Every single person on this planet wants to live in a home that makes them feel better about themselves. After a long day of work or after a pretty miserable time, you'll want to be able to settle at home and forget about everything that came before. Your home is more than just four walls and a roof because you have invested so much time, effort, and emotion into it. It almost becomes like an extension of your personality and a member of your family. The last thing you want to do is head home and feel even more miserable within the confines of your own home.
The wonderful thing is that we can all make our home into something of a safe haven. it's not something you have to overthink and it's not something that you have to put too much stress into. It may take a little while and it's not going to happen overnight, but it really can become something of a sanctuary. Here are three surefire ways to make this happen.
Ensure Everything Is Secure And Protected
Living in a safe home that you know will protect you can make you feel so much better. Staying in a vulnerable environment when you aren't in the best headspace will only make things worse. You have to ensure that you keep your home secure and that it is going to be somewhere you can really be yourself. Turn your home into something that keeps you from looking over your shoulder and allows you to really remove the anxiety within you. Make sure that you have security equipment such as cameras and alarms. Be sure to also keep the entire area lit up so that criminals may be deterred from causing any trouble.
Provide A Wonderful Atmosphere
There's something about a wonderful atmosphere within a home that automatically puts everyone in a much better mood. Likewise, a terrible atmosphere can make everybody feel as though they'd prefer to be anywhere else but here. You have probably been inside a home that has terrible ventilation and an awkward air about the place - it's not very pleasant. Do whatever you can to keep your home warm in the colder times and cool in the extremely hot times. You can search for an hvac company near me if you feel as though your home’s air, plumbing, and ventilation need a little work. It's amazing what this kind of change can do to the overall quality of your home.
Create A Relaxed Environment That Promotes Nothing But Positivity
Living in a relaxing environment will obviously make the entire home so much more blissful. This goes for the place overall but also for specific rooms. Obviously, your living room and bedrooms will need to have the best possible comfort levels. It's also wise to create a space that is purpose-built for relaxing and getting away from everything. If you have a calming space in your home, you can head to it in order to achieve any goal you desire. You might want to work out, meditate, play a few games, or do anything remotely related to recreation. It's a fantastic idea if you want to turn your home into a place of comfort for all.
One of the things that you should always be thinking about is how to keep your home secure. There are so many different ways that you can do this, and it’s important that you are trying to tick off each and every option so that you have peace of mind that your home is safe. If you’re not really sure what kind of things you can do to make this happen then it’s a good thing that you have come across this article because we do! Down below, we’re going to be taking a look at how you can keep your home as secure as possible, so keep reading to find out more.
The first thing that we’re going to say is that you can work on changing the windows. When your windows aren’t in the best condition, or if they are completely smashed then you need to get new windows to keep your home safe. People don’t often think about windows as something that protects the home, but that’s exactly what they do. They stop the elements getting in, and they stop people getting in, hence why they have locks.
Look into a window replacement service as soon as you can if you know that you need new windows. Get a few quotes, look at company reviews and then go with the best option from there.
Invest In The Best Alarm
Another thing that you should be doing is investing in the best alarm for the home. There are different types of alarms depending on what you are looking for, so it’s just a case of doing your research. There are some that let off a massive blaring noise when someone tries to breach the perimeter of your home, and there are others that are silent but alert you and/or the police when someone tries to break in. You are the only person who can decide which one of these is going to be best for you, but shop around and find one that you like.
Change The Locks
Last but not least, when you move into a new home you should be changing the locks just in case anyone else has a key to the old one. As well as this, if you know that the locks are broken, or if you are worried about the security of the locks then they need to be changed. It’s always better to be safe than sorry if you are worried about the locks, and we’re sure that there are plenty of locksmiths in your area who will be able to assist you with this.
We hope that you have found this article helpful, and now see some of the things that you can do to keep your home secure. The last thing that you want is for someone to decide to break into your home, and there are vulnerabilities that allow them to do this without much effort. We wish you the very best of luck, and hope that you manage to see success soon!
Water damage can be a homeowner’s worst nightmare. It can happen for a variety of reasons, from busted pipes to natural disasters. If you find yourself in this situation, don’t panic! There are things you can do to take care of the problem and minimize the damage. This blog post will discuss what to do if you have water damage in your home and also provide some tips on how to prevent water damage from happening in the first place.
The first thing you should do if you notice water damage in your home is to turn off the water source. This could be a broken pipe, a leaking fixture, or even a malfunctioning appliance. It’s important to locate and stop the source of the problem as quickly as possible so that the damage doesn’t spread.
In addition, if you find that the water damage is being caused by a burst pipe or other plumbing issue, you should contact a professional mold remediation service provider right away to help repair the problem. You should also be aware of the location of your water main and how to shut it off in case of emergencies.
