Do you want to prevent household injuries from happening to your family?
For most people, home is where the heart is. Your place of residence is also supposed to be the safest place on the planet. But that’s not always the case…
Did you know:
More than 79% of preventable injury deaths occur in and around the home.
The home is where we raise our children, spend our free time, and share special moments with friends and family. Accidents should be the last thing you worry about.
But they don’t have to be.
With a few strategic home safety upgrades, families can protect their loved ones from common injury causes. Keep reading to learn how.
You’ll learn
- How home safety starts with your roof
- Essential safety upgrades for every room
- Smart tech that protects your family
Home Safety Should Be Your Family’s #1 Priority
Home safety is more than just reading bullet points on an insurance website.
Every year thousands of preventable deaths happen due to falls, fires, and structural failures. A large percentage of these deaths could have been prevented with a few home upgrades.
But here’s the kicker…
Before you can worry about the rooms in your house. It all starts with the roof over your head. A properly functioning roof system is essential to your family’s safety and your home’s structural integrity.
Think your roof has no effect on the inside of your home? Think again. When roofs fail, everything underneath fails with it. From wall structures to attic vents.
That is why contacting Tacoma’s best roofing contractors should be a homeowner’s first phone call. A professional roofing contractor will spot problems before they become disasters and offer family protecting upgrades that last for decades.
Interested in learning more?
Read on!
Nearly 40% of U.S. Homes Have Dangerous Roofs
Did you know that most homeowners don’t think about their roof until it starts leaking? Think your roof is fine?
Recent studies show that 38% of roofs throughout the United States are in fair or poor condition.
This means that almost 4 out of every 10 homes are likely to experience roof leaks, storm damage, or complete structural failure.
And it gets worse…
The age of the roof determines the amount of damage your home could sustain. Studies have shown that older roofs experience 50% more damage during a severe storm compared to homes with well-maintained roofs. Mother Nature doesn’t care about your busy schedule. She will find every weak shingle.
Professional roof inspections should occur at least biannually. A trained roofing contractor can spot trouble areas not visible to the untrained eye.
Keep an eye out for:
- Missing or cracked roof shingles
- Water Stains on ceilings or walls
- Sagging areas on the roof surface
- Debris buildup in gutter lines
- Visible daylight through attic floorboards
By spotting these problems early homeowners can save themselves thousands in potential roof repair costs.
Home Safety Starts in Every Room of the House
Don’t fret if your roof passed inspection. Every room of your home should be evaluated for family safety.
Roofs are important, but…
Every level of your home presents different hazards for family members. Here are a few critical rooms that require safety upgrades.
Kitchen
Home chefs rejoice. The kitchen is where you prepare most meals for your family. However, that doesn’t make it any less dangerous.
Hot stoves, sharp utensils, and electrical appliances are everywhere. Kitchens are where most home fires start.
Upgrade your kitchen safety by:
- Installing a fire extinguisher in an easily accessible area
- Adding non-slip mats near sinks and stove tops
- Installing automatic shut-off outlets for stoves and ovens
- Ensuring proper ventilation
Bathrooms
Bathrooms are especially dangerous for small children and aging adults. Slippery surfaces cause hundreds of injuries that land hospital visits every year.
Safety proof your bathrooms by:
- Installing grab bars near toilets, tubs, and showers
- Putting non-slip strips in tubs and shower floors
- Installing water temperature regulators
- Leaving adequate bathroom lighting on overnight
Stairs
Stairways can be the downfall of any homeowner. Falls are one of the leading causes for preventable injuries in homes across the country.
Make sure stairways have sturdy handrails on both sides of every staircase. Also, check that stairways are well lit from top-to-bottom.
Home Safety Upgrades = Safe Families
Did you know smart technology can now protect your family?
Throughout the years smart home technology has allowed homeowners to monitor everything from inside their pocket.
Connected devices send alerts directly to smartphones allowing families extra time to react.
Here are a few favorites.
Smoke Detectors
Smoke detectors shouldn’t just beep. Smart smoke detectors can pinpoint the room where smoke is detected.
Some smart smoke alarms even have the technology to contact emergency services automatically.
Water Leak Sensors
Nothing is worse than ruining your favorite shirt by leaving a water hose on. Water leak sensors placed near water sources can notify homeowners of issues before they become damaging.
A little moisture can turn into serious destruction over time. Water damage can destroy floorboards, drywall, and even your homes foundation.
Install water leak sensors near:
- Appliances using water
- Near pipes under sinks
- Along faucet lines leading to showers and tubs
Home Security
Home security cameras and smart door locks allow homeowners to monitor who comes and goes at all times.
With smart locks, homeowners can even monitor their homes directly from their phone!
Safety Starts With Structural Integrity
Individual rooms are only one part of home safety.
The home’s structure needs maintaining as well. From cracked foundations to drainage issues. Here are a few items often missed by homeowners.
Don’t forget about:
- Electrical systems
- Heating and Cooling systems
- Windows and doors
- Outdoor lighting
Each plays an important role in family safety.
Draw Up A Maintenance Schedule You’ll Actually Follow
The best maintenance schedule is the one that you follow.
Draw up a simple calendar that highlights when you should perform certain home maintenance tasks. Roof inspections in the spring and fall are a great place to start. Have heating and air conditioning systems inspected before summer and winter seasons. Change the batteries in smoke detectors every six months.
Consistency is key
Home maintenance doesn’t have to be done perfectly. In fact, it’s nearly impossible to maintain perfection. Completing simple maintenance tasks consistently is what prevents major issues from happening.
Bonus tip:
Document all dates of inspections and repairs. Should anything ever happen to your home, you’ll thank yourself later for having a paper trail.
Wrap Up
Home safety shouldn’t be taken lightly.
Start creating a safe home for your family today. Your future self will thank you!
Here’s a few things to remember.
- 38% of U.S. Homes Have Damaged Roof Systems
- Smart home technology can help detect home issues
- Roof safety should be your first priority
- Create a home maintenance calendar. Stick to it.