Safety Archives - Page 2 of 5 - Bruzzese Home Improvements

A Brief Guide to Home Fire Prevention and Safety

February 20, 2017adminDIY Projects, SafetyDIY projects, home improvement, SafetyLeave a comment

The statistics are chilling: every year, home fires destroy 7 million dollars’ worth of property and end the lives of more than two thousand people. Luckily, the deaths caused by home fires are becoming fewer, but the numbers are still exceptionally high, especially when you consider the fact that these deaths are so easily preventable. We offer you a brief but useful guide to home safety which will help you prevent fire in your home, and even if there is a fire, the damage will be minimized.

Smoke detectors save lives

First and foremost: smoke detectors should be mandatory in every home. When it comes to home fires, fire alarms are the number one reason the lives of people are saved in the first place. According to National Fire Protection Association, three out of five deaths from home fires happened in homes that don’t have smoke alarms or any kind of alarm. Even if there is a smoke alarm in your home, go through a little bit of trouble and check if it’s working properly. Sometimes, something as simple as a dead battery, no battery, or some sort of malfunction can cause the alarm to fail. Regularly check up on your smoke alarms and make sure the ‘test’ button is working. Also, your smoke alarms should be replaced approximately every ten years.

Fire extinguishers at hand

Having a fire extinguisher in your home is necessary, but it is equally (or even more so) important to know how to use it at the right moment. Not every fire that can occur should be extinguished with an extinguisher. In fact, they have been made to use only on very small and contained fires like the ones in a pot on the stove or in a wastebasket. If you have a large fire, your number one priority shouldn’t be to grab an extinguisher, but to get everyone out of the house and away from the danger. At least one extinguisher should be present on every level of your home, and they should be kept in rooms where the probability of a fire is highest. This means the kitchen and the garage, but also hallways. So, if you notice a fire, don’t try being a hero: lead your family out of the house first and only then try to extinguish the fire or call the firefighters.

Escape ladders in every room

This is rather simple: if your home has more than one story or a basement with window wells, you should have fire escape ladders on hand. If you have window wells, you will get a plain metal ladder, approximately 5 feet tall, which you can plant in the ground a few inches, and use hooks to secure them on the wall. For other rooms in the house you will need “standoffs” – simple, small protrusions which should hold the ladder rungs away from the house and allow your foot to move down more easily because you will have enough space not to slip. When it comes to lengths, fire safety services recommend that you use standard length ranges for upper floors: 13-15 feet for the second, and 23-25 feet for the third. Before you make your purchase and rely on these, make sure they are marked as load tested load tested for at least 1,000 pounds.

Household fires are serious business, and before firefighters come and rescue you all, you can do a lot to protect yourself and your family. Being aware that there’s a possibility of fire is simply not enough, you should prepare and do whatever you can to protect your family and your home and lower the odds of firefighters ever having to risk their lives trying to save you.

Author bio:

Diana smith is a full time mom of two beautiful girls interested in topics related to latest DIY projects and home décor. In her free time she enjoys exercising and preparing healthy meals for her family.

Five Tips to Choose High-Quality Security Grilles

December 5, 2016adminHome Improvement Tips, Safetyhome improvement, home security, SafetyLeave a comment

The world outside our home is filled with a wide range of positive as well as negative elements. When we talk about the negative elements, we usually mean thieves, robbers, and other sorts of criminals. No matter, where you go, the negative elements will always lurk behind. For this reason, it is crucial to protect your home and family members from them. In this regard, security grilles are the sure shot accessories to ensure the protection of your home and family. Security grilles provide a good amount of protection and this is the reason for the fast growth in the demand for the product. High quality security grilles are perfect for adding extra security to one’s house. Even though most of the residential, as well as commercial properties, are equipped with security cameras and security guards, but they are more like crime deterrent, rather than acting as a method of prevention.

How to Choose High Quality Security Grilles?