2) Document the damage
Once the source of the water damage has been taken care of, it’s important to document the damage. Take photos and videos of any visible signs of water damage in your home, as these can be used for insurance purposes if necessary. Additionally, make sure to keep track of any items that have been damaged or destroyed by the water so that you can replace them easily.
Also, it’s important to call a professional water damage restoration service as soon as you become aware of the problem. These professionals have the necessary tools, equipment and experience needed to quickly and effectively clean up any water damage in your home.
3) Take preventive measures
Finally, it’s important to take steps to prevent water damage from happening in the future. Make sure all fixtures and appliances are in working order and regularly check for signs of leaks or other issues. Additionally, if you live in an area that is prone to flooding or has been recently affected by a natural disaster, consider investing in flood insurance or taking additional precautions such as waterproofing foundations or installing sump pumps. Additionally, make sure to keep an eye on the weather forecast during wet or stormy seasons, as this can help you prepare for any potential water damage in your home.
Water damage can be costly, time consuming, and even dangerous. It is important to take immediate action when water damage is discovered in your home in order to minimize the risk of further damage or injury. Just remember, if you have water damage in your home, don’t panic! Follow the steps outlined above to help address the problem quickly and safely before it gets worse.
Life can get pretty hectic, in fact, these days, it seems that life is nothing but hectic! With commitments with work, family, and trying to find time for your own wellbeing and passions, it can be easy to let things slip. This is especially true for those tasks that aren’t in your immediate eyesight, and so can be easily forgotten; out of sight, out of mind.
Here is your reminder of crucial maintenance tasks that you shouldn’t let slip, as not keeping on top of these can cause you much more stress and cost in the long run. It's better to take the time to stay on top of something than let it fail and have to deal with the fallout.
To help you manage these consider setting regular reminders with in-built recurring reminders - future you will thank you for saving them the stress and headspace.
Here our some crucial maintenance tasks that may have slipped your mind;
Car Maintenance - I can promise that a car breakdown or a costly repair bill is much more inconvenient than regular services and maintenance. There are companies, such as Hunter Engineering, that can offer a variety of maintenance services so you can check them all off at once rather than scheduling multiple appointments.
Boiler Maintenance - With a boiler tucked away out of sight it can be easy to forget how important a function it serves. As we are now in the colder winter months it is important that we keep our home safe and warm. A properly functioning boiler ensures that we won’t be left out in the cold, and that our home and loved ones are safe from a boiler malfunction.
Smoke Detectors - Similarly to the above, having working smoke detectors is crucial to the safety of your home and family. Checking them is a quick and easy job, as is replacing any batteries. You can easily do this yourself and this should be done regularly.
Insurance Policies - Unfortunately life can throw a variety of obstacles our way, sometimes all at once. It is important that you have protected the important things to you, and that you do not let the annual policies lapse without renewing them (either with the same provider or with a new one after a competitive price comparison). As well as vehicle insurance, also think about whether you need building and contents insurance for your home, health and life insurance, specific insurance for high value items or travel insurance.
Self Maintenance - The most important thing you have to take care of is yourself! Ensure that in the fast paced world you have not neglected your health. Doctors can offer a variety of “health check MOTs” and depending on your age and gender you may be offered additional screenings for common health conditions. Plus, the older you get, the more you should look after other aspects of your health, like your hearing. Having a regular hearing test can help you get assistive listening devices that stop your hearing from getting much worse, letting you live a better life. We can also throw dental checkups in here too! Basically, you need to always stay on top of all areas of your health. This can easily fall to the bottom of your priority pile, however arguably nothing is more important than your continued health and wellbeing, to both you and your loved ones.
The above list is not exhaustive, it is a helpful start to ensure that you are looking after yourself and your family; the most important job you have.
Have you been giving much thought into how safe your home is recently? If the answer is no, then you are going to need to change this fairly quickly. There’s so many simple things that you can do to protect your home from other people but if you’re not doing them then you’re giving other people a chance to break into your home. In this article, we’re going to be taking a look at some of the things that you need to do in order to make your home as safe as possible. Keep reading down below if you would like to find out more about this.
The first thing that we are going to mention is that you should always check the roof. This is one of the most important spots when it comes to protecting your home as it is responsible for a lot of the security. What we mean by this is that the roof is the reason that you are shielded from the elements, and it also stops people getting into your home from above. If there is an issue with the roof, it needs to be sorted as soon as possible. You might notice some signs inside the house that there is an issue with the roof, but really you should be heading up there every couple of months even if there is no sign of damage. In many situations, you may be unable to climb up the roof for these regular inspections. That is why it is better to get a professional to conduct a thorough check to detect problems before they get out of hand. Sometimes, a severely damaged roof will require extensive repairs or replacement. If that is the situation you’re facing, find a good roofer with credible reviews to take up the job.
