Home safety refers to the awareness and education of risks and potential dangers in and around a home which may cause bodily harm, injury, or death to those residing in and around the physical structure of a home. It includes mitigating or preventing the unwanted dangers through testing, research and accepted standards of applications and practices.
Common risks
Mold
Molds are microscopic organisms that thrive in damp environments. They can be found on tiles and fabric, in bathrooms and kitchens, nearly any damp, warm place. Molds are usually not a problem indoors, unless mold spores land on a wet or damp spot and begin growing. Allergic reactions to mold are common. Allergic responses include hay fever-type symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose, and red eyes.
Home safety measures
Radon testing and mitigation - The two types of radon gas testing devices are, passive and active. A person can set up a kit in their own home or hire a professional to perform the test. If the test result comes back with high concentrations of radon there are ways to reduce radon gas and bring it to acceptable levels. There are proven methoods to reduce radon in a home or building. One method uses a vent pipe system and fan, which pulls radon from beneath the house and vents it to the outside. This system, known as a soil suction radon reduction system, involves minor changes to your home.
Carbon monoxide detectors - Carbon monoxide (CO) detectors located in key areas inside the home is a preventative measure against CO poisoning. For multi-level homes, it is recommended having a minimum of one carbon monoxide detector per floor. For added protection, put a CO detector in each room and in a utility/furnace room.
Toxic mold - Preventative steps include drying water damage and moisture control in the home. Inhaling or touching mold or mold spores may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Burns/Fire:
Family safety plans - Family safety plans are an essential tool in fire safety because the plan helps family members to identity a fire escape plan. A safety plan includes knowing two ways out of every room, a safe place for members to meet outside of a burning home, and essential emergency telephone numbers. It is important to practice fire escape plans.
Sprinklers - Fire sprinklers offer a layer of protection because the sprinkler can respond to a fire while it is still small. Fire sprinklers respond only the sprinkler closest to the heat source. Smoke alone will not set a fire sprinkler to discharge.
Poison - Always have the number of your local Poison Control Center available and familiarize yourself with what to do in case of poisoning. Know which plants are poisonous and remove them from your home. Keep all medications, including over-the-counter medications secured and out of the reach of children. Do NOT make a person throw up unless told to do so by poison control or a health care professional.
Standards organizations
There are a number of organizations in the United States and other jurisdictions that release or maintain standards on the topic of home safety, including:
- Home Safety Council
- United States Environmental Protection Agency
- National Fire Safety Council
- National Safety Council
See also
- Fire safety
- Safety
References
External links
- Environmental Protection Agency
- Home Safety Council
- National Fire Safety Council
- National Safety Council
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