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Safety Issues to Consider When Building a House

Author: Callum Johnson
by Callum Johnson
Posted: Apr 03, 2016

When you are building a house, concerns about safety need to be addressed comprehensively. It is no use worrying about crime or hazards if you do not take necessary precautions. Your construction company may employ the basic safety measures, but be sure to check with the government’s safety regulations that can be found on the internet.

Safe exit paths and passageways

In case of any natural catastrophe, safety exits are necessary. Safety planning is also necessary. Take your children through the escape route. The windows and doors in the house should be kept unblocked. No cabinet or furniture should be in front of the windows. These small things can make the difference between life and death in times of emergency.

Child-proofing

If you have a child at home, child-proofing your house is very important. Any small or major accident can scar your toddler’s precious early life, and possibly even shadow his entire life. Installing child-proofed windows with certified glasses, sturdy brackets at the top of stairs, locking the fridge and keeping electrical sockets at a safe height from the kids is all part of the child-proofing process. Keep small items that babies can swallow out of reach and locked away. The doors and windows should have a latch in addition to a lock because young children cannot reach or operate a latch.

Smoke alarm

A smoke alarm on every floor is absolutely necessary. In fact, it is best to install a smoke alarm in every room. You never know what small problem can snowball into a full on blaze. A smoke detector is a must in the kitchen, the most fire-prone area in the house.

A carbon monoxide detector is also important in ensuring the safety of your house. Carbon monoxide gas is a colourless, odourless yet extremely dangerous gas, especially for children because it settles low on the ground. Any places where combustion takes place like furnaces, heaters, and fireplaces should be well-ventilated. CO detectors should be attached close to these spaces so that leaks are identified quickly.

Earthquake prone areas

For earthquake prone zones, the structure of the house should be adapted. Improved designs have to be implemented and pillars and concrete needs to be reinforced. Movement resisting frames with light roofs, thin concrete floor, light walls and partitions are good at sustaining structures during an earthquake.

General tips

  1. Build a safe in your house to store valuables and firearms if you happen to own any. You can build a smaller safe in the child’s room for precious jewelry or money because burglars usually head for the master bedroom and leave the child’s room untouched.
  2. Do not store chopped up wood on the side of the house as they can be used to climb through the window by robbers.

3. Choose only licensed local handymen who are bonded and insured. Do not trust unlicensed locksmiths to make your key.

4. Use a mailbox instead of mail slot. Mail slots go against the grain of the wood and compromise the integrity of the door, making it easy to knock down.

About the Author

Callum is a professional London handyman who loves his job. He always tries to help people improve their homes writing helpful articles.

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Author: Callum Johnson

Callum Johnson

Member since: Jul 07, 2014
Published articles: 2

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