Spring Home Safety Check List

by Mary Ann Romans | More from this Blogger

07 Apr 2009 06:35 AM

Just like a person, your home needs regular check ups to ensure that it is healthy, or at least safe for you and your family. Here are some things around your home that you should check in the spring.

If you have an air conditioning system, have a professional air conditioning specialist (contractor) inspect your system. This specialist should also be able to clean and maintain your system. You don't want to have any issues with it when summer comes.

Replace the filter in your furnace (if you have one).

Inspect your driveway and walkway, and repair any cracks or spots where they are uneven. Not only will this extend the life of your driveway and walkway, but it will also prevent any falls or accidents from occurring due to poor maintenance.

Do a visual inspection of your roof. Spring brings a lot of rain, so you want to make any repairs before you wind up with leaks. Also, the cold and snow of winter tends to do a bit of damage to a roof.

Clean the kitchen exhaust hood and/or air filter. You don't want to wind up with a grease fire from built up grease. You can make this part of your regular spring cleaning.

Inspect your electronics and appliances for any that might need surge protectors. Computers are obvious, but microwaves, refrigerators, cell phone chargers, DVD players, even cordless phones can all be ruined by an electrical surge.

Give some attention to your clothes dryer. Clean the exhaust duct and check for kinks in the hose. Also clean the damper (where the hose exits) and the space behind and under the dryer. A lot of dust and lint can build up in these areas.

Check your electrical outlets for plugs that fit too loosely. Check your electrical panel for burn marks that might indicate a fire just waiting to happen. Also consider installing GFI outlets in kitchens and bathrooms if you don't currently have them.

Mary Ann Romans writes about everything related to saving money in the Frugal Blog, creating a home in the Home Blog, caring for little ones in the Baby Blog and now relationships in the Marriage Blog. You can read more of her articles by clicking here or subscribe to the blog using the subscription box on the right.

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Learn more about Mary Ann Romans

Mary Ann Romans is a freelance writer, wife and mother of three children. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, the kids and a 16-pound cat.

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