New Year’s Resolutions for a Healthy Home

The new year and resolutions go hand-in-hand. This new year, don’t forget to add testing your home’s health to the list. An unhealthy home is connected to poor health and will make it’s occupants sick.? Here are some simple to-do’s to get your home healthy and fit for another year.

Install Carbon Monoxide Detectors

• Place them near all the bedrooms
• Place them on all floors
• Check batteries

Install Smoke Alarms

• Place them near all the bedrooms
• Place them on all floors
• Test them monthly
• Change alkaline batteries annually
• Alarms have a 10-year useful life

Mold

Mold can create respiratory problems. So, it’s very important to prevent mold from becoming a problem. Not to mention, mold can be very damaging to the interior structure.

• Install a dehumidifier in areas that hold moisture
• Install fan-driven vents in bathrooms
• Vent your clothes dryer to the outside

Test for Radon

Radon is odorless and colorless. It is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States.

• Buy a radon test kit

Test for Lead in Paint

• Check paint if home was built before 1978
• Fix any peeling or chipped paint

Stairways

• Handrails on both sides and easy access for people of all ages
• Working light on all stairways
• Attach carpet tightly on steps
• Non-slip rubber treads on bare wood steps

Toxic Products

Store cleaning products, automobile products, gardening products, etc. in secure cabinets or shelves away from pets and children.

Insects and Rodents

Fix any holes, cracks and leaks to prevent invasion of pests.

If you want a more in-depth guide to testing your home’s health, you can go to The Center for Disease Control.? Alert Disaster Restoration wishes you a safe, healthy and happy 2014!