The weather is getting warmer as spring slowly moves. And before long, it will be hot as we head toward summer. This is a great time of year. But there are also many dangers that come with it. So staying on top of home safety is necessary so you can enjoy the changing seasons.
Maintain Air Quality
Air quality is one of the most overlooked things in a home. Opening windows is a good way to improve it. But better air quality relies on much more than this. For instance, your home will become more humid in spring. And this means you might see an increase in dampness, condensation, and mold. So a mold inspection is always a good idea as it can also highlight other areas for improvement. Water leaks can also cause these issues, so inspect your pipes.
Smoke Alarms Are A Home Safety Priority
Around 22% of people admit they never check their smoke alarms. This is obviously dangerous because of the risk of smoke inhalation if there is a fire. This also means that there are many fire-related deaths that are preventable. And the tragedy is that it only takes a few seconds of your time. Check your smoke alarms every two weeks, and replace any batteries as soon as you can. And because spring is still cold, there is an increased risk of fire from heating systems.
Install Or Upgrade Your CCTV
Towards the end of spring and into summer, home invasions and car theft spike. It is believed this is because people are out for longer, families are on holiday, and there is an increase in drinking and drugs. You never know when someone is going to try and come into your home. So, if you do not have CCTV, it is a good idea to get it. Modern security systems are cheap these days. And even lower-spec ones are a great deterrent and can alert you remotely to intrusion.
Check Your Outdoor Lights
Further to a security system, just having something like a motion-activated flood light is a great way to keep your home safe from intruders. You should position these in areas most likely for entry. These include your front and back doors and any windows large enough for someone to climb inside. Also, do not forget about your garden sheds and the garage if you have one. A garage is often overlooked and is, therefore, a common point of entry for home invasions.
Safeguard Against Bad Weather
Spring weather is largely unpredictable, and it can be severe. When spring arrives, nothing is off the table. Most commonly, we can see gale to hurricane-force winds, massive thunderstorms, and flooding. So, take extra steps to secure your home against the worst spring has to offer:
- Bring inside or tie down anything that the wind can pick and use as a missile.
- Inspect your roof properly and make sure there are no loose tiles or shingles.
- Check gutters before, during, and after a severe storm and remove debris when safe.
- Move electronics and expensive stuff to a higher floor if there is a flood warning.
- Have an escape plan and a go bag in case you need to evacuate your home.
- Take precautions against wildfires if you live in a heavily wooded area.
- Use water-resistant sealings on your outside doors and windows.
There are no guarantees that you will be 100% safe from bad spring weather. But it always helps to be prepared. Not being ahead of it can cause severe issues. So always keep up-to-date by watching the news or signing up to weather alert apps like Carrot Weather.
Buy A Carbon Monoxide Detector
A carbon monoxide detector may be more important than a smoke alarm. This is because CO is not detectable since it has no specific odor. And it will slowly kill you without you even realizing it. But why do you need one? Well, many home appliances expel CO, and if something goes wrong with the way this is done, it can build up in your home to fatal levels. Some common examples include your water and heating system, clothes dryers, and some types of ovens.
Check Your Chimney And Flue
Like your roofing, the chimney can become easily damaged in spring because of the severe weather. So you must check it before, during, and after a storm. Damage could include loose bricks, which can cause a chimney to topple. But also do not forget to inspect the inside of the flue too. This means looking up to ensure there are no blockages. A blocked chimney is a severe fire, smoke, and carbon monoxide hazard. Hire a professional if you are unsure.
Maintain The Garden For Home Safety
Of course, spring is the time when you begin getting back outside for longer periods. In spring, you get to enjoy longer days, stronger sun, and the scents and sounds of nature. You can also get back into gardening and play with the kids. But you must pay attention to garden safety. An unkempt garden is very dangerous. So make sure you trim your shrubs, cut any overgrown tree branches, and remove debris such as logs and leaves. Also, clean your outdoor furniture.
Do Not Forget About Your HVAC
Spring is unpredictable, and the temperature rises and falls quite a bit. This means there is more strain on your air conditioning system. The unit itself needs maintenance, so check it often. But you also need to make sure the vents are clean and clear. For instance, they can become infested with bugs and pests, littered with leaves and debris, or even just overly dusty. And finally, do not forget to clean your HVAC air filters. Dirty air filters cost more on your bills.
Summary
As the weather gets warmer, spring and summer bring dangers of their own. Often much more than in winter. So you need to pay attention to home safety to protect yourself and your family. Try to reduce humidity, secure against any bad weather, and keep your HVAC system clean.
