Owning your own home is a dream come true for many people. Having a place to call your own is something that almost everybody strives for today. However, if you aren't careful, your home can be a dangerous place filled with deadly risks if you aren't careful. In this article I'll go over just a few of them.
One of the biggest recognized risks is how having proper fire alarms. The main cause of death due to fire is not the fire itself, but smoke inhalation. Without proper smoke detectors, you may not wake up in time. These are incredibly cheap and simple to install, so there is absolutely no reason why you should have several of these installed in your house. If you don't, this should be your number on priority. The only maintenance you'll need to do is inspect the batteries every couple of months, and replace them if you need to. This is by far the cheapest, most important thing you can do to protect your home.
One more danger to consider is that of a natural gas leak. Natural gas is used to heat your water, and possibly your stove. If you live in an area where there are earthquakes, then you may know to turn off the natural gas then. But there is also the danger of a small leak that you can't detect. If you suspect you have a leak, it's best to call the gas company. They will send somebody out with special gas detection equipment, and will be able to tell if there is even the smallest amount of gas leaking out. Just a small leak can be enough to turn your lovely home into a blazing inferno.
Another danger that people don't usually consider is decorative candles. These are nice to look at, but if you aren't careful, they can easily start a fire that can quickly burn out of control. If you have decorate candles, make sure they are not near anything flammable, and that whenever you use them to make sure you keep a close eye on them.
Another very common but unappreciated risk is that of excessive humidity. When it's very humid, it creates an environment that is a perfect breeding ground for germs, viruses, and pathogens. These can quickly multiply, and turn your lovely home into a hotbed of bacteria that can infect you while you sleep. Keeping air circulation is a must in these conditions, and using a dehumidifier is definitely a plus. Not only will they keep your home safer, but it will be more comfortable as well.
Of course, this is only a few of the dangers that can wreak havoc in your home if you aren't careful. The best way to make sure your home is safe is to ask your home owner's insurance agent to come and inspect it regularly. He or she will be sure to let you know if there are any things that need addressing.