5 Hidden Hazards In Your Home
When it comes to hazards in the home, it’s likely you’ve considered the major aspects that can cause harm and damage and are mitigating or eliminating the risks these can have. Faulty appliances such as old water heaters, malfunctioning stoves, frayed electrical cords, trip hazards, neglect repairs, etc, are all apparent hazards in the home that can harm its occupants.
However, it’s crucial to be aware of other, less obvious hazards that may not be immediately visible. Being informed about these potential risks is a key part of responsible homeownership.
Let’s take a look at a few.
Termites
Termites can be highly damaging to our home. If you notice any signs of a termite infestation, such as damaged wood or termite wings, it’s important to seek the help of Termite Control experts. Their expertise can help you eradicate the problem before it causes significant damage, providing reassurance and support.
Overloaded Wall Sockets
With more and more people using technology that needs to be charged regularly, the risk of overloaded sockets increases. This is especially true in older homes with electrical circuits that haven’t been replaced or are damaged already.
Older homes, especially, aren’t designed with multiple outlets to connect your devices to, so it can be tempting to plug as many devices as you can into one socket. This can lead to overloaded circuits and, this puts you, your family, and your property at risk of fire damage.
Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide typically comes from faulty boilers, gas appliances, and poorly ventilated fires. If appliances are not repaired or painted, or you have blocked vents or chimneys, meaning the carbon monoxide has nowhere to go, it will build up in your home. And the reason it’s a hazard is that not only is it deadly, but it’s almost impossible to detect as it’s colorless and odorless. Carbon monoxide monitors will help you identify any build, and getting your appliances repaired or blockages fixed and cleared can prevent this from happening altogether.
Dryer Lint
Did you know that dryer lint causes over 3,000 structural fires each year? As you use your dryer, lint builds up, and with the heat produced from the appliance, this becomes the perfect storm for a fire to break out. Ideally, you need to clean away lint after each use, and you need to ensure that your vents are cleared on a regular basis to avoid build-up. Lint is extremely combustible, and even the smallest amount of build-up can be a fire hazard.
Toxic Plants
While plants have many beneficial properties, there are some that can be harmful and toxic if accidentally ingested. Poinsettias, lilies, tulips, and daffodils are extremely toxic to pets. In contrast, hydrangea lilies of the valley and foxglove are harmful to both pets and children and can can make them extremely ill if they accidentally ingest them.
Sadly, many hazards can pose a threat to your family and your life, all within your home, and the more you know about them, the more you can eliminate and protect against them.
