16 Ways To Make Your Home And Family Safer

2/19/2019 (Permalink)

16 Ways To Make Your Home And Family Safer

 1. Test for radon.
This colorless, odorless gas is the second leading cause of lung cancer. Test every three years. A tightly sealed home increases your risk.

2. Install carbon monoxide detectors on every floor.
Many homes have CO alarms on the main floor and the floor where bedrooms are. But you should have carbon monoxide detectors on all other floors, including the basement.

3. Know about the surprising items that can go up in flames.
Battery-charged appliances, paper and cloth towels, and dryer lint are three items people don’t think of when they think of the fundamentals of fire safety. Know they could start a fire. Take precautions.

4. Replace 10-year-old electric blankets.
After 10 years, heating pads and electric blankets tend to cause problems. Replace them if they have charred spots, frayed or cracked electrical cords, or are old.

5. Toss out old space heaters.
Space heaters are a prime cause of fires. Replace old space heaters with the newer models that turn off automatically if they tip over or get too hot.

6. Check for mold every 3-5 years.
Mold damages our respiratory and immune systems. Buy a do-it-yourself kit or hire SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County to detect mold every 3-5 years.

7. If you must smoke, do so only outside the house.
More fire deaths are caused by smoking inside the home than are caused by any other factor. Always dampen butts and ashes before throwing them away.

8. Be aware of and check potentially dangerous products like toasters.
Every year common toasters start thousands of fires. Clean out the crumbs and unplug your toaster when it’s not in use. Another common household product that can cause fires is your dryer.

For Cleanup Or Restoration Needs Call SERVPRO Of Eastern Niagara County At (716) 694-7776

9. Place critical papers in a fireproof box.
You may want to include your identification papers (like your Social Security card, passport, and birth certificate). Consider adding financial records, family photographs, and emergency cash in small bills.

10. Trim trees and shrubs around your home or business.
Dead branches hanging over your roof can fall and cause damage. Shrubs that brush against your house can bring an outdoor fire right into your home. 

11. Keep your gutters clean.
If a gutter, drain, or downspout is clogged, water may build up and find its way into your house.

12. Have your chimney and fireplace inspected.
Use binoculars to examine the outside of your chimney for any cracks or signs of damage. Have your flue cleaned and inspected by a certified chimney sweep.     

13. Consider how vulnerable your home is to wind damage.
Is your home protected from tornadoes, hurricanes, and other damaging winds? Consider how sturdy your doors and windows are. Do you need to fortify them? Research protective products like concrete canvas or cloth. 

14. Know your area’s evacuation routes and shelters.
If you should have to vacate your home or business quickly you’ll be better off if you’ve already planned your route and destination. And consider having an emergency evacuation kit stored in your car.

15. Keep in mind people and pets who may have special needs. 
How will you get them to safety if a natural disaster causes you to evacuate?

16. Read up on how to best prepare for a disaster.

Help Is Here 
The team at SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County has specialized training and experience in fire restoration services, natural disaster prevention, and natural disaster cleanup. Call us at 694-7776.