People are worried about health and safety risks at work and on the street but what they don’t realize is how many dangerous things they have in their own homes. You’ll find 18 of these in this article.
Check Head Heights
Do you have someone tall at home? Then having low hanging beams and short door frames might be a health and safety risk for this person. They might be used to ducking their way around the house, but ideally, you should do what you can to accommodate them.
Turn Up the Thermostat
According to the New York State Department of Health, the ideal temperature for a healthy environment in your home should be no cooler than 64 degrees Fahrenheit. Any cooler and your home is reaching dangerous temperatures. Make sure your home is warm enough for your family.
Refurbish the Basement
Basements are usually cold, damp parts of the home. Getting it refurbished is the best solution for these rooms, especially if you’re using them as a living area or bedroom. It’s not safe for someone to live in a drafty area, so have your basement refurbished.
Not Have a Downstairs Bathroom
Do you have someone elderly living in your home? Then it might be a good idea to have a downstairs restroom installed with a shower. That way, if the person is unable to get up the stairs, they can still access the bathroom without endangering themselves.
Have Mats on Slippery Surfaces
One thing that’s very unsafe that’s found in a lot of bathrooms is slippery tiles on the floor. You need to choose a type of tile that is both durable and non-slip. Putting non-slip mats on the floor is also a good idea to prevent accidents.
Check Use-By Dates
Use-by dates on food tell us how long we have to consume it. Ignoring these dates could be dangerous. Make sure you check the use-by date on your food before you consume it. This is especially important with fresh food, meat, and fish.
Use the Refrigerator Safely
“When putting food away, don’t crowd the refrigerator or freezer so tightly that air can’t circulate. Keep your appliances at the proper temperatures. Keep the refrigerator temperature at or below 40° F,” says the Food and Drug Administration. Using your refrigerator properly is essential for good health.
Check Mirrors When Reversing
Too many of us are having accidents when pulling out of our driveways. We’re in a rush and forget to check behind us, and we reverse straight into the garage door. Before reversing a vehicle, it’s essential you check all your mirrors and move slowly.
Fix Water Damage
Water damage in a home doesn’t just look unsightly; it’s also bad for your health. When a home is damp, mold spores begin to grow and these can affect your respiratory system and cause allergies. You should have areas of the home with water damage repaired immediately.
Turn Down the A/C
While living in a cold house isn’t good, living in one that’s too hot can be just as dangerous and uncomfortable. You should have your air conditioning system checked at least once a year to ensure it’s working properly. Keep the house cool in the summer.
Fill in Hairline Cracks
Some people are slow to tend to the early signs of structural damage in their homes, such as hairline cracks. Hairline cracks should be filled in as soon as they appear. If larger cracks start to appear, you should have them promptly assessed by a professional.
Replace Sub-Standard Windows
If you live in a cold climate, you need really good windows to prevent your home from losing its valuable heat. Bad windows will also let moisture through them, and the walls around the windows will begin to suffer from dampness, which is bad for your health.
Lock the Doors
Too many of us are exposing our families to danger unnecessarily because we’re leaving our doors open to thieves. Statistics from ADT Security show that “34% of burglars twist the doorknob and walk right in [through the front door and]… 22% come in through the back door.”
Improve the Lighting
We all know our houses like the backs of our hands, but our rooms still need to be well-lit to avoid accidents. Having good illumination around dangerous areas of the home, such as the kitchen, utility room, attic, and stairs, is important for your family’s health.
Pick Things Up
Nidirect says, “Falls are often caused by: poorly organised and cluttered walkways and stairs, inadequate or unsuitable lighting, [and] moving or carrying something incorrectly; for example when lifting heavy pots try to slide them across the worktop to the sink instead of lifting.” Remove trip hazards from the floor.
Reduce Your Plugs
Using an extension lead is very practical, but you must be careful not to overload it. Having too many electrical items plugged into an extension lead and having the electrical items on at the same time could quickly lead to a house fire and other disastrous consequences.
Cook on Back Burner
Too many of us are choosing to cook on the front burners of the stove when we should start at the back. When cooking on the back burners, we’re less likely to tip a pot over and have the hot contents spill on and burn us.
Monitor the Door
Before opening the front door, you should always know who’s at it and have the person identify themselves immediately if they’re a stranger. It’s so easy for people to pass as workmen or someone doing a survey, so make sure you feel comfortable before taking things further.
Up Next: 18 Reasons Older Men Say ‘Nope’ To Relationships
Older men embrace being alone and generally prefer spending time in solitude. They’ve had a full, so don’t criticize them for being less social! The following 18 reasons explain why older men prefer to be alone and are redefining how they experience their retirement years.
18 REASONS OLDER MEN SAY ‘NOPE’ TO RELATIONSHIPS
18 Most Dangerous Cities in the World (5 Are in America)
Across the globe, there are many places you don’t want to find yourself because of the crimes waiting to occur. Sometimes, even nature can be cruel to you. This is particularly the case in the following 18 most dangerous cities in the world, five of which are in America!
18 MOST DANGEROUS CITIES IN THE WORLD (5 ARE IN AMERICA)
18 Reasons You Feel Like You Don’t Belong Anywhere
Feeling like you don’t belong anywhere can feel incredibly isolating. We need companionship to keep us connected to the world, so if you’re struggling to form relationships and don’t feel that you don’t fit in, here are 18 reasons why that might be.