As the old saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and nowhere is this more true than in basic home maintenance. Spending a little bit of time and effort caring for your home today may save you days of costly repairs tomorrow. Here are some simple, cheap ways to protect your home against potential damages:
Run Your Water
If you have a guest bathroom that generally goes unused, for instance, flushing the toilet and running the bath and sink can help to prevent buildup and grime that can lead to costly repairs. However, never let the water run unattended, of course.
Clean Your Food Disposal With Vinegar Ice Cubes
This sounds like a weird home remedy tip, but the white vinegar helps to dissolve grime and the ice sharpens the blades, preventing sludge from forming on the mechanism. These items can also help clear your drains.
Change Your HVAC Filters
Once a month if you have pets, five or six times a year otherwise. HVAC pros will often recommend that you go with cheaper filters and replace them frequently rather than spending more on costlier filters. This can prevent breakdown and extend the life of your unit, and save you money on your electric bill.
Run a Monthly Inspection To Make Sure You’re Fire-ready
Check your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide systems. Also check the pressure gauge on your fire extinguisher, and clean up any fire hazards like stacks of old newspaper, dry leaves gathering in the backyard, or anything blocking escape routes, like storage boxes stacked up by the back door. It takes minutes to do this, but may save your home.
Run Exterior Checkups
A few times a year you should make a walk of the premises. Look for missing siding or chipped paint, missing shingles or broken locks. Take a look under the house for any leaky pipes and make sure there’s nothing that demands your attention. See if there are any signs of rodent damage.
There’s quite a bit more that can be done, but these are some of the easiest, cheapest measures that you can take to protect your home. Your home insurance policy is there to help you when disaster strikes, but most policies are not written to cover damages that are caused by a lack of regular maintenance.
As homeowners, it’s nice to know that we have insurance there as a safety net, but it’s our responsibility to correct minor problems before they become major problems.
FAQ’s About An Ounce of Prevention in Home Safety
What are some common home safety hazards to be aware of?
Common home safety hazards include slippery floors, loose rugs, unsecured electrical cords, and poorly lit areas.
How can I prevent accidents in the kitchen?
To prevent accidents in the kitchen, make sure to keep the floors clean and dry, store knives and other sharp objects safely, and use caution when handling hot surfaces.
What are some tips for childproofing a home?
Childproofing tips include installing safety gates, securing heavy furniture and appliances, covering electrical outlets, and keeping hazardous substances out of reach.
How can I improve fire safety in my home?
To improve fire safety, make sure to install smoke detectors, have a fire escape plan, keep flammable items away from heat sources, and have a fire extinguisher on hand.
What are some ways to prevent burglaries and break-ins?
Prevent burglaries by installing secure locks on doors and windows, using motion-sensor lights, and avoiding advertising expensive purchases.
How can I make my home safer for elderly family members?
Make a home safer for elderly family members by installing grab bars in bathrooms, removing tripping hazards, ensuring good lighting, and providing easy access to essential items.
What should I do to prevent accidents in the bathroom?
To prevent accidents in the bathroom, use non-slip mats, install grab bars, keep the floor dry, and store medications out of reach of children.
How can I ensure electrical safety in my home?
Ensure electrical safety by avoiding overloading outlets, checking for frayed cords, using surge protectors, and having a professional inspect the wiring.
What are some outdoor safety tips for the home?
Outdoor safety tips include keeping walkways clear, maintaining outdoor lighting, securing outdoor furniture, and having a secure fence.
How can I prepare my home for natural disasters?
Prepare for natural disasters by securing heavy items, having emergency supplies on hand, reinforcing windows and doors, and knowing evacuation routes.
What are some essential items to include in a home safety kit?
As we all know, accidents happen unexpectedly. That’s why it’s important to have a home safety kit on hand in case of an emergency. Here are some essential items to include in your home safety kit:
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| First aid kit | A basic first aid kit should include band-aids, gauze, antiseptic wipes, and other essential items for treating minor injuries. |
| Flashlight | In case of a power outage, a flashlight can help you navigate your way around the house safely. Don’t forget to include extra batteries! |
| Fire extinguisher | A fire extinguisher can help you put out small fires before they get out of control. Make sure you have the right type of extinguisher for the type of fire you may encounter. |
| Smoke detector | Smoke detectors are essential for alerting you to a fire in your home. Make sure you have one installed on every floor of your house. |
| Carbon monoxide detector | Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can be deadly. A carbon monoxide detector can alert you to dangerous levels of this gas in your home. |