Homes can be a dangerous place if you aren’t careful. You may think that you’ve made your home a safer place by doing things like having a fire safety plan or installing smoke alarms or keeping unsafe items out of small hands, but there are plenty of little things happening in your home you might not even notice that can spell danger. Take a look at the hidden dangers that could be lurking.
Appliances: If you don’t have a ton of counter space, you might have appliances crammed together to use the space you have. Bad idea! You need to leave space between appliances so they can properly ventilate, otherwise you run the risk of a fire hazard. Putting away appliance when they aren’t in use is much safer.
Extension cords: Extension cords can come in handy, it’s true, but they aren’t meant to be a permanent solution. An over reliance on extension cords can be an electrical danger (and means you REALLY don’t have enough outlets in your home). Installing new outlets is a better option. And while we’re on the topic, don’t plug one extension cord into another! Two or more extension cords can result in overheating and fire.
Vents: Do you have a lot of vents in your home that you just don’t need? Vents that make your home draftier? Have you permanently closed them off as a result? Not a safe move! Sealing vents off leads to condensation issues which can lead to toxic mold growth or even structural issues. Dealing with drafts is way better for your health.
Dishwashing sponge: Take a good look at that sponge you’re using to wash your dishes. Is it clean? You might envision a sponge as one of those self-cleaning sorts of items, but sponges are a haven for bacteria. A 2006 study found E.coli, Salmonella, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Enterobacter cloacae were just a few of the kinds of bacteria found on sponges. The solution? Run your sponge through the dishwasher every other day or so and replace sponges every 2 weeks.
Stuffed Toys: Think about this - your child drags their favorite stuffed animal with them literally everywhere - indoors, outdoors, car rides - what kinds of bacteria and germs do you think they’re picking up along the way? Make sure to run your child’s stuffed toys through the wash on a regular basis to wash away the things that could make them sick.
Television Safety: Did you know that between 2014 and 2016, approximately 30,700 people went to the emergency room due to TV tip-over accidents? That’s A LOT of television related accidents! Make sure your TV is properly mounted and steady, whether it’s on a wall or in an entertainment center to avoid a trip to the ER.
Grilling: Summertime is the time for bbqs and outdoor grilling! But, if you’re using your grill too close to the house you could have issues. Not only is there a fire risk but you could also warp your home’s siding by being too close. Also follow the rest of the grilling safety rules such as turning off propane or making sure coals are fully out for optimal safety.
Household cleaners: Did you know that many of the cleaners you use in your home contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that cause everything from cancer to pollution? Yikes! Everything from air freshener sprays to furniture polish to oven cleaner to dishwashing liquid and more can be hazardous to your health. Luckily, the EPA has a list of products that make for a safer choice that you can use instead. See the list HERE
Dryer Lint: Not cleaning your dryer lint after each use of your dryer is dangerous. You might think a little bit of fuzz is no big, but not cleaning your trap can lead to dryer fires, mold, and carbon monoxide.
Make your home a safe space and stay healthy!
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