A Few Home Safety Tips

A couple of problems at an inspection I did today reminded me how many dangerous home situations there probably are out there, just due to a lack of available knowledge. Since I don't want any of my friends -- or even non-friends -- to suffer an unnecessary tragedy, I figured I'd pass along a few things you might not have thought of. These are based on New York State codes.

Smoke detectors are an obvious one. Have at least one in each bedroom, one outside each sleeping area (in the hall, etc.), one in any area where there may be an open flame (basement if you have fuel-fired appliances, kitchen if you have a gas stove. etc.). It is best if they are hard-wired and interconnected, so if one goes off, they all activate.

Carbon monoxide detectors. One on any floor where there are sleeping areas, and one in the basement if you have fuel-fired appliances (your electrician may tell you this is not necessary, because it is not in the National Electrical Code, but it is in the New York State codes and the law requires that the more restrictive safety code applies.

Thumb locks on the inside of doors. Don't have a lock that requires a key to open from the inside. If there is a fire, you and your family will not have time to find the key.

If your basement is finished, have two ways out of the area. It could be two doors, or a door and an egress window (that is a window large enough to open fully and get out through -- you'll probably need to dig a window well and maybe put in a small ladder).

If you have stairs that are four steps or 30" high or more, have a railing on at least one side.

If you have an attached garage, make sure there is a fire barrier between the garage and the house, including 5/8" sheetrock and a self-closing fire door. I have seen several home rebuilds because of fires that started in the garage.

If you open the walls up to do any work, make sure you fireblock the walls between floors before you close them back up. You can use firecaulk in the holes from electrical wires, plumbing, ductwork, etc., and if your house has balloon construction (it'd probably have to be pretty old), put a vertical 2x4 (or whatever size your wall studs are) at the top and bottom of each floor to prohibit the spread of any fires that might get into the walls.

Of course, you should also develop an emergency escape plan for all the inhabitants of the house (including the pets) and make sure everyone understands what they should do in an emergency.

If you live in New York State, your local building or housing department can provide more specific details about the above.

Drop me a line if you'd like more info.

I know this isn't as controversial, philosophical, or provocative as most of my ramblings, but you can't read my blogs, articles, or books if you are dead. So stay safe.