Security grilles have become the necessity of every household in today’s time, but the real challenge arises when it comes to buying security grilles. It is really difficult to make a right choice when you have to select one fine thing from the huge range of products available in the market that too from different brands. Choosing the right one certainly matters because nobody wants to end up buying low-quality security grilles. Hence, follow the tips below in order to make the right selection:

Type: Rolling security grilles and folding security grilles are the two different kinds of option available in the market when it comes to buying of security grilles. Both of these options have their own set of pros and cons, and it is determined by the way each of these is constructed. However, rolling security grilles are more common among commercial properties, whereas folding design is more widely used for the residential properties.
Construction: In the construction of security grilles, three ingredients are used; they are steel, stainless steel, and aluminium. The composition of these three ingredients determines the quality of these grilles. A security grill that consists more of aluminium than steel is not really reliable. So, when you decide to pick one from the market, you must make it sure that stainless steel has been used in good quantity.
Lock Mechanism: Apart from considering the quality of the security grilles, you must also take their lock mechanism into consideration. Having at least two locks is absolutely essential in making the grill more secure.
Style: It is quite obvious that the first impression is often the last impression. Hence, if you do not want the security grill to ruin the look of your beautiful home then go for a little stylish one. High-quality security grilles comprising of polycarbonate material look stylish and are reliable too. The aesthetic aspect of your house or commercial property will not be affected in anyway.
Manufacturer: There is no shortage of manufacturers in the market, even in the online world. But, the experience and reputation of the manufacturer certainly matter a lot in determining the quality of the security grilles provided by them. Before choosing one, it would be better to take a careful look at the models they have in their stock. Also, take into consideration the measurement, weight, and price of the security grille you are planning to buy and compare with other available options to make a wise decision. Spending a little time in the research process will prove to be beneficial while shopping.

Follow These Steps to Keep Commercial Driveway Gates in Good Condition

November 19, 2016adminHome Improvement Tips, Home Maintenance, Home Securityhome improvement, home maintenance, SafetyLeave a comment

Having gates, automated or simple, is the best way to keep your residential as well as commercial property secure, safe and protected all the time. With properly maintained gates, you can rest in the knowledge that your commercial settings or residential possessions are going to be in safe hands. Different types of establishments need specific, purpose-oriented gates to ensure the property under your possession has firm, solid and lasting metal security standards.

Automated sliding gates, for instance, are often found in commercial settings especially just before the driveway. Commercial driveway gates, like all other types of gates, need perfect, regular maintenance. Gates are operated mechanically and involve many parts that drive its movements and operation. To ensure the security gates work consistently and with efficiency, you need to perform certain maintenance maneuvers so that it will remain operable and healthy for long period of time.

The bits of maintenance procedure depends on the type of automated gate you have installed for your commercial premises. It is essential to comply with regular maintenance standard which can be achievable through the help of a gate maintenance specialist. The following are the tips for commercial driveway gates maintenance:

Do thorough inspection

Some of the components of sliding automated gates that need your regular attention are gate opener, metal racks, drive belt (or chain belt), panel board, electrical connections, bearings, springs, and rollers. Check your sliding gates for any fault or malfunctioning of these parts.
Bolts often come loose, so inspect them to confirm if they are tightly fixed in the place. Don’t try to fix loose bolts yourself as the might damage something else in the effort. It is better to call a maintenance expert.
Check for the prominent signs of visible wear and tear in bushes, bearings and pivot points that often move and go through direct metallic friction.
Metal doors often catch the humidity of surrounding weather and foster the growth of corrosion and rust. So if you have found such rusty patches, it signals the need to apply the splatter of paint. Use high-quality paint that does not come off easily for a long time.

Kill the rust and take pre-emptive action

Don’t wait until you see rust running its regime all over your commercial driveway gates. As we all know, dirt and weather beatings affect the appearance of gates and form a coat of roast that does not look good. Notice the signs of metal parts getting the touch of rust.

You can simple wash it away with mild household detergent if it is not too extreme. But if the rust has got stubborn and deep, you can opt for scrubbing with sandpaper. But if the problem still persists, it is better to cease doing it all on your own and assign the task to professional automated gates specialist.

Keep the surface clean

Commercial settings need technical care and thorough maintenance for it to look clean. Make a promise to wash and wax your metal gates at least once a year. This way you will be able to see shine and gloss on gate surface for a long time. This is also not very expensive option compared to refurbishment. One thing to remember as caution is to never bring door opener in contact with water or it will damage the normal operation of commercial driveway gates.

Lubrication increases the life of its vital parts

Every mechanical parts that have to go through a lot of frictional movements need proper lubrication periodically. In case of automated commercial driveway gates, you should make a routine of lubricating chain, roller, pulley, screws and hinges. Use appropriate lubricant for the job. Gates won’t work smoothly if the surface is harsh. Lubrication also helps minimize the intensity of wear and tear, thus increasing their life.