It’s always better to be safe than sorry, so ensure that this is getting checked regularly for the best results.
Strong Windows
Another thing that you should be thinking about is your windows. The last thing that you need are weak windows that aren’t protecting you from a single thing. If you have windows that don’t block out sound well, don’t do well at keeping the elements at bay or something similar, then they need changing as soon as possible. There are plenty of options such as hurricane impact windows which are one of the strongest that you can get, fantastic for those people who live somewhere that is prone to hurricanes.
Residential security guard services
Residential security guard services are an important part of keeping your home and family safe. There are many different types of residential security guard services available, and it is important to choose the right one for your needs. The following is a brief overview of some of the most common types of residential security guard services:
Alarm Response - Alarm response services are designed to respond to alarms that are triggered by security systems. These services usually include a team of trained professionals who will investigate the alarm and take appropriate action.
Emergency Services - Emergency services are designed to provide assistance in the event of an emergency situation. These services usually include a team of trained professionals who will respond to the scene and provide medical assistance, if necessary.
Security Escort - Security escort services are designed to provide a safe and secure environment for people who are travelling to and from their homes. These services usually include a team of trained professionals who will accompany the person to and from their destination.
Security Patrol - Security patrol services are designed to provide a presence in areas where there is a high risk of crime. These services usually include a team of trained professionals who will patrol the area and provide a visible presence.
A Security System
The final thing that we are going to mention is having a security system. If you’re worried about money, don’t be. There are so many options, some of them more affordable than others but all doing the same job. It will make you as safe as possible as it’s one of the biggest deterrents of crime, but also if someone does decide to break into your home, it’s much easier to identify them so that they get into trouble.
Take a look at all of the systems out there and choose the one that is going to suit you best. We recommend making a pros/cons list for each if you are struggling to choose.
We hope that you have found this article helpful, and now see some of the things that you should be doing to make sure that your home is as safe as possible. Ideally, this should be your number one priority, as your home is the place in the world that you should feel the safest. We wish you the very best of luck, and hope that this works out.
Flooding does not only happen when you live near a body of water. A flood could happen inland, too, and it can happen for several reasons. Sometimes it could happen because of sewage overflow, a burst pipe, or simply a leaky appliance. It might mean that you need a metal roofing company to fix your roof because it’s letting water in. Apart from the physical damage brought by indoor floods, there are many other health risks and safety hazards that need to be considered.
Floodwater could carry some bacteria and viruses that could cause mild to severe health problems. People with low immune systems, the elderly, children, and expectant mothers are all at risk of catching an illness. Furthermore, wading through floodwater also poses the danger of getting injured or electrocuted.
Health Risks and Safety Hazards of Indoor Flooding
Mold Infestation
One of the typical health risks of indoor flooding is mold infestation. Other than causing serious damage to your house's structural integrity, the existence of mold in your home could cause certain medical problems.
Mold exposure causes allergic reactions, including watery eyes, rashes, and sneezing. Molds could also trigger asthma attacks. In some instances, prolonged exposure to molds could cause death. Before anything drastic occurs, immediately contact a water damage repair contractor.
Contaminated Water
Floodwater could pollute your home's drinking water with parasites and bacteria. Your clean water is also likely to be contaminated if it has been sitting too long. When indoor flooding happens, evacuate your children and pets immediately to avoid accidental consumption of contaminated water. If your child or pet has swallowed contaminated water, seek medical attention immediately.
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Carbon monoxide poisoning is another health danger that indoor flooding poses. Indoor flooding could sometimes knock off generators or appliances that use gas. When this occurs, carbon monoxide mixes with your indoor air. A carbon monoxide gas is colorless and odorless. Thus, it is impossible to detect its presence all by yourself.
Cross-Contamination
Cross-contamination of household items could also happen during an indoor flood. Pathogens and other infectious diseases could get into porous materials, such as wooden toys and wooden kitchen utensils. Consider disposing of them right away to avoid any health risks.
As for toys, kitchenware, and other household items made of metal or plastic materials, you could thoroughly wash them with disinfectant soap and water. Contaminated linens, clothes, stuffed animals, and pillows should also be washed thoroughly.
Electrical Hazards
One of the major dangers of indoor flooding is that it might cause electrocution. Water and electricity don't go well together. Wading on floodwater in your house while the main power switch is on is extremely dangerous as it might lead to fatality.
When power outlets and appliances come in contact with floodwater, they become a conduit of electrical current. Thus, immediately turn off your main power source when indoor flooding occurs.
