Your house is the place you go to relax at the end of a tough day and spend time with your family. It’s a place where you usually feel very safe, but sometimes, things happen that can put that at risk. If you find yourself in one of the following situations, here are suggestions for how to get through it, and how to lower the chances of it happening.
3 Safety Issues Around the Home that Could Happen to You
While we hope these problems don’t happen at your house, they might at some point in time, so knowing what to do can help you prepare for the possibility. That can help you feel more in control and act in a more effective way in that moment.
1. Getting Hurt on the Backyard Trampoline
If you have a trampoline in the backyard, be aware that those who use it are at risk of injuries while using it, with the risks being more likely to be serious for kids under age six. The type of trauma can vary significantly, from a cut or bruise to a sprained neck or damage to the spinal cord. It could land someone in the hospital.
What to Do: In the case of a serious injury, keep the person still and call for emergency medical help. When the ambulance arrives, explain the situation and let the experts take your loved one to the hospital from there.
How to Help Prevent it: Reduce the risks by having certain rules in place, such as only one person being allowed on the trampoline at a time. Another rule to improve safety is to always have an adult watching over it. You might also explain to family members that flips are not allowed.
2. Mold Following a Water Leak
Water damage can happen to anyone. Among the most common situations is a pipe exploding in the home following a change of pressure, such as freezing temperatures outdoors, leading to pooled water and damage. When mold grows in a damp area, living in this home can trigger health issues like nasal congestion, cough, itchy eyes, and problems breathing.
What to Do: Get an expert to address the problem, identify the area of concern, and take steps to remove it entirely, all in a safe way. Unfortunately, if you try to do it yourself, the risk is that you could spread the mold and bacteria further. Also, if not completely removed and the environment stays moist, the mold may continue to grow.
How to Help Prevent It: To lower the chances of a water leak, do regular maintenance at home, such as cleaning gutters, insulating exposed pipes, and getting a pro to check the roof for damage. To lower the opportunity for mold growth, if you see standing water, dry the area thoroughly with towels and fans until you can get a professional in to check for the presence of mold.
3. Home Security Risk If Garage Door Breaks
If your garage door stops operating as it should, it needs fixing or poses a security threat. Broken springs and cables are among the most common types of repairs. You might need a new garage door altogether if it is not fixable. A broken door could open if it gets windy outside, leaving you and your family vulnerable to unwanted intruders and theft. The door might malfunction, too, potentially dropping on a pet or person, potentially causing major harm.
What to Do: A commercial garage door repair or installation by a professional is the best approach. While some projects you can do yourself, the door operates using a complicated mechanism and is heavy, so a proper installation for the new door or fix for your existing one by an expert is a must. Especially given the safety risks if the door is not correctly in place or if it won’t open or close like normal.
How to Help Prevent It: Get your garage door serviced regularly to increase the chances of finding an issue early on before it breaks. Also, once or twice a year, manually operate the door to see if there are any problems.
Conclusion: Safety, You, and the Home
Your home is your safe space, and keeping it that way is essential for you and your family. By taking steps to prevent the issues described above, as well as handling them properly if they do happen, you are taking the right steps to protect your family better. That brings you peace of mind at the end of a busy day.