Examine the reverse movement of automated gates

Check the strength of reverse functioning of automated sliding gates every month. You can test the accuracy of this function by placing an obstacle in the middle of the doorway. If the door opener senses the obstruction and stops the door from getting closed, it means the gates are working properly. If it swerves off this expected behavior and does not reverse, the door opener has to be inspected by a professional gate maintenance expert.

General care

Regular care and small maintenance efforts go a long way for keeping its longevity and performance up to expected standards. Commercial driveway gates require your proper care and general inspection so as to decide if they need high or medium scale maintenance. Also, it is wise to follow the maintenance guidelines provided by manufacturers and take help of their competent, qualified and trained service technicians in case the job is overwhelming.

5 Ways to Improve Home Security Without Spending a Fortune

August 9, 2016adminhome improvement, Home Security, Safetyhome improvement, home security, home trends, SafetyLeave a comment

Keeping your home safe should be a top priority. But with burglars getting smarter and trickier these days, securing your biggest investment may require you to go beyond the basic. This can mean more devices- and more expenses.

Fortunately, however, that isn’t always the case. With the right ideas, there are still ways for you to augment your home security without burning holes in your wallet. Here are 5 of them.

1. Upgrade your locks

Aside from installing a budget-friendly home security system, upgrading your locks is also necessary. As lock pickers and bumpers are becoming more common, you need to make sure your locks are resistant enough.

Deadbolt locks are one of your best options. Although they are not as expensive and advanced as smart lock systems, they are tough when it comes to brute force and lock picking.

The importance of keeping your doors locked at all times, particularly when you’re going out of your home isn’t rocket science. If you want your locks to be effective, you have to make sure you use them constantly.

2. Improve your landscaping

Increasing your yard’s visibility is one good way to keep intruders out. When your yard is clear of overgrown bushes and clutter, it will be easy for you and your neighbors to see who’s prying around your property. Aside from trimming plants, you can also add low thorny bushes to your yard. They are best placed on the areas near your windows and the sides of your home.

It can also help if you can increase the lighting in your yard. Although any type of lighting can be useful, it’s still a good idea if you can invest in motion activated lights. These lights can be triggered at the slightest sign of motion and can be used to alert your neighbors of possible trespassing. They are also good in sending intruders scampering away from your property.

3. Start or join your neighborhood watch program

Neighborhood watch programs are effective burglar deterrents. They encourage the community to be more proactive when it comes to security. They also make everyone in the neighborhood more vigilant, especially in knowing who goes in and out of the area.

If your neighborhood doesn’t have one yet, you can start your own group by inviting the people in your area for a short meeting. You can seek the help of your local police so that there won’t be anything amiss in the program. Working directly with your local authorities also makes their response time a lot faster.

4. Secure your garage

Because garages typically connect to a home, a large number of burglars use them to gain access to properties. This makes your garage as important as your front and back doors.

Your garage should always be closed or locked even if you’re home. As long as you’re not inside it or you’re not using it, keep in mind to secure its door. You should also push back any valuables further inside it so that they won’t be easily seen by prying eyes. It’s also a good idea to lock motorcycles and bikes inside.

5. Lock away your tools

Screwdrivers, hammers and even your ladder should not be left in sight as burglars can interpret them as a clear invitation to break into your home. The same thing goes for your pry bars and garden tools.

Instead of having them lying around, gather and tuck them inside your home. If you have a separate storage area in your yard, make sure that it can’t be easily seen by other people. It will also be helpful if your storage can be locked.

Author’s Bio:

Rose Cabrera is one of Top Security Review’s lead content writers. She’s highly passionate about writing home security system reviews and sharing budget-friendly home security ideas.

Install the Security Roller Shutters in Your Home to Ensure Perfect Domestic Safety

May 20, 2016adminHome Improvement Tips, Home Securityhome improvement, home trends, SafetyLeave a comment

The need to protect you from the weather and unwanted intruders demands the requirement of a secured shutter. The modern and contemporary style of the roller shutters has an aesthetic and pleasing look. They add a significant and long-term value to the benefits of your home. The materials that are used are undoubtedly of high quality. There are different varieties of security roller shutters that are available in the online portals, and you can choose from different colors, shapes and designs that fit well into every type of window.

What are the basic features of security roller shutters?

