10 hidden hazards in your home

Buying a first home is an exciting time for many of us. That pride of home
ownership plus the freedom of decorating however we'd like is a liberating
feeling. Once you own a home, there's no more worrying about the landlord
and whether you can paint that ugly pink kitchen, hang new curtains, or
(gasp!) put nails in the walls.

Home ownership does come with a different set of worries, unfortunately.
Unlike a rental where the landlord takes care of regular maintenance
issues, keeping a house safe from hidden threats is a homeowner's
responsibility. Here are just a few of the hidden threats we've uncovered
in our home over the years; the list might surprise you.

1. Clogged dryer exhaust ducts. Dryer lint will catch fire very easily,
which is why regular vacuuming of the dryer's exhaust system is a must.
What many people aren't aware of is that dryer lint can also accumulate
and possibly ignite in the exhaust ducting under the floors or behind the
walls. To remove lint buildup in these ducts, a DIY dryer duct cleaning
kit can help clean those hard-to-reach areas.

2. Dirty chimneys. It wasn't until our chimney flue exploded in flames
that we learned how important it was to have chimneys cleaned out at least
once a year. Burning wood in the fireplace releases a black, tarry
substance called "creosote" which sticks to the chimney walls. If the
creosote is allowed to build up, a floating ember is all it takes to set
off a fire.

3. Mice droppings. If your new home is an older home or one that has been
vacant for awhile, be extra careful when sweeping out piles of mice poop.
Deer mice droppings can transmit the deadly disease known as Hantavirus
which is breathed in along with all that stirred up dust. To avoid
exposure to Hantavirus, wear latex gloves and a HEPA face mask, and wet
down the floor before cleaning.

4. Water heaters. Water heaters are usually set to high temperatures so
that a family can enjoy plenty of hot water. Those higher temperatures can
also cause accidental burns, especially in young children. Lowering the
temperature of your water heater to 120 degrees will prevent scalding
burns and lower energy costs as well.

5. Lead paint. Back in the "old days", some types of household paint
contained lead for extra sheen. For homeowners, sanding and scraping off
this old paint can generate lots of lead-tainted dust which is both an
environmental and health hazard. If your new home was built before the
1970s, check with your city's Hazardous Waste office first to learn the
safe way to prep an old house for a new paint job.

6. Radon gas. One out of 15 homes in the United States has high levels of
cancer causing radioactive Radon gas which originates from the uranium
found naturally in the soil. Testing for Radon is something you can do
with a DIY testing kit. Fixing the problem however is best left to the
professionals.

7. Bad DIY wiring. When we had the wiring updated in our home several
years ago, the electrician discovered that an early owner had wired the
house himself, using braided cloth extension cords. Before buying an older
home, a home inspection by a certified inspector will catch a
so-not-to-code wiring job and other unsafe DIY improvements.

8. Carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless
and flammable gas that is poisonous to humans and their pets. CO gas can
build up from a faulty gas furnace or oven, a camp stove or even a
chimney. Fixing the escape of CO gas into your home is a job for the
professionals, but an easy (and cheap) DIY task for a home owner is to
install CO alarms throughout the home.

9. Icicle buildup on the eaves. If you are a southerner that has recently
moved to the cold north, icicle buildup is one of those hidden hazards
that people don't often think about. Melting icicles can drop from the
eaves and cosh anyone who happens to be standing around. To avoid injury
from dropping icicles, it's best to knock these things off with a shovel
first even though they look pretty cool.

10. Squirrels. Attic dwelling squirrels love to nibble away at all that
yummy electrical insulation which increases the risk of home fires. To
prevent squirrels from entering your attic, check the roof and eaves
periodically for signs of gnawing. Open areas should be repaired with a
bit of steel mesh after the squirrel has been trapped.

Content provided by C. Jeanne Heida, Associated Content from Yahoo!

Posted via email from CarolLusidiaMorrow's Blog