Diseases and Skin Infections
Stagnant water could become a breeding ground for waterborne diseases, including cholera, typhoid fever, and leptospirosis. If you are living in warmer climates, it could even become a breeding place for mosquitos. For people with diabetes, a simple wound could become severely infected when it comes in contact with contaminated water.
Things to Do When Indoor Flooding Occurs
Stop Water at Its Source
The first thing to do when indoor flooding occurs is to find the water source and stop the water from continually flowing. Immediately address this concern to prevent further damage to your house. However, if the flooding is other than broken water pipes, proceed with the next instruction instead.
Turn off Electricity
After you have figured out the source of the flood and stopped it, switch off all electrical systems in your house. If for you to get to the fuse box is to step in the water, call an electrician instead. They are experts in their field, and they have more knowledge in dealing with these situations.
Evacuate the Area
Upon switching off all electrical systems in your house, you should leave the premises and find an area outside your house that is dry and free from any hazard. Account for every member of the household - kids, pets, relatives living with you, or friends who are visiting. Make sure as well that everyone is unhurt.
Ask for Help
Once everyone in your household is safe and on dry ground, call for help. If anyone is injured, immediately call 911 for medical attention. The flooding has already done the damage. What is important is that everyone is safe and sound.
After addressing any medical concerns, proceed with the recovery process. If you are a renter, let your landlord know what happened. And if you are a homeowner, immediately call your insurance company.
Document Everything
Before you proceed with the big clean up process, do not forget to document everything for you to have a proof for your insurance claim. Wear protective gear before reentering your house as an indoor flood might carry with it sewage and other hazardous substances.
By staying level-headed and following these instructions, you will surely withstand indoor flooding that might occur.
Hurricanes are unpredictable storms. Even though weather forecasters can tell when a storm will arrive and how strong it will be, a storm can make a turn at the last minute and wreak havoc on a community that had no idea it would come. If you live in a hurricane prone area, here are a few ways you can be ready in case an unexpected storm comes your way.
Keep Your Trees Trimmed
Downed trees can cause the most damage to a home. Tree service providers like Aardvark Tree Service know how to keep trees trimmed and safe for your home especially if you live in a hurricane prone area. Removing low branches, reinforcing trees, or completely removing trees from your property will keep your home safe and out of harm’s way if a storm is brewing.
Have Plywood On Hand
If a storm is coming, the first thing to go fast in the store is going to be plywood. Plywood is used to keep your windows safe by boarding them up. If you have it on hand, you’ll be ahead of the game. Visit your local Home Depot or other local hardware store, and buy some planks of plywood just in case. Keep them in a dry area, and they will be at the ready when you need them.
It’s also a good idea to stock up on the items that you will need to go with that plywood like duct tape, window tape, and nails.
Buy Straps to Hold Down Your Furniture
If you don’t own them already, buy some bungee cord straps or durable rope to tie down outdoor furniture when a storm is approaching. You may not have room to store your furniture in your house or in your garage. Durable bungee cords will come in handy to tie everything together and tie it down to a deck or other sturdy outdoor object.
In the event that your furniture comes loose, your house can sustain further damage or someone else’s home. In a rare occurrence, it can knock through windows and potentially harm someone inside their home.
Assemble Sandbags
Sandbags can come in handy during a flooding situation and could potentially save your home. If you live in low lying areas or near a body of water like a lake or river, rising waters could cause banks to overflow and water to come rushing towards your home. While in motion, water is the most powerful force of nature decimating everything in its path.
Sandbags can keep a certain amount of water at bay giving you time to evacuate if need be or keep your home dry and out of the path of rising waters.
Many towns provide sandbags or you can go to a local home improvement store and find some if a storm is coming near.
Conclusion
Make sure you are prepared for when hurricane season comes around. The last thing you want is to be caught without the basic necessities for saving your home.
While your first instinct when a pipe bursts may be to panic, it's best to keep a cool head and work your way through the actions below instead. Read on to find out what to do when you find a burst pipe in your home.
Obviously, it may be but turning the water supply to your home off is one of the most sensible things you can do if you find a burst pipe. This is because it will stop any additional flow of water and make dealing with the burst, as well as the damage the water causes much easier in the long run.
Of course, knowing where your home’s main water valve is located ahead of an emergency situation is vital. After all, you don't want to waste precious time searching all over the house for it when you already have a flood taking place.
Turn off the electricity
You are probably already well aware that water and electricity don’t mix well, and this is definitely worth bearing in mind when you have a burst water pipe. Indeed, before you go anywhere near the pipe, or the water that has come out of it you need to make sure that the electricity has been turned off.