The security shutters offer a tremendous defense system along with an effective visual deterrent. It is an overall protection and security from potential home break-ins. The automatic locking system of the roller shutter proves to be the perfect barrier against any type of intrusions forcibly inside the house.
The roller shutters are made with a thick wall of insulation that helps to keep out the scorching heat during summers. The best part is that, you can save a lot on your energy bills if you install the security roller shutters, as they provide enough insulation both during the summers and winters.

They restrain any invasion to your privacy, and also provide complete noise insulation:

The modern way to manufacture the shutters includes laboratory testing for noise transmission. The noise transmission is reduced up to 50% through the window. The shutters are insulated and so it gives ultimate protection from noise like traffic, airplanes, dogs and other unwanted noises. The materials that are used to manufacture the shutters being of high quality will never rattle in high winds or rain and hail. The aluminium is tough therefore protects the home from the branches that fall from trees. The flying debris due to strong winds and broken glass due to storms are prevented to damage the house.
The roller shutters are quality tested and so one will not face any problem with the installation. Instead the house is protected from the deadliest heat damage that is bushfires. Thus they do not fail to maintain their integrity and is operable even at the peak levels of exposure.
The modern day roller shutters are a security for the household against sun and the harmful UV rays. The interiors and the furnishings of the house are protected from the UV exposure. If the security roller shutters are made of durable items, then they can also enhance the resale value of your home, to a great extent.

What is automatic roller shutter?

Those shutters that are fixed with electric motor are known as automatic roller shutters. They are different and are easy to use and much more comfortable as compared to the other shutters.
The doors and the windows can be opened and closed just with the touch of a button. You can do this even from a distance and when set they can automatically open and close at specified times following the temperatures.
The motor is placed on the head of the shutter so that it cannot be seen. The motors do not produce any noise thus operates in a quiet and discreet manner.
You can find various options while choosing from control types. The controls are of various types like the master control, group control and these security roller shutters are available as both wire control and wireless varieties.

The light is controlled and adjusted as desired. The control is in your hands and if set will operate automatically. The homes that have theatres are highly benefited with these automatic roller shutters. The quality is incomparable hence it is very much needed in premises with high risks.

How to Safely and Efficiently Shovel Snow

January 4, 2016adminDIY Projects, Safety, Winter TipsDIY projects, home improvement, Safety, winterLeave a comment

While school kids are busy wishing for snow days, us adults are wondering if this will be the year we’ll successfully shovel snow without backache or injury.

Most adults assume they know how to shovel snow. We grab a shovel and boldly attack the snow in an attempt to flaunt our strength. The problem is most of us assume wrong.

Instead of a bullheaded mantra of “tough and fast,” try integrating these tips as part of your new mantra: “safe and smart.”

Shovel Smart, Shovel Safe

Most homeowners will do some shoveling, so it is important to familiarize yourself with proper technique. Bad shoveling habits can lead to back injuries, falls, heart attacks and other medical calamities. To avoid injury:

Make a plan so you don’t end up moving the same snow twice. You don’t want to accidentally block your door, the street, your car, etc.
Move in small sections instead of straining to reach it all from one spot.
Don’t wait for the last flake to fall. Shovel every few inches so the snow is not as heavy.
If you’re unable to shovel before the end of the storm, shovel in layers instead.
Whenever possible, push the snow instead of lifting it on the shovel.
If you have to lift snow, lift with your legs, not your back.
If possible, walk the snow to where you want it instead of throwing it.
Don’t turn at the waist. Try pivoting on one foot instead.
Spray your shovel with cooking spray so the snow slides off instead of building up and weighing you down.

Take Time to Prepare

Just as important as your technique while shoveling is your preparation for the task. Make sure you:

Wear thick shoes with a good tread and ankle support.
Dress in layers so you can easily remove them as you work up a sweat.
Treat it like a workout: Stretch and warm up before heading out.
Take frequent breaks to warm up, stretch and hydrate. This is especially important for anyone with pre-existing health concerns.

Pick the Right Equipment

The right tools — whether that’s a shovel, a snow blower or heavy machinery — make all the difference.

When it comes to shovels, it’s not one-size-fits-all. Find a shovel that is the right length and weight for you. Be wary of shovels with ergonomic handles. They may make scooping and throwing snow more difficult.

Snow blowers are fantastic tools, but they must be chosen and handled with care. Bigger isn’t always better, so ignore flashy marketing and speak to a sales rep about your specific needs.

