Home safety is always of concern, and the biggest thing we need to do is protect a home’s smallest inhabitants.
Yes, Semper Fi is OPEN and performing your DFW area home inspections, while following all CDC guidelines regarding sanitization and social distancing.
Use Safety Latches
Install child-proof latches and locks on cabinets and drawers in kitchens, bathrooms, and other areas to help prevent poisonings and other injuries. Even products with child-resistant packaging should be locked away out of reach; this packaging is not childproof.
Use Safety Gates
These can help prevent falls down stairs and to keep children away from dangerous areas. For the top of stairs, gates that screw into the wall are more secure than “pressure gates.”
Use Door Locks
Lock areas with possible dangers to help prevent children from entering. This would include swimming pool areas. Keep in mind that door knob covers aren’t usually effective to keep out children who are tall enough to reach the knob.
Lock all hazardous materials
Check every room in your home and make sure that the following types of items are in a locked cabinet or behind a door with a child-proof latch:
Cleaning products:
- All-purpose cleaners
- Bleach
- Dishwashing detergent
- Drain openers and toilet bowl cleaners
- Furniture polish
- Laundry detergent
Personal and hygiene products:
- Nail polish removers
- Cosmetics
- Mouthwash
- Perfume and aftershave
Automobile and exterior items
- Antifreeze and windshield wiper fluid
- Gasoline, kerosene, and lamp oil
- Insecticides
Medication
- Prescription medication
- Over-the-counter medicines
- Vitamins and supplements
Lower Water Heater Temperature
Setting your hot water heater temperature lower, and using anti-scald devices on faucets and shower heads can help prevent burns.
Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Smoke detectors should be installed on every level of your home and near bedrooms. Check them monthly to make sure they are properly operating, and change batteries a minimum of once per year (a handy reminder is to change the batteries at the same time you set your clocks forwards or backwards twice per year).
Carbon monoxide detectors should be installed outside bedrooms in homes with gas or oil heat or attached garages.
Use Outlet Covers
These help prevent children from electrical shock. Be sure they are large enough that children cannot choke on them, and that they can’t easily be removed by children.
Check Blind Cords
Cords from window blinds can pose a risk of strangulation. Inner cord stops can be an option, but any time you can go cordless is best. For older blinds you can cut the cord loop, remove the buckle and put safety tassels on each cord. Newer blinds can be found with safety features.
For commercial property inspections in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, including a thorough and informative home inspection report, learn more at
or request a quote for a commercial inspection at
682-351-2267