Although home is a place we feel the safest, unexpected things can happen here. According to Ruby Homes, statistics of home injury-related deaths are alarming. As many as 38.6 home injury-related deaths per 100,000 people occur on average across all age groups. Seniors are the most vulnerable to such mishaps.
Accidents can happen anywhere, in your bedroom, living room, kitchen, or bathroom. Your backyard and driveway are also high-risk zones. Investing in a safe home exterior is a wise move. Besides protecting your family and guests, a few improvements can add value and curb appeal to your property.
In this article, we will recommend a few exterior safety improvements every homeowner must consider.
Ensure Adequate Lighting
Poorly lit exteriors are a leading cause of trips, falls, and break-ins. You don’t want to trip on a flower pot in the dark. Neither do you want your house to become a soft target for burglars due to lack of illumination. Upgrading your outdoor lighting should be on your checklist when it comes to boosting safety.
According to The Spruce, you can layer lighting with elements such as sconces, solar-powered stake lights, lanterns, string lights, and built-in LED lighting. A well-lit space makes your patios, porches, decks, landscaping, walkways, and other outdoor zones more usable and safer after dark.
Go high-tech with motion-activated lights near entry points, driveways, and dark corners. These will deter intruders and illuminate the space. Solar-powered lights are good for eco-friendly visibility. Remember to opt for weather-resistant fixtures for durability in all seasons.
Repair the Walkways
Cracked, uneven, or damaged walkways are the last thing you want to deal with as a safety-conscious homeowner. Well-maintained walkways ensure safe passage for everyone. They are even more important if you live in a city like Chicago, which is notorious for slippery winters. Icy sidewalks in the city send many people to hospitals with slip and fall injuries.
Regardless of such risks, homeowners must inspect walkways regularly for cracks, uneven surfaces, or tree root damage. Minor repairs require concrete patching compounds but you must consider professional slabjacking or full replacement for major issues.
Act before something happens because you don’t want to deal with an injury. Neither do you want someone else to be injured as this may land you in legal trouble with a personal injury lawsuit.
While repairs are ongoing, install warning signs or barriers around hazards. You can prevent future damage by maintaining trees and controlling root growth to prevent future damage. Prompt repairs and ongoing maintenance can prevent injuries and reduce liability.
Secure Your Swimming Pool
Outdoor pools are a safety concern, especially for families with children or pets. According to Action News 5, a three-year-old boy drowned in an Illinois home last May while visiting his family. The boy was found floating unresponsive in the pool and could not be revived when taken to the hospital.
In the outdoor-loving state of Illinois, cities like Edwardsville have many homes with pools. If you want to install one, ensure that you go the extra mile with safety. You may end up facing a lawsuit if someone drowns in the pool because of your negligence. An Edwardsville personal injury lawyer can help the victim prove negligence and claim compensation.
According to TorHoerman Law, compensation claims in such cases go beyond the financial value. They also cover the cost of the pain and suffering of victims and their families. Taking pool safety measures is a far better approach. Install four-sided isolation fencing with self-latching gates around the pool area.
Use door locks and alarms on all access points to the pool. Remove or lock ladders and steps when the pool is not supervised. Lockable covers provide extra protection. Also, enforce pool rules and supervise swimmers closely.
Limit Access to Fire Pit
Fire pits are a great exterior addition for homes, but they have a set of risks. HGTV notes that positioning it right is the first line of defense. Ideally, it should be set up at a minimum distance of 10 feet from any structures. The further, the better. Structures include your house, fence, shed, and even neighboring yards.
Also, keep the area around the fire pit clear of toys, kindling, and chairs. A three-foot safety zone is recommended. If there are kids in the house, establish a strict “No Run Zone” around the fire, especially for children. Burn only wood, and avoid using accelerants like gasoline or lighter fluid.
Always fully extinguish the fire with water and stir the coals until cool before leaving the area. Also, never bury hot coals, and keep a bucket or hose nearby for emergencies. A responsible adult should always be around to supervise the fire at all times.
Install Cameras and Alarms
Theft and vandalism are the outdoor risks you cannot overlook. Fortunately, modern security systems are a powerful deterrent against them. For maximum effectiveness, install outdoor cameras at least nine feet high to prevent tampering by intruders.
Cover the entry points, driveways, and other vulnerable areas with surveillance equipment. Besides cameras, set up motion-activated lights and alarms for layered security. Ensure your system is connected to a mobile app for real-time alerts. Visible security measures can make your home a less attractive target for criminals.
FAQs
What exterior home improvements add the most value?
Several home exterior upgrades offer a high ROI to homeowners. For example, they can recoup over 100% of the cost at resale with a new roof. Other good investments include replacing the garage door, upgrading to fiber-cement siding, and installing steel or fiberglass front doors, Installing new vinyl windows and fresh exterior paint are also good ideas.
Which siding increases home value?
Fiber-cement siding is recommended due to its low maintenance, durability, and resistance to pests, rot, and fire. You may also opt for vinyl siding as it offers a fresh look and enhances the energy efficiency of your home. Choose according to your preference and budget.
What are some hidden risks in the backyard?
Although the backyard is a calm and relaxing place, it comes with a fair share of risks. Uneven walkways, loose stones, or cracked pavement can cause trips and falls. Beware if you have a pool because it spells drowning hazards. Fire pits left unattended increase the risk of burns or fire.
A beautiful outdoor space makes your home valuable and