Follow safety precautions when using a snow blower. Never use your hand to clear clogs or debris. Use a broom handle or similar tool instead. Have family and pets stay inside to avoid ice, debris and other non-snow projectiles. Always wear gloves, hearing protection and protective glasses. Follow the same dressing guidelines as shoveling.

Have needs that can’t be met by a shovel or snow blower? My brother-in-law swears by his skid loader. He bought it when building his home and now uses it as his go-to snow removal tool. If your property is too big or annual snowfall too heavy, you may benefit from heavy machinery.

“Pride goeth before a fall.” That’s especially true when snow shoveling. Don’t let a need for speed or a desire to show off your strength put your health at risk. Following the above tips may not win you any snow removal races, but they will ensure you get through the winter without a visit to the chiropractor or ER.

How to Prevent “Harry and Marv” from Burglarizing your Home Over the Holidays

December 16, 2015adminDIY Projects, Holidays, SafetyDIY projects, Holidays, home improvement, SafetyLeave a comment

The holiday season may be the most wonderful time of the year, but it’s also a time when more homes are burglarized. For homeowners who want to protect their property and reduce the risk of a break-in, there are several steps to take. It will not only prevent theft, but can help to increase the safety of residents in the home.

Install a Steel Screen Door

Approximately 33 percent of intruders enter through a front door, making it important to secure the point of entry instead of allowing them to kick through a hallow door. Installing a screen door will make it difficult for the burglar to break through with a sturdy material that will protect the entrance.

Use Motion Sensor Lights

Motion sensor lights can be installed near the front and back door of the home, which will prevent intruders from lurking in the dark and attempting to get in. The light will turn on seconds after motion is detected, which will cause the individual to be visible to other neighbors. This will also startle them and can make them believe that someone is home, which can cause them to quickly exit the property.

Use a Wireless Security System

A wireless security system will help to monitor the property 24 hours a day, even when you’re away from the home. This can alert the authorities and sound an alarm when suspicious activity is detected. By having the home monitored on a routine basis, it will likely thwart a burglary or can catch the intruders before they escape from the home. In addition to a security system, you can reduce your risk of loss by signing up for insurance through a company like the Marine Agency, which will offers coverage for personal belongings that are damaged or stolen.

Make the Home Look Occupied

It’s normal for many people to travel during the holidays and leave their home unoccupied for several days at a time. Intruders are less likely to break in if they think someone is home, making it important to leave a vehicle in the driveway, keep one or two lights on, and ask the local post office to hold your mail.

Although many homes are burglarized during the holidays, it’s possible to prevent your home from becoming a target. With the right steps taken, you can have peace of mind knowing that your home is protected and that your personal belongings are safe.

How to Keep Your Family Safe From Holiday Fires

December 15, 2015adminHolidays, Home Improvement Tips, Safetydecorating, Holidays, home improvement, SafetyLeave a comment

For many families, one of the highlights of the holiday season is decking the halls. As you wrap lights around your tree or light candles in the menorah, though, you are not just spreading holiday cheer – you’re also increasing the chances of fire in your home.

The holiday season is notorious for home fires, with an average of 47,000 occurring at this time of year, every year. Fortunately, there’s plenty you can do to protect your home and, more importantly, your family. Follow these four tips for a cozy, safe holiday season.

1. Keep Your Tree Hydrated

One of the biggest fire hazards in your home is your Christmas tree. Many homeowners neglect to regularly water their tree, which results in it drying out. Having a dry tree is a recipe for disaster. Think of it this way: Pine trees are used to make turpentine, an incredibly flammable substance. Your dried-out tree could light up in as little as 30 seconds.

That’s why it’s imperative that you properly care for your tree. First and foremost, buy one that’s not already dried out: Check the needles to make sure they’re still healthy. Have the seller chop the trunk to reveal a healthy, thirsty new layer. Then, stay on top of your watering schedule. It turns out that a well-watered tree is very, very difficult to set on fire, because it has water within its branches and leaves.

Finally, you can prevent a fire by putting your tree in a spot that’s far from any sources of heat. Newer string lights don’t emit much heat, either, so perhaps you’ll have to upgrade your decor as well. To further reduce your risk, you could even swap out your live tree for an artificial one.

