As a homeowner, there are a lot of things you are responsible for in order to ensure that both your family is safe and your home is protected. Natural elements can cause damage to your abode in unforeseen ways and it's important to be diligent and look for the warning signs of some of these problems.
Termites and Other Pests
Pests can be a health risk and can also do untold damage to your home. One of the most common and annoying pests in a home is the termite. They feed on the wood structure on the home and the furniture in it and if not gotten rid of quickly, termites can really wreak havoc. Look for the common warning signs of these critters, the most obvious of which will be wood that looks like it has been chewed. Other pests, like mice, can be a danger to your electrical system, as they can chew on wires.
Fire
House fires can be devastating to a home, and a fire can spread incredibly fast. Luckily, though, most house fires are relatively preventable and there are plenty of measures you can take to decrease the likelihood that you will have one. Making sure that your electrical work is up to code is one of the most important aspects of fire safety. If you suspect faulty wiring, especially if you smell smoke when using an outlet, it's important to call an electrician immediately.
Prevent fires from starting in your kitchen by keeping towels away from any heat sources and making sure the stovetop is cleaned on a regular basis. It's also incredibly important to buy a fire extinguisher and smoke detector so that you can be quickly alerted to the presence of fire and perhaps even stop its spread. Fire resistant furniture, such as fire rated lampshades, will help you to avoid fires or perhaps keep your furniture intact while the fire department gets there.
Water
Water can do major damage to your home, whether it stems from storm flooding from outside or faulty pipes indoors. Not only will the water contribute to the structural damage of the building, there's a good chance that you could develop a mold problem, as well.
Making sure that your property has proper drainage away from the house is a great way to prevent rainwater from making your home unlivable. Extending downspouts away from your home and making sure that your rain gutters are clean are great ways to keep water out. As for indoor risk factors, making sure that the pipes are properly insulated is a smart method for preventing pipes from bursting, which is a major factor in indoor flooding.