However, if you can’t get to your electrical panel to shut off power because there is water blocking your way, it's best to call a qualified electrician so they can safely do this for you.
Call in the professionals
The next task is to recruit the help of a professional plumber. It's not that some burst pipes can’t be DIY-fixed, it's just that it's a much better idea to get a professional to handle it for you. Indeed, they can help reduce your stress in this type of situation, as well as make sure the repair is good quality and so will last for longer.
Begin the clean-up
After calling the plumber and making sure the area is safe you can start to clean up the mess that the water leaking from a burst pipe has caused in your home.
There are a few things to remember here. The first is that the faster you can clean the water up the less damage there is likely to be. Also, by getting rid of the water quickly you will prevent a situation where you have standing water in the home, which can encourage the growth of toxic mold which not only ruins your possessions but can also pose an additional risk to the health of those that live at your property.
If the damage from the leak is significant you may wish to contact a water damage restoration specialist to help you with the cleanup and repairs. This option will also help you get your home livable, and back to normal as quickly as possible.
Document everything
Finally, when dealing with the damage that is caused by a burst water pipe, it's very important to take pictures and keep records of everything including the repairs. Then you can use this as evidence when dealing with your insurance company.
As a homeowner, you may prefer the DIY approach when dealing with appliance issues. However, in most situations, it’s better to seek professional service. There are a few reasons to call the pros; keep reading to learn what those reasons are.
One of the top reasons to call the professionals for appliance repair Carrollton TX is the possibility of safety issues and hazards. Many people have accidentally injured themselves because of issues like muscle pulling or straining, burns, electrical shock, or even falling objects. Professionals, on the other hand, have the knowledge and ability to avoid these issues. There’s no reason to try to do something yourself that may lead to an injury.
Quality
Unless you are an expert in diagnosing, maintaining, and repairing your appliances, it is not likely you can handle fixing a washing machine, dishwasher, or refrigerator better than the pros. Even if you understand and follow the step-by-step online instructions, it doesn’t mean things will go well. If you don’t have prior experience, you won’t know what’s normal and what’s not.
Time
If you don’t mind putting time and effort into fixing things, you may not mind these projects. However, they do often require a huge commitment of your time. If you don’t have much spare time, it will probably make more sense to call the professionals for appliance repair. They will have the skills, ability, and time to handle the job quickly and ensure things are back up and running so you can get on with your life.
As you can see, there are more than a few reasons you should hire professionals for appliance repair. With the information here, you can make an informed decision and get your appliances back up and running quickly, which is the goal that most people have.
We all love our pets; they're like family. But, sometimes, it can be a problem when you can't control what they do outside your home or even on your lawn. If you're considering turning your simple backyard into a luscious garden but concerned about having plants that either may be toxic to your pets or that they may destroy, here are some helpful tips to keep in mind while you make your choices.
There are some plants that cats and/or dogs seem to dislike a lot. But remember, they don't like them for a reason, and whatever it is, if they've accidentally ingested too much of it, there will be consequences-not deadly but unpleasant for the pet. So, it's a good idea to pick your plants carefully and create boundaries for your pet whenever they're in the garden. Here are some plants to consider.
Prickly, Thorny Plants -They may not be the friendliest of plants, but they can make for a useful barrier between pets and areas in the garden you want them to avoid. Rose bushes, Prickly Pear, or succulents are good but avoid Aloe Vera, Crown of Thorns (Euphorbia Milii), and the Jade Plant (Crassula Ovata), to name a few, as these are toxic to pets.
Scaredy Cat (Coleus Canina) -Neighborhood cats and dogs will learn to avoid your garden, not to mention the occasional rabbit and fox, if you plant these around. When brushed or broken, the leaves and stem of this perennial plant release a foul odor similar to a skunk spray.
Herbs -Often, pets don't like the smell of some plant herbs, so they leave them alone. These herbs include Rosemary, Lavender, Citronella, Thyme, Sage, Bergamot, Basil, Cilantro, and Catmint. The latter you use not to repel them but distract and redirect them away from your more precious plants.
Citrus Plants -Most dogs don't like the strong smell of citrus, but you'd need a few of these trees planted together and producing fruit in a few years before the smell becomes unpleasant to them. Perhaps scattering some lemon, orange, lime, or grapefruit peel will do the trick in the meantime.
Crushed Red Pepper- Pets don't appreciate the scent of this strong spice. It's best to have the powder sprinkled around the garden area to repel dogs or cats or other nocturnal visitors to your garden. But avoid applying them on the leaves of your plants.
Avoid Toxic Plants
It's surprising how many dangerous plants your pets are exposed to-lilies, daffodils, foxgloves, tulips, chrysanthemums, and ivy, etc. There's a detailed list of toxic (and non-toxic) plants on the ASPCA page that can help you decide which pet-safe plants to add to your garden.