2. Mind Your Candles

Flickering candles set a romantic, festive scene, but they also pose a fire hazard when left unattended. The number of candle fires is higher in December than in any other month, likely due to the fact that so many people use them to decorate. The best way to avoid this is to invest in a set of LED flameless candles, which glow and flicker like lit candles do. You could even pair them with a scent diffuser if you miss the fragrance of your candles.

This is especially troubling as a recent study by Fisher-Price found that only 29% of children engage in outdoor play, and that number is assuredly lower in the winter. Meaning there is a high risk of your little one possibly injuring themselves from a candle flame, or worse. If you love traditional candles too much to say goodbye, always supervise them while they’re burning and be sure to blow everything out before you leave the house. Also, be sure to leave space around and above your candle so it doesn’t ignite other pieces of decor.

3. Clear the Fireplace

Another fire hazard to consider in December: your fireplace. Everyone loves to gather around a crackling fire, but only do so after you have cleaned out the chimney. Have an expert inspect chimney walls to make sure they’re clear of any hardened soot, which becomes flammable. You should also invest in a screen if your mantle doesn’t have a built-in door to stop embers from crackling out and onto something flammable, like your carpet, furniture or tree.

Also, while many Christmas mornings involve homeowners throwing wrapping paper into the flames, you’re better off sticking to wood only, even when starting your fire. Accelerants and other liquids can cause things to get out of control.

4. Inspect Your String Lights

You probably only use your string lights once a year, meaning they sit in a box for the other 11 months. During that time – and during last year’s use – they may have become frayed to expose wires, whether they’re bent the wrong way or chewed by some type of pest. Exposed wires can be the spark to start a fire on Christmas, so make sure all of your string lights’ inner workings are protected before plugging them in.

Be aware of how you hang your lights, too. The convenience offered by a staple gun is negated by the fact that staples can cause your wires to break and open, increasing the risk of a fire. The same goes for nails. The safest way to hang your lights is with hooks or another type of hanger that simply holds the wires without piercing them. Finally, always turn your lights off when you go to bed or leave the house. If you must display your outdoor lighting masterpiece regardless of whether or not you’re inside, put your lights on a timer so that they’re not overworked.

Clearly, it takes a bit of preparation and dedication in order to safeguard your home over the holidays. With these precautions, the only thing you’ll have to worry about this December is whether or not you’ve got a gift for everyone on your list – that one is on you.

Megan Wild is a home improvement writer who cares deeply about function and form in the home. You can read more of her musings at Your Wild Home.

Potentially Deadly Side Effects of Home Disasters

November 9, 2015adminHome Maintenance, Safetyhome repairs, SafetyLeave a comment

Two of the most dreaded home disasters are fire and flooding, and for good reason. The damage they cause can be so extensive—and expensive, that home insurance categories were specifically created in recognition of their destructive power. While everyone recognizes the threat of fire and flooding, many people remain unaware of the dangers that remain after one of these disasters strikes.

Flooding

The use of advanced meteorological technology like Doppler radar and satellites have increased our ability to predict the weather. These advances have resulted in far fewer deaths from drowning during floods. However, drowning is only one of the dangers of flooding.

Electrocution

Electrocution is the second leading cause of death resulting from flooding. Often, the main electrical switch is located in the basement, which is the first place to be flooded. Experts advise that in the event of a flooded basement, the safest thing to do is disconnect completely from the electrical grid. That requires removing the electrical meter face from the meter pan, which can be done by an electrician or a utility company employee. It may also be necessary to shut off the gas if there are gas appliances in the basement.

If you must go into the basement before having disconnected completely from the electrical grid, it is advisable to wear rubber boots. In order to reach the main electrical switch, use a non-metal step-stool. If the rest of the house isn’t flooded, you can shut down just the basements circuits and use the electricity upstairs to run a shop vac. However, this can be risky, and if the water is too deep to ensure that the electrical cord doesn’t come in contact with the water, it’s best to call a professional with equipment designed specifically for job.

Once the water has been drained, it’s important to address the potential danger of damage caused to heating and cooling systems that have been submerged in water. Your system and appliances should be inspected before attempting to use them, since a malfunctioning system can be extremely dangerous. Rust can also prevent proper grounding.

Mold

Despite numerous medical studies that demonstrated the potentially deadly effects of some toxin-producing molds, the EPA has still not set any minimum standards for acceptable levels and types of molds. However, while many molds can result in allergies or respiratory ailments, others can produce deadly toxins. To prevent mold, adequate sunlight and ventilation are vital. A dehumidifier can also be helpful in damp climates.

