While your home may seem like the safest place, there are some dangers present that you may not be aware of. As simple as a loose chord or an improper electric wire can be potentially dangerous.
Every home contains a number of electrical systems and appliances from toasters and hair dryers to water heaters and ducted heating systems. It’s in your hands to take care of every electrical appliance so that they don’t pose a risk to your family.
To ensure that your home is safe, you have to always check whether the electrical wiring in your house is in good condition. While you think that everything is perfect with your electrical appliances and house wiring, below are a few things that you need to check from time to time.
Electrical Systems in Good Working Condition
No matter how many electrical appliances are there, you have to check for loose or frayed wires on all electrical devices.
If you have any chords, make sure that the path of chords isn’t running under the rugs or across doorways. You can trip while walking and it can cause injuries.
And if you have babies or kids, then babyproof your house by using plastic wrap to cover the unused electric outlets.
Also, it’s better to install electric outlets instead of using extension cords to avoid the wire clutter and excessive load on a single outlet. You should also look for any loose or frayed wires and make sure outlets aren’t warm or overloaded. Your local electrician can help you with the installation and other aspects of electrical wiring.
Use only one high-wattage appliance in one single outlet. If you overload it by connecting more devices, the outlet will overload, damaging the wiring and sometimes, the electrical devices too.
Be careful with connections, and if you have any doubt, it’s better to consult professional electricians for advice.
Working Smoke or Carbon Monoxide Alarms
If you don’t have smoke detectors, install them in every room of your house. The smoke alarms should cover all sleeping areas. After installation, make sure to test them monthly so that they are in working condition.
Maintain the alarm system properly by replacing the batteries and cleaning the detectors frequently. All of this is necessary to detect smoke and raise an alarm in case of fire accidents and electric short circuits.
Get Water Heaters Inspected Annually
Electric water heaters can be dangerous if you don’t get them serviced regularly. You must maintain them by doing annual service.
To prevent burning of electric outlets, don’t set the temperature above 120 degrees. If you have kids, never leave them near water heaters and strictly keep away inflammable and combustible material away from the heating devices.
Consider Water Sprinkler Systems or Fire Extinguishers
Your home should also have a saving system in case of fire accidents. Hence, it’s important to think about installing a water sprinkler system and fire extinguishers, especially in places like kitchens and on every floor. It should be accessible to everyone in your family. And educate everyone about how to use the extinguisher.
In case any damage occurs to the extinguisher, consider replacing them with new ones. Don’t ignore fire extinguishers as they are the lifesavers during emergencies and critical situations.
Escape Plan in Case of Fire
Plan and educate everyone in your family about escape plans in case of fire. Practice it regularly with your family members by creating fake emergency scenarios. You can make it fun by playing as a role-playing game, especially if you have children who don’t listen.
Choose a meeting place in case of danger and plan to escape through the route that you have planned earlier.
And if you live in a double-storey building, keep a rescue ladder handy so that you can escape through open spaces like windows.
Locked Cabinets, Window Guards, Safety Gates
Your home should be safe for your kids. As they don’t recognise danger as immediately as adults do, you have to take extra measures to keep them safe at your home.
Lock your cabinets and install window guards, keeping one window open during emergencies. Pack away if you have any hazardous items and make sure to keep away sharp objects like knives and scissors.
And if you have a pool, fence it in and secure your doors by installing door knob covers.
When your children reach a certain age, teach them your address and how to dial for police in case of emergencies. Educate your children about safety practices and how to get out of danger if you’re not present around. Teach them that it’s better to be safe today than to suffer tomorrow.
Social Profile