Affordable Ways to Make Your Home Safer
Monday, June 20th, 2011
Peace of Mind for Pennies
All it takes is a Saturday and a trip to the hardware store to better protect your property -and even your life. Kurt Salomon, president of the American Society of Home Inspectors, highlights five common hazards that can be fixed easily and inexpensively.
1) TEST FOR RADON
Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer among nonsmokers in the US. It’s a hazard you can’t see, smell or taste. COST: about $20 for a test kit
2) INSTALL A SMOKE DETECTOR IN EVERY ROOM
Having one upstairs, downstairs and in the kitchen just isn’t enough. Test batteries once a month and replace twice a year. COST: $7-60+
3) ENSURE YOUR STAIRWAY HANDRAILS ARE PROPERLY INSTALLED
Handrails should be installed 32-36″ from the floor to the top of the rail on both sides and should contrast with the color of the wall. COST: $10-20 for new hardware to raise or better secure rail
4) CHECK THE CHARGE ON YOUR FIRE EXTINGUISHER
Check the gauge on each extinguisher – if it’s in the green, you’re good – if it’s red, replace the extinguisher. Also make sure you have the right kind. Some are designed especially for kitchen fires while others are for electrical fires. COST: $15-75
5) FIX BROKEN FENCE HINGES AND LOCKS AROUND A POOL
The latches for automatically closing gates should be at least 54″ above the ground so raise them if they’re lower. COST: about $20 for hardware.