Fire

According to FEMA, the top three causes of residential fires are cooking, faulty heating systems, and malfunctioning electrical appliances. Not only is fire itself a danger, but the heat from a blaze can create other dangers, including injuries from breaking or falling objects.

Smoke

While everyone knows that prolonged smoke inhalation is deadly, but many people don’t realize how dangerous even brief exposure can be. Many items commonly found in homes are made of materials that undergo pyrolysis when exposed to heat. The chemical composition of plastics, synthetic fabrics and asbestos change and become toxic carcinogens.

Soot

Like smoke, the potential health risks associated with inhaling soot are increased according to the type of material that produced it. The size of a particle of soot is estimated to be 2.5 microns, which is capable of deep lung penetration. Larger particles can get trapped in the upper respiratory system. Since the size of a speck of dust is 40 microns, soot particles can’t be seen with the naked eye.

Preventive Measures

A few initial preventative measures and investments can help reduce the risk of flooding. Checking and clearing your rain gutters and inspecting your foundation for cracks regularly is essential. A sump pump and a generator in case the power is lost can reduce flooding damage as well as raise the value of your home.

Fire prevention means regularly testing smoke detectors, especially in the kitchen. Regular safety inspections of heating systems and replacement of aging electrical appliances are essential. While all home disasters are tragic, none is quite as tragic as a preventable one.

Simple Projects You Can Do In A Weekend To Improve Indoor Air Quality In Your Home

November 3, 2015adminDIY Projects, Home Improvement Tips, Home Maintenance, SafetyDIY projects, health, home improvement, home repairs, SafetyLeave a comment

If you’ve ever thought about improving the air quality in your home, you may be surprised to find out that your project can be achieved in very little time. In fact, you can try some of these simple projects to ensure that you can breathe a little easier at home:

Clean Your Home

When it comes to dust and allergens, there’s no better way to get them out of the air than to have a strict cleaning regimen. When cleaning your home, you should not only vacuum the pet hair out of your carpet, you should also try to keep your pets as clean as possible. If you have any pet supplies like toy baskets, litter boxes or food bowls near your vents, you need to move them because of the propensity for vents to blow airborne irritants around your home.

Upgrade Your Bathroom Vent Fans

Your bathroom can eventually develop poor air quality because of mold and mildew. Therefore, you should make sure you remove excess moisture from this area by installing quality vent fans in every bathroom of your home. Newer models of bathroom vent fans come with humidity sensors, which make them far more effective than their predecessors.

Test for Radon

It doesn’t really matter if your home is old or new, you should always test for radon. Since radon is colorless and odorless, there’s only one way to find out if it’s inside your home. Over time, it may affect your health, so getting this checked is important.

Add Spot Ventilation

Many times, closets and closed in spaces get musty odors. If you want to combat these potential irritants, try installing a recessed light fixture and vent fan combination. These nifty devices are also useful for ventilating humid air from laundry rooms.

Get your Heating System Checked

A malfunctioning heating system can contribute to poor air quality, so be sure to get your heating filter changed and get your heating system checked. It’s important to replace faulty and older units that aren’t working well, and professionals can help make sure it’s replaced or repaired properly. You can also consider other indoor air quality products like UV lights to help improve the air you breathe in your home.

Your family’s health can be greatly affected by the air quality in your home, so it’s important to take necessary steps to make improvements. These tips will help you get started to making your home air quality better.

Informational credit to One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating.

Call Us

A Brief Guide to Home Fire Prevention and Safety

Five Tips to Choose High-Quality Security Grilles

Follow These Steps to Keep Commercial Driveway Gates in Good Condition

5 Ways to Improve Home Security Without Spending a Fortune

Install the Security Roller Shutters in Your Home to Ensure Perfect Domestic Safety

How to Safely and Efficiently Shovel Snow

How to Prevent “Harry and Marv” from Burglarizing your Home Over the Holidays

How to Keep Your Family Safe From Holiday Fires

Potentially Deadly Side Effects of Home Disasters

Simple Projects You Can Do In A Weekend To Improve Indoor Air Quality In Your Home

Bruzzese Home Improvements

FOLLOW US ON

OUR PORTFOLIO

MAIN MENU

OUR SERVICES