June was National Safety Month

Let’s celebrate by going over this home safety check list that every homeowner should go through to ensure the safety of friends and family.

• Look up. Do you see any dead tree tops or rotten tree limbs? Are there branches – dead or alive – hanging over the rooftop or near power lines? Cut back trees to prevent rotting roofs or downed electrical wires and eliminate dead or dying limbs to help avoid damage during a storm. 

• Are the driveway and sidewalk level and in good repair? Look for cracks, buckling surfaces or holes that can cause tripping and falls, especially for the elderly or disabled. 

• Are woodpiles, accumulated brush, garbage bins and recyclable can collections located well away from the house? Not only are termites, ants and roaches attracted to these environments – and it’s a short trip into your house when the items are stacked near your house – but snakes, mice and other pests may be as well. 

• Look closely at decks, patios and porches. Are the steps leading to the structure solid? Bounce on them slightly to test. Walk the length of the structure, looking for rotting wood, soft flooring, buckling surfaces, cracks or other hazards. 

• Is the railing surrounding the deck or porch strong? Pull on it to test the stability. If you don’t have a rail surrounding an elevated structure, install one immediately. 

• Pay close attention to the floors in the house. Repair or replace flooring that begins to warp, buckle, peel, or may cause trips and falls. 

• Is there a grab bar in the tub or shower and near the toilet? Pull on bars to test stability. The bathroom is one of the most dangerous places in the home, even for younger people, as the New York Times reports. 

• Do you have lighting over the stove and sink? Replace burned-out light bulbs immediately. 

• Inspect your water heater every fall to maintain safe operating conditions. Consult a professional for assistance. 

• Place and maintain smoke detectors according to local building code. A minimum of one per floor level, situated just outside bedroom doors, is recommended. Change the batteries every year. Plan this for your birthday to maintain consistency. Most smoke detectors are only good for 10 years so replace as needed.

If there are any problems that you would like us to fix or need advice on how to fix, please call us at 618-236-7073.