Have you given your home an informal health and safety test lately? If not, get ready to do a complete walk around of the property, inside and out, looking for things like slippery floors, worn rugs, leaky roofs, creaking staircases, air ducts full of gunk, outdated locks, broken windows, and more. When we spend so much time teaching kids safe behavior and learning how to protect ourselves danger, it’s really a wonder why more people are not in tune with how having a safe home is a natural extension of those practices.
Make a detailed written list of what you find for future use. If you discover anything that has the potential to pose serious problems, consult a professional for more help. Having a specific list will give contractors something to work with and point out obvious safety and health hazards to them right off the bat. Here’s a short review listing you can use, as well as some suggested remedies for unsafe conditions that might appear.
Non-Slip Floors
One of the easiest, least costly ways to make your house a safer place is to do a wall-to-wall floor review. That means repairing any damaged tiles, carpeting, or walkways. Pay special attention to slick surfaces like polished marble and super smooth tile. People of all ages slip and injure themselves every day on dangerous floors. The good news is that all it takes is a few hours and about $50 worth of rubber matting to turn any hazardous surface into a non-skid zone.
Elevators
Some homes have too many stairs, overly steep staircases, or old ones in need of immediate repair. But when older or disabled individuals reside in such a home, repairing steps is not always the wisest solution. That’s why so many owners choose to install private elevators, which solve several problems at once. Not only do in-home versions, like a Stiltz residential elevator, boost the property’s resale value and look great, but they also eliminate the need for climbing stairs. This is an excellent way to offer a totally safe way for moving from level to level with zero risk of falling.
Clean Air Ducts
This is not a job you can do on your own. Consider hiring a reputable HVAC contractor to do a duct inspection for you. The cost is low, and the job only takes a pro about an hour. If they find a significant buildup of dust and other hazardous substances, you’re looking at about $150 to get the whole system completely cleaned out. For your expenditure, you are making your home less toxic and you’ll get indoor air that smells fresh and doesn’t cause as many respiratory ailments.
Modern Locks
For whatever reason, homeowners tend to forget to upgrade their locks. In an age when digital smart locks are inexpensive and an excellent deterrent against crime, it’s unfortunate that anyone would not opt for new locks. Pay attention to your main front and back entrances, windows, garages, gates, and sliding glass doors. Ask a professional locksmith for a price quote on an all-around lock upgrade.
Alarms
Another modern convenience that costs little is an effective home alarm system. There are hundreds of variations at all price points, so aim for something that is suitable for the size and age of your home. You’ll pay a small monthly fee for alarms that are connected to the local police department, but such systems offer the highest degree of safety.
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