They say that home is where the heart is. What they don’t tell you is just how dangerous your home can be. In fact, residences are filled with all sorts of life-threatening items, some of which are legitimate hazards.
Wondering what types of home hazards you should be looking out for? Here are 5 hazardous things that you’re sure to find in your home.
1. Medications
Perhaps the most dangerous household item is pharmaceutical drugs. This is particularly true if you have children or animals in your home.
The dangers of pharmaceutical drugs are such that they have caused accidental deaths on occasions. After all, if someone accidentally swallows a high-powered drug, he or she could suffer toxicity due to it.
For this reason, you need to keep your medications locked up high in a medicine cabinet. If they can’t be reached, they can’t be accidentally ingested.
2. Heating System
Another of many hazardous things in your home is your heating system. Heating systems are dangerous for a range of reasons.
Not only do they have the potential to explode (though this is quite rare) but they also have the potential to release carbon monoxide (this isn’t so rare). Both of these things have the potential to kill you, so have your heating system inspected regularly, and be cognizant of oil smells.
3. Knives
You almost certainly have knives in your kitchen. And while it probably seems obvious, these do have the potential to be dangerous, especially if they get into the hands of small children.
As such, you need to keep your knives in spots where only responsible adults can grab them. When using knives, make sure to hold their blades down so as to prevent the accidental stabbing of yourself.
4. Electrical Outlets
You use electrical outlets every day of your life. In fact, your electrical outlets probably run constantly. But did you know that they can endanger you in a matter of seconds?
If your home experiences an electrical surge, or if your electrical wiring becomes deteriorated, it could cause sparks to fly from your outlets. This, in turn, could result in a house fire.
As such, you need to have your electrical system inspected by a professional every few years.
5. Stairs
The last item we’re going to discuss is your stairs. Tripping and falling down the stairs can cause serious injury, and if you’re to believe accused murderer Michael Peterson, death as well.
So, when making your way on your staircase, keep your eyes on your toes and maintain your balance. Your long-term health could depend on it.
Manage These Home Hazards Safely
You might not be able to get rid of most of these home hazards, but you can still do things to manage them safely. Do your due diligence and ensure that your home is as happy and as healthy as it can be.
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