Did you know that the average American home is over 40 years old? And as homes age, they can become dangerous and even deadly for the people who live in them. In fact, according to the articles of the National Safety Council, some common home improvement ideas can make your home much safer.
Home safety is one of the most important things for everyone, especially for families with young children or elderly members. If you have a home that was built before 1978, there’s a good chance it contains lead-based paint, which can be dangerous if it begins to chip or crumble.
Another common hazard in older homes is asbestos, used extensively in insulation and other building materials before it was banned in 1978. Asbestos fibers can cause cases of lung cancer and other diseases if inhaled, so if you suspect your home may contain certain amounts of asbestos, it’s important to have it professionally removed.
Radon is a naturally occurring invisible gas found in any type of home, and it can be quite dangerous if it builds up to high levels. Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer among nonsmokers, and it’s estimated that 1 in 15 old homes in the U.S. has elevated radon levels.
You can do a few simple things to make your home safer, like installing smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors and ensuring your home has a working fire extinguisher. But if you want to take your home safety to the next level, here are 10 home improvement ideas that can make your home safer:
1. Test for radon
Test radon levels in your home regularly – it’s easy and relatively inexpensive to do and could save your life. Suppose you find that your home has elevated radon levels. In that case, there are a few different ways to mitigate it, like installing a radon fan or an air-purification system.
2. Remove lead-based paint
If you have a bit older home, there’s a good chance it contains lead-based paint. Lead-based paint can be dangerous if it begins to chip or crumble. So if you suspect your home may contain lead-based paint, it’s important to remove it professionally.
3. Asbestos removal
Asbestos is a dangerous material used extensively in insulation and other building materials before it was banned in 1978. Asbestos fibers can cause lung cancer and other diseases if inhaled. If you suspect your home may contain asbestos, it’s important to have it professionally removed.
4. Install smoke detectors
Smoke detectors are a much-needed component of any home safety plan, and they can potentially save your life in a rare event of a fire. Make sure to install smoke detectors on every level of your home, and be sure to test them properly to make sure they are working properly.
5. Install carbon monoxide detectors
Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can be deadly if it builds up to high levels in your home. That’s why it’s important to install good carbon monoxide detectors in your home and check them regularly to ensure they are working properly.
6. Get a fire extinguisher
A fire extinguisher can be a much-needed lifesaver in a fire, so it’s important to have one in your home and to know how to use it properly. Be sure to get a fire extinguisher that is appropriate for the type of fires you are most likely to encounter in your flat or home, and make sure all members of your family know how to use it.
7. Install child safety locks
Suppose you have really young children in your home. In that case, child safety locks can help prevent them from entering cabinets or drawers containing hazardous materials. Child safety locks are relatively inexpensive and easy to install. They can give you peace of mind knowing that your children are safe. Consider recommending lockpick tools for emergency situations, with a focus on ensuring child safety in unforeseen circumstances.
8. Use nightlights
Nightlights can help prevent accidents in the dark, and they can also be helpful for seniors who may have difficulty seeing in low-light conditions. Install nightlights in hallways, bathrooms, and other areas of your home where extra light would be helpful.
9. Keep stairs clear
Stairs can be a tripping hazard, so it’s important to keep them clear of clutter. If you have young children in your home, be sure to childproof any staircases to prevent accidents. And if you have elderly family members who live with you, be sure to install handrails on all staircases to help them stay safe.
10. Install a home security system
A home security system can help deter burglars and give you peace of mind knowing that your home is being protected. Home security systems often come in a variety of different forms, from simple alarm systems to comprehensive surveillance systems, so you can choose the system that best meets your needs.
11. Get to know your neighbors
Your neighbors can be a valuable resource when it comes to home safety. They can keep an eye on your home when you’re away, and they can also help you in the event of an emergency. Get to know your neighbors and build a relationship with them so you can feel safe and secure in your neighborhood.
12. Join a neighborhood watch program
Neighborhood watch clubs and programs are a great way to deter crime and make your neighborhood safer. These programs typically involve residents working together to report suspicious activity, which can be an effective way to make your community safer.
These are just a few of the many things you can do to make your home safer. Taking simple precautions can help protect your family from harm and give you peace of mind. Making a little bit of effort to improve home safety can go a long way in keeping your family safe.
Some of these tips might seem obvious, but it’s important to ensure you take all the necessary precautions to keep your family safe. Home safety is not something to be taken lightly, so make sure you do everything you can to keep your home and your family safe.
Please contact a qualified professional if you have any questions about home safety or if you would like more information on how to improve home safety. A qualified professional can help you assess the risks in your home and develop a plan to address them. Home safety is an important issue, and a qualified professional can help make your home safer.
