While most people know to look out for things like lead paint in their homes, they often forget to check out these 4 potential hazards.
1. Smoke Detectors
According to the U.S. Fire Administration, 96% of homes in America have at least one smoke detector. However, not all smoke alarms are created equal. The two types of smoke detectors are ionization and photoelectric. The majority of homes have ionization smoke detectors. These can take up 50 minutes longer than the photoelectric smoke detectors to pick up on slow burning fires, which are the main cause of home fires. Builders install ionization smoke detectors more often because they are cheaper and have a longer battery life.
2. Hidden Gas Lines
Many homes that were built between 1860 and 1915 used natural gas lines to supply lighting. While some of these gas lines have been capped off or converted to electric, others are still active. Home construction and lightning strikes can cause the gas lines to explode.
3. Lightweight Wood Truss Construction
While the lightweight construction has helped bring down the prices of new home construction, it's not the most reliable when it comes to safety. Lightweight wood truss construction doesn't use nails, screws, or bolts, so in the case of a fire, the wood pieces separate more quickly, making firefighters unable to safely enter the home and put out the fire.
4. Stoves and TVs that tip over
Lightweight appliances are easy to install and less expensive. The problem is that they are hazardous, especially to children. Leaning on these appliances can cause them to tip or fall and then land on children. Even a large pot of water placed on the stove wrong can cause the stove to tip, resulting in injuries and burns.
