Strong Man specializes in safety netting & weather enclosures used primarily for construction work, but practicing safety doesn’t end off the job site. We believe in keeping people safe wherever they are, so here we offer some simple tips to help you avoid potential hazards in the home.
- Replace the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Those blinking lights on the wall and ceiling aren’t art. It’s your smoke or carbon monoxide detector keeping you safe. Remember to replace the batteries in both detectors regularly to avoid potential danger. (An easy way to remember is to replace the batteries in spring and fall with the time change.) Carbon monoxide is invisible and has no smell, so the only way to detect it is with an alarm.
- Be careful with outlets near sinks.Whether out of convenience or necessity, most outlets are within a splash’s reach of the sink. Make sure any items are fully plugged in to the outlets and never plug in, or unplug, anything with wet hands.
- Be mindful of pool/spa drains. Drains in pools and spas are often strong enough to pull a child or adult under the water and hold them there. Be cautious around drains. Never tamper with them in any way while under the water and make sure your kids are aware of the dangers as well.
- Kids. No, children are not a hazard of their own (though they very well could be). Batteries, blind strings and tip-over hazards (think heavy mirrors or TVs) all account for a large number of child injuries per year. Also, remember that kids are like Labradors—they’ll put almost anything in their mouths.Lock up potentially dangerous items such as bug sprays, dishwasher detergent, access to medicine and firearms, etc.
- Clean your fans. It’s a little known fact that dust and build-up on ceiling fans can become flammable when the fan is turned on. If you use your fan often, clean it regularly, especially around the motor and any central vents, to avoid possible fire hazards.
- Keep dryer vents covered. Imagine you hear a loud noise coming from your clothes dryer, but you’re not doing laundry. After minutes of debate, you open the dryer and a crow flies out! While humorous, this is a true story. Consider yourself warned! Keep those outdoor vent hoses covered with a screen, or next time, it might be a squirrel popping out to surprise you.