Your home is a place where you go at the end of each day to seek solace from the outside world. It’s a comfort zone for you and your family. But did you know that behind your walls there are things going on that could possibly cause you and your family harm? Fortunately, there are ways to prevent them from happening by taking a proactive approach.

“Did you know that behind your

walls there are things going on that

could possibly cause you and

your family harm?”

Hot water heater

No one really gives there hot water heater much thought, that is until it malfunctions. A hot water heater is something you rely on daily to provide you with heated water for bathing, laundry, and cleaning. But, did you know that a water heater located in your house can be a ticking time bomb, learn how to install it properly here. Every hot water heater has a regulator and a thermostat designed to keep the operating temperature of the device at a specific range. If the temperature falls below the specified range, the regulator’s function is to turn on the heater to heat the water. The same follows when the temperature rises to the top of the temperature range, the regulator’s function is to turn off the heat.

If the regulator or the thermostat malfunctions and goes bad, there are one of two things that can happen you either have no heat at all, or you get heat all the time. Your hot water heater also has a pressure valve that opens and closes to relieve the pressure that builds up in the tank to prevent an explosion. The bad news is that it can fail without notice. The way to prevent this scenario from ever playing out is to test it every few months.

Pests

Pests can become a real and dangerous problem for your home and your family. No one really pays attention to the common household fly buzzing around other than the occasional swat to get it away from you. However, this tiny creature can have the potential to make members of your family very sick. Flies can carry E Coli and Hepatitis and every time they land on the food they leave behind their saliva. Mosquitos can cause even more life threatening problems aside from leaving a nice welt on your body, like the West Nile Virus. Rats, too, are not just a nuisance, their dropping have the makings on getting children and pets very sick.

“Pests can have the potential

to make members of your

family very sick.”

Fortunately, there are ways to protect you and your family and pets from harm. First, it’s important to seal all food in airtight containers. Secondly, seal up your home. Go along the base inside and outside, as well as along the doors and windows. Flies and mosquitos don’t require much space to get inside. Seal cracks and crevices and remove debris from the outside perimeter. This includes trimming back branches from the roof and scrubs and plants from around the home’s base. In addition, if you stock pile wood for the winter months, make sure that you pile is at least 5′ from the home. While the garbage cans might offer convenience next to the house they also bring rats and mice to your doorstep. The solution is simple, find a secure place for your cans away from the home.

Mold

There are different types of mold and while some are more harmful than others all can wreak havoc and cause you and your family harm. While black mold is considered the most harmful, common household molds are often white, green, gray or orange in color. If you have experienced a leak recently or have older doors and windows that are not airtight, chances are good you have mold forming somewhere in your home. Mold is a direct result of moisture. Commonly damp or humid environments experience it the most. Places like your basement, bathroom, kitchen, cooling system, vent ducts, crawl space and even underneath carpet are common locations for the start of mold spores.

The good news is that mold generally telegraphs its presence with a distinct odor followed by you or a family member having itchy watery eyes, a runny nose or coughing spells only when home. If you suspect you have mold you can have someone test for it or if you see it you yourself can remove it, if it’s limited to one location.

Chemicals

Most people have an arsenal of harsh chemicals tucked away behind closed cabinet doors. Your cleaning products are wonderful. They sanitize and remove odors and stains from every room in your home. The problem is that they also have very attractive labels and curious children and even pets can get into them and cause serious consequences to their health.

Here’s a potential problem you can eliminate quickly. Remove all cleaning products and brushes and sponges too. For whatever reason, children and pets love to chew sponges. Take them and place them up in the highest cabinet out of sight and out of reach. You may suffer a bit of inconvenience by needing a step stool to access them, but your little ones will remain safe.

Are you aware of the hidden dangers lurking in your home?

Share your thoughts and comments with us.

“PIN & SAVE”