Building Safety Tips

You want any building you are in to be as safe as possible. Threats to the safety of those inside can come from many sources. This is why you need to remain focused on safety throughout the year. You can benefit from a few building safety tips.

Replace Aging Smoke Alarms and Fire Extinguishers

Smoke alarms and fire extinguishers do get old and break down over time. They need to be replaced periodically. You want to replace smoke alarms once every ten years to ensure the building has the best protection possible. Additionally, you need to replace fire extinguishers at the same time to make sure they do not corrode or break just when you need them.

Know and Respect the Limits of Your Electrical System

The electrical system in your home can become a major safety issue if you use it in the wrong way. You need to know and respect the limits of your electrical system. Do not overload outlets. Ensure ground-fault circuit interrupt outlets are near water sources. Use surge protectors whenever possible. If you take these steps, then you will not have to worry about electrical fires from outlets or internal wiring.

Watch For Leaks and Plumbing Problems

You want to watch for leaks and plumbing problems in the building. This should include under or around fixtures, in the basement and the attic. Even a small leak could be enough to damage the structure of the house, harm the foundation or lead to toxic mold growth. If you find a leak in the building, have it repaired immediately.

Plan for Natural Disasters in Your Area

A final tip is to plan for natural disasters in your area. You might be in an area that has regular flooding, tornadoes or earthquakes. Make certain that your windows, doors and the building itself are prepared for a disaster. This might mean installing a sump pump, upgrading windows or improving weak parts of the building.