Nothing is more important than keeping our families and our homes safe. We work hard to insure that nothing will harm our family members, especially in our own homes. It is not always easy, but there is a lot of helpful information available, and many great home safety products now on the market. Most people know about smoke detectors and the like, but there is more to home safety than smoke detectors.
Carbon Monoxide Detectors
It’s obvious that a smoke detector is an important part of home safety, but many people don’t realize that a carbon monoxide detector is imperative as well. Carbon monoxide has no taste or smell to warn you that there is a problem. Most people don’t realize they have suffered carbon monoxide poisoning until they are already very sick. Damage from such poisoning can be treated but it cannot be undone. Carbon monoxide detectors are inexpensive and easy to install, and should be placed near bedrooms, furnaces, and other gas appliances.
GFCI Outlets
GFCI stands for “ground fault circuit interrupter,” which means the outlet will stop emitting power if it is exposed to water. These are the outlets with the tiny reset buttons on them. They are important for use in any space that has accessible water, such as the bathroom, kitchen, or utility/laundry room, to avoid fire and electrocution. Most older homes don’t have GFCI outlets, so it’s a good idea to look into them if you have an older home. Call an electrician for an estimate.
Fire Extinguishers
Many homes do not contain fire extinguishers, or if they do, they contain one small unit in the kitchen. It is a good idea to keep more than one (and make sure they’re charged and tested regularly) and place them throughout the home in the garage, basement, or workshop. Every home should have at least one (or more) on each floor.
There are different types of fire extinguishers, so make sure you choose the proper type.
