Unfortunately, household emergencies can strike when you least expect them and leave you with costly repairs, extensive damage, or worse. Some common household emergencies include pest infestation, water leaks, and home fires.
Homeowners must be aware of these risks and take steps to protect their homes. With this in mind, here are four common household emergencies that you should be aware of:
Household Fires
Household fires often have severe and even fatal consequences. According to a recent NFPA report, US fire departments respond to approximately 354,000 household fires per year and these fires cause around 2,620 deaths every year. Even a small fire can quickly spread, causing extensive property damage and endangering the lives of all who live in the property. For that reason, homeowners must take steps to protect their homes from the risk of fire. Some simple ways to protect your home and family include never leaving cooking food unattended, inspecting and maintaining your home heating sources, and testing your smoke alarms at least once a month. These steps will help to minimize the risk of a fire starting in your home.
Pest Infestation
Common household pests like rats and termites might not seem major, but an infestation can have serious consequences and result in substantial damage to your property. What’s more, many pests carry diseases that can pose a threat to the health of you and your family. It is essential that you remain vigilant and regularly check for any signs of pests in your home (i.e. droppings or evidence of nesting). If you notice any of these warning signs, then you should contact a specialist pest control company immediately to help minimize any damage to your home or health. You can click here to find more information on how to deal with a home pest infestation.
Burglary
Burglaries are fairly common and often have significant cost implications due to stolen or damaged items. Along with this, a break-in can also have a hugely negative impact on a homeowner’s mental wellbeing and leave people feeling unsafe in their own home. Fortunately, there are many simple ways to boost your home security and protect your property and family. In particular, you should consider purchasing a quality home alarm system to help deter criminals from targeting your property. You can further enhance your home security by installing CCTV cameras and exterior home lighting.
Water Leak
A water leak can quickly cause extensive damage to your property, which is why you must act quickly if you notice a leak in your home. A burst pipe is one of the most common causes of household water damage. Pipes can become damaged and burst for several reasons, including freezing weather and plumbing faults. To help prevent this from occurring, you should follow the recommended maintenance and inspect your water pipes regularly. If you notice any signs of a leak, then contact a professional plumber as soon as possible to have the necessary repairs carried out.