5 home safety risks you may be overlooking

September is Realtor Safety Month, a timely reminder that safety matters not only during open houses or showings, but every day at home.

Many household hazards are easy to overlook because they develop gradually or simply become part of the surroundings. Taking a few minutes to look at your home with fresh eyes can help protect your family, friends, and pets from preventable injuries.

  1. Missing or Outdated Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms

    Test alarms regularly and check not only the battery, but also the manufacture or replacement dates. Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms have a limited service life and should be replaced when outdated or no longer working properly.

  2. Loose Railings and Uneven Steps

    Loose handrails, cracked steps, and uneven walkways can create fall hazards. Check stairs, decks, porches, and walkways for movement, damage, or uneven surfaces.

  3. Blocked or Difficult Escape Routes

    Clutter, furniture, or windows and doors that are difficult to open can slow an emergency exit. Keep hallways, stairs, doors, and bedroom escape windows clear and accessible.

  4. Unsecured Heavy Furniture

    Dressers, bookcases, televisions, and other tall or top-heavy furniture can tip if they are climbed on, pulled, or bumped. Anchor unstable pieces where appropriate and place heavier items on lower shelves, especially in homes with young children or active pets.

  5. Dryer Vent Buildup

    Lint can accumulate inside the dryer vent, even when the lint screen is cleaned regularly. Watch for clothes taking longer to dry, excessive heat, or a burning smell, and have the vent inspected and cleaned when needed.

Fall into home maintenance!

Cooler weather is around the corner! With these fall maintenance basics completed, you can better enjoy the comforts of your home all season long and protect your investment, too.

  1. Clear gutters of leaves, sticks, and other debris.
  2. Caulk around exterior door and window frames for a tight seal.
  3. Use binoculars to check the roof for missing or damaged shingles.
  4. Have the furnace inspected to ensure that it’s safe and in good working order.
  5. For safety, have the fireplace and chimney professionally cleaned before use this season.

Inspection insights: Wood burning fireplaces

As the seasons change, there’s nothing like the ambiance of a wood burning fireplace - but like any heating system, wood burning fireplaces require yearly maintenance to ensure safe and efficient operation. Learn more about our safety and inspection tips for wood burning fireplaces:

  • Chimney and Flue: Have your chimney and flue cleaned and inspected annually to help prevent chimney fires. Cleaning removes flammable creosote buildup, while inspection ensures the flue liner is in good condition to help protect your home if a fire occurs.
  • For old unlined chimneys: Older homes may have unlined brick chimneys, which can be a serious safety risk. Have an independent chimney expert inspect the chimney to determine if a flue liner is needed or if the fireplace should be decommissioned.
  • Glass Doors: Glass fireplace doors help reduce heat loss when the fireplace is not in use. Unless your fireplace is specifically designed for closed-door operation, keep the doors open while a fire is burning. If unsure, consult your chimney technician.
  • Wood stove: A wood stove is more efficient than a fireplace. Modern wood stoves burn cleanly and efficiently. Like fireplaces, the wood stove must be cleaned and inspected annually.