How to Identify Safety Hazards in Your Home

Homeowners often forget about the safety of their home while they're living in it. They may assume that if the home was safe when they first moved in, then it's still safe now. And even though they may see the property every day, it's easy to miss minor changes that can lead to bigger problems down the line. For a better idea of how to identify the safety hazards in the home, keep the following common problems in mind before doing a routine inspection.

Slips and Falls

It may not take long before a homeowner remembers near misses when it comes to almost falling down. From an unsecured staircase railing to the slippery tiles in the bathroom, many homeowners play with fire everyday without even realizing it. And while children and the elderly are more likely to fall due to unsteady feet, these hazards can affect anyone. Make sure to tighten the railings and to put more mats down to reduce the risks of injury in the home.

Smoke, Fire, and Carbon Monoxide Hazards

Having smoke or carbon monoxide alarms in the major rooms of the home is necessary to alert homeowners to any potential hazards. However, homeowners should be ready to test these alarms on a regular basis, as well as practice exit routines in the case of a true emergency. Developing these habits and enforcing these rules is an excellent way to show the family just how important it is to be safe no matter what's happening in the moment.

Additional Safety Precautions

Homeowners have a variety of actions they can take to fully secure their home from traditional hazards:

• Lock up dangerous medical or cleaning supplies from children or pets
• Look for potential mold issues in wet areas
• Have home electrical wiring checked each year to catch fraying or dangerous wires
• Inspect, repair, or replace old appliances that may be putting too much pressure on home electrical systems
• Clearly label all unmarked containers so people know what's inside
• Fence in the swimming pool and monitor activity of those using it

The most important thing a homeowner can do to help themselves address safety hazards is to pay attention to what's going on within their home. Walking through the home every few months looking for potential safety hazards can be a huge step toward awareness. Regardless of how long someone has lived in their Anthem Master Planned Community home, no one is immune from household safety hazards.