly inspect every inch of your house. Ensure you report any hazards you find immediately so that they can be removed and replaced.