Designate a Bathroom Area
Build an area for your pets to relieve themselves. Training them to use this spot away from your garden will prevent them from having their way with your plants. Before you start building, it's vital to choose pet-friendly surfaces like cedar mulch and pea pebbles.
Choose a Safe Ground Cover
Depending on the type of dog you have, it may be worthwhile considering your options for ground turf. It doesn't have to be real grass if you don't feel like you'll have the time to maintain it properly. You can choose from either artificial turf cover lawns, or mulch. Check to make sure whichever one you decide to pick is appropriate for the size of your dog.
Elevate Your Sprinklers
If you decide to install automated sprinklers, make sure their position is elevated enough that it protects your water mechanism from being dug out by your fun-loving, dirt-digging dog.
Build a Digging Pit
This is good protection for your garden and lots of fun for your pet. No matter how you decide to build the digging pit, it's important to remember that it has to be covered overnight, or some cat will think it's a litter box specially made for them.
Apart from the smaller plants, it's important to look at the condition of the trees in your yard. Are some of them looking a bit worse for wear? Maybe it's time to get an arborist to check the health and safety of its bark and branches. If the branches are no longer sturdy or the tree is rotting at the base from a fungal infection, it may be time to have the tree removed and replaced with a healthier one.
More importantly, with thorough research and proper care, you can have a garden that will be a haven of small delights that you and your loved ones can enjoy for years to come.
Electrical fires are one of the most common household fires. Such a fire could cause huge damage to your home and put you and your household at risk. For this reason, it can be useful to know the warning signs so that you can take preventative action. Below are just some of the major warning signs.
Unidentifiable burning smells
An unidentifiable burning smell could be coming from your electrics. Heat from worn wiring could be causing the surroundings to burn. By tracing the source of the smell, you may be able to determine whether it’s coming from something electrical.
Buzzing electrical sockets
If electrical sockets are making an odd noise such as a hum or a buzz, it could be another sign that the wiring is worn and at risk of causing a fire. Strange sounds aren’t always dangerous, but are still worth looking into.
Discoloured/charred outlets
You should also look out for electrical outlets that seem discoloured or charred on the outside. This could be a sign that burning has already started to take place and that a fire could be around the corner.
Circuit breakers tripping
If your circuit breaker keeps tripping it could be any number of electrical faults. A tripping circuit breaker is common in homes with old wiring and could be a sign of damaged electrics. An electrical fire could occur as a result.
Visibly old/worn wiring
Is there any wiring in your home that looks visibly damaged or old? Perhaps the wire casing has worn away or perhaps your wiring looks messy and amateurishly done. This could also be worth looking into - damaged wiring could be the cause of a potential electrical fire in the future.
How to prevent an electrical fire
If you spot any of the warning signs listed above, you should hire an electrician to take a look immediately. Fixing the problem could help to prevent any electrical fires in the future.
Electrical work can be expensive, which can put some people off. If you haven’t got any funds to pay for electrical repairs, you could consider looking into payday loans and other borrowing methods. Alternatively, some electrical companies may offer the option to pay in installments.
That said, if it’s just a single outlet that needs fixing, you may find that the cost is quite low. It’s only if you have to think about rewiring your whole home that you may want to worry about the cost. If you’ve got very old wiring, as costly as it may be, it could be worth it - there could be other hidden electrical dangers in your home.
There are other fire safety measures that you can take to help prevent a fire. These could include making sure that extension packs aren’t overloaded and that electrical appliances are kept away from water sources. It’s also worth avoiding any DIY electrics in your home, unless you really know what you’re doing.
We like to think that our homes are clean and hygienic environments, protecting us against the ravages of the natural world. But when you peel back the layers a little, you discover something shocking: they’re not as safe as you might imagine. There are all kinds of hidden toxins in your home, and they could be wrecking your health.
In this post, we’re going to take a look at some of these, giving you a heads-up.
Carbon monoxide is a very different chemical to the mostly harmless carbon dioxide. Carbon monoxide is dangerous because it preferentially attaches to the hemoglobin molecules in your blood. It sticks to them, preventing them from taking up the oxygen you need to supply your cells with energy.
Worse still, carbon monoxide is a colorless and odorless gas; you usually have no idea whether you’re breathing it in or not.
So what does any of this have to do with your home? It turns out that carbon monoxide is a byproduct of many appliances in your property. Sources include heating systems, coal, oil or gas devices, and your water heater. Even regular, open fireplaces can be a source of excessive CO.
