We all know about locking doors and windows at night and during the day when we’re out to deter burglars. This improves our safety no end, but it’s not just intruders that can present a hazard to you and your family; there are hidden (and some not so hidden) potential dangers in your dwelling. Whether you’re an owner or a landlord, here’s some quick tips on keeping a home safe for your family or your tenants.
Install a smoke alarm
If you’re letting a property out then this is a legal requirement anyway, but if you’ve forgotten to fit a smoke alarm, make this a priority. If you’re not quite sure whether the batteries are still working, check them right now (or when you get home)!
Eliminate mould and mildew
Mould can cause breathing problems, especially in young children or anyone with asthma or allergic problems. If you see patches of black mould anywhere, use a specialist cleaning fluid to remove them in the first instance and then work out why they’re appearing. It could be that you need to open the windows more, or there could be water seeping into the brickwork from a leaking pipe, for example.
Make sure your rugs are secure
Rugs and smooth wooden floors look great together but they can present a slipping hazard. To avoid skidding, use a non-slip backing for your rugs. You should also examine this backing once in a while, too, as dust and fluff can accumulate on it, which decreases its effectiveness.
Do an under-sink sweep
It’s easy to neglect the areas under the kitchen and bathroom sinks, but they can hide all sorts of nasties, from damp, festering rags to leaking bottles of oven cleaner. It’s especially important to clean and clear out this area regularly if you have young children.
Service your boiler at least once a year
It’s important to have your boiler checked over to make sure it’s running as efficiently as possible so that you’re not wasting money on heating, but it also makes sure that it’s not releasing carbon monoxide (CO) into your home. Having a CO monitor is also a good idea so that if there is a sudden spike in levels, you can do something about it.
