Constant renovations take place in our homes, and it is often a wonder that we ever get time to sit back, relax, and enjoy them. The current trend is to install new kitchens and bathrooms. These are expensive projects, as is the construction of a new conservatory. Sometimes, though, the big projects can push back some of the smaller, but more important jobs. There are also procedures that we follow in the home that don’t seem so important anymore, or we just become complacent.
When things go wrong, we look back and wish things had been done differently. It is a sad fact that the clock cannot be turned back to before an accident or event that caused someone harm. With a little awareness and drive to carry out simple tasks or follow simple rules, however, most common disasters can be averted. I hope my little article here will give you the boot in the rear end that you need make your home safe sooner than later.
Fire Safety
Fire is a killer; there is no doubt about that. The principles of surviving a fire are quite obvious.
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Early detection and notification.
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Good fire barriers to give you time to escape.
The first of the two points is simple to accomplish. If you have smoke detectors with the batteries removed, shame on you. It is not only your life you are risking but that of your family, as well. Replace the batteries and buy more smoke alarms; they are inexpensive. If you are living in a tower block or a high rise building with your family then there are fire safety in tower blocks procedures that need to be followed to make sure everyone is safe in the event of a fire. Reviewing them will better prepare everyone in the family and help you flag up any issues to your apartment board, etc.
In order to meet the second point, slow the progress of the fire any way you can. The best way is to ensure all doors are closed. All you are looking for is time. Door seals from Fire Seals Direct and other reputable suppliers online can extend that time even further. Never underestimate the possibility of fire in your home.
Gas
The gas boiler and fire should be serviced annually to prevent death from carbon monoxide poisoning. Landlords have to have their buildings tested by law. It may not be obvious to you that there is a problem until it is too late. At least one carbon monoxide detector should be fitted in every home.
Electricity
It is recommended that the electrical installation is tested every 5 years (maybe by someone like a Master Electrical Service local electrician). This is not an intrusive process and will only take a few hours in an average home. The risk of electrocution or fire is minimised by early detection.
Medicine
All medicines should be locked away securely. We are all educated enough to know this, yet still children are getting hold of these dangerous chemicals and causing harm to themselves. Deal with the simple and obvious things now.
Ladders
Hundreds of people are admitted to hospital every year from accidents on ladders. You may think that your grandad’s rickety old steps in the shed are fine. You certainly won’t be thinking that when when they collapse under you. Check the condition of the double, extension ladders too, especially if they are aged wooden ones. A weak rung can prove deadly.
It all sounds so simple doesn’t it? The only thing lacking is the will to check things out and make a few changes. If everyone followed the simple advice above, injuries would have been prevented and lives saved. It would be a shame to spend the rest of your life full of regret. Act now!