The solution is to get a carbon dioxide monitor - a bit like a smoke alarm. It’ll tell you whether your home's levels are safe, or whether you need to make radical changes to your current setup.
Salmonella, E. coli, And Other Germs
Salmonella and E. coli are two types of bacteria that live naturally in most of our homes. In general, there is no way to get rid of them completely. The best you can do is keep their numbers down and foster the growth of the harmless subspecies in both groups. Failing to do so can lead to vomiting, UTIs, and serious lower bowel infections.
The best strategy is to keep meat and animal products out of your home completely. Even using the most clinical approaches, it is almost impossible to eliminate these bacteria entirely.
If you check here, you’ll also see that some microbes can enter your home through the water supply. Therefore, it is a good idea to use a water filter to capture bacteria before they do any harm.
Lead Toxicity
Lead has been pretty much outlawed for the last forty years. But some homes still contain the heavy metal, despite the regulatory changes. The most common sources of lead in the house are lead paints (many of which are now flaking off walls) and lead pipes.
If you’re worried about lead poisoning in your home, you can get a lead testing kit. This device will tell you whether levels of lead are in the safe range or whether you have a problem.
If you’re over the safe threshold, you should hire a certified lead removal company. These professionals are able to strip lead from your home without contamination of surfaces, floors, or anything else. Do not attempt a DIY removal as this could make the risk of toxicity worse.
Glorious gardens are a wonderful space in which to spend family time. However, for you to enjoy them to the full, you must ensure they are as safe as possible. A topic which you can read all about in the post below.
Poisoning & toxic chemicals
One of the most significant risks in the garden is that of poisoning. In fact, there are two primary sources from which this arises. The first is that gardens are often home to potent and toxic chemicals such as fertilizers and weed killers. Substances that you certainly do not want to allow your family unrestricted access.
In fact, even applying them to your garden can cause an issue. If the family sits on the grass or eats vegetables that haven't been sufficiently washed off, that is.
With that in mind storing any chemicals in a secure location, preferably with a lock is the best idea. It is also vital that you read and adhere to the instructions of each different chemical you use carefully. Particularly concerning how long a time should be left before you allow your family and pets to use areas that have been treated.
The second instance where poisoning can become an issue in the garden is with the flowers and the plants themselves. In fact, many of the most beautiful looking fauna may be hazardous to life, if not suitably protected against. In particular, look out for varieties such as the deadly rosary pea, doll's eye, and hemlock.
Water
A water feature can enhance many outdoor spaces. Whether it's a pond, reflecting pool, stream, or even a fountain. In fact, the relaxing trickle of water is much prized for its calming and cooling effects.
Sadly, there is another side to garden water features that you need to be aware of, and it's the risk they can pose to your family and pets. In fact, any body of water, no matter how small, can be a drowning risk.
What that means is you must take measures to make any water feature as safe as possible. The good news is that there are several options to consider here, depending on the type of water feature that you have.
For example, a pond may be made safer by the use of a metal grate that sits level with the waterline. Something that can be painted to ensure it is suitable fits in with its surroundings. The idea being that if anyone does accidentally stumble into its area, their weight will be supported and so they will remain perfectly safe. Similarly, for larger pools and swimming pools, rigid covers can be bought for when they are not in use.
Alternatively, you may wish to choose a more advanced option and go for a fountain that is powered by solar energy. In fact, such foundations can be placed anywhere and do not require an independent source of water. That is, they just recycle around a jug full that you have to poor yourself. Something that means there is no pool created, and therefore much less risk.
Additionally, remember if you do choose to have a water feature in your garden, you must have a way of circulating and cleaning the water. After all, standing water can attract all sorts of bacteria and insects that would be a threat to those looking to enjoy the garden, if they got too close.
Insects and pests
Talking of insects, and of pests in general, here lies another potential risk for garden users. In fact, pests can be problematic in several ways. The first of these is the tendency to bite, something primarily associated with insects such as mosquitoes.
Unfortunately, depending on the whereabouts in the world you live, a note from a mosquito can be much more severe than an itchy red lump. In fact, some of these pests are associated with very serious and life-threatening diseases such as Zika Virus and Malaria. With that in mind, finding a professional Mosquito Control provider in your location is vital. If your design is to enjoy your outdoor space, without risk to the safety of your family.
Of course, mosquitos are not the only pests that can be found in the garden. Rodents such as mice and rats can also be problematic. Especially if you live in either an urban area or a rural one where their preferred food sources are plentiful. Sadly, such rodents are often the bearers of disease and are indiscriminate of where they leave their droppings. Something that means both your garden and home can be at risk of becoming unsafe.
Fortunately, there are some steps you can take to minimize the risk of rodent infestation in your garden. One is to ensure that you store your trash well away from the house and that it is covered over as well. Additionally, promptly picking up any garden waste such as fallen fruits is also advisable. The reason being that they could provide such rodents a hearty meal and encourage their presence.
Also is using traps to reduce the numbers you need to deal with can be helpful. There are even humane versions if you don't want to kill the rodents.
Dangerous tools and equipment
From chainsaws to lawnmowers, there certainly are a lot of potentially dangerous machines and equipment located in the vicinity of the garden. In fact, even a simple rake can cause a great deal of damage if left on its back and hidden in tall grass.
That is why it is so crucial that you and your family have a healthy respect for garden tools. Something that means you do not just leave them lying about. In fact, setting up a secure, lockable garden cupboard in the key here. While also instituting a policy of always returning them to their place as soon as you have finished using them is a smart idea.
Additionally, making sure that you understand how to safely use and maintain the tool you have for the upkeep of your garden is vital as well. Although, for the latter task, recruiting the help of a specialist is often helpful. Indeed, it will also ensure that you get as long a life from such equipment as well.
Contamination risks
Finally, as well as the risk mentioned above, there are others that you need to be aware of. These broadly fall into the category of contamination risks. That is harmful things that are common in the outdoors that could negatively impact the health and wellbeing of your family.
One of these is the contamination risk that pet feces can cause. After all, many people allow their pets into the garden to do their business, yet use the same space for leisure, entertainment, and fun.
To that end, setting aside a particular spot in the garden in which your pets can toilet is the best idea. In fact, if you can fenace this in, it's even better. The reason being that this will help to prevent contamination from occurring as much. While also being easier to regularly clean and keep on top of.
Additionally, in most gardens, there are all sorts of bugs and creepy crawlies, that while a vital part of the ecosystem can also be hazardous to human health.
For example, the common slug often hosts a parasite called lungworm. A creature that can be very harmful to both humans and domestic animals if accidentally consumed. Of course, one way to deal with this is to use slug prevention measures such as pellets and copper tape. Although educating kids and checking and supervising your pets while outside can also help to reduce this kind of risk.
We may take it for granted most of the time, but the weather can be a very dangerous force. In fact, it can be so dangerous that it can put our whole home at risk. This is the case with flooding. During times when it seems like the rain will never stop, you will probably be quite worried about the possibility of your home flooding. Hopefully, this never happens, but if it looks like you might have to deal with a flood, these safety tips can help you and your family get through it.
First of all, you should aim to stock your kitchen with plenty of tinned and canned foods. It’s also a good idea to get plenty of bottled water as well. That way, you always have lots of food and clean water to keep you going if the flood gets so bad that you can’t make it to your nearest supermarket or shop.
Use Sand Bags At Weak Points
It’s also a good idea to stock up with some sandbags. You can then place these on the floor in front of doors to try and stop as much flood water as possible entering your home. It’s worth checking this flooding infographic so that you can learn where your property’s weak points will be. These also need to be protected with sandbags.
Move Upstairs
If water does start to flow into your home, you should move everyone upstairs as soon as possible. Take any important documents and paperwork with you too so that it doesn’t get lost or damaged in the flood. By moving upstairs, you can stay warm and dry and also stay away from the dirty flood water. There’s a good chance that the flood water contains bacteria that could spread diseases and infections.
Make sure you always have the radio on and tuned into your local news channel. That way, you can keep up to date with the flooding situation around town, and you will also hear about all the advice and help that the emergency services are giving out. If you don’t already have one, you should find a battery-powered or wind-up radio so that you can continue to listen to it even if there is a power cut.
Turn Off Power And Gas Before Evacuating
There might be a situation in which the flooding is so bad that you are forced to evacuate your home. This could be because the flood water is particularly dirty and dangerous, or because the water levels are extremely high. But, before you leave, you should make the effort to turn off your home’s power and gas. This will drastically cut the risk of any damage to your home’s power systems and it will prevent a gas explosion.
Flooding can be bad news for any property. Thankfully, though, all the above tips will keep you and your family as safe as possible until the situation starts to improve.
Left the corporate world to pursue a lifelong dream of being a successful writer. I am a daughter, a sister, a wife, a mom and grandmom enjoying everyday with faith and love in my heart as I go on this journey called LIFE.
Nor will I allow yesterday's success to lull me into today's complacency, for this is the great foundation of failure. I will forget the happenings of the day that is gone, whether they were good or bad, and greet the new sun with confidence that this will be the best day of my life.
So long as there is breath in me, that long will I persist. For now I know one of the greatest principles of success; if I persist long enough I will win.
I will persist. I will win.
-Scroll Marked III, The Greatest Salesman in the World by Og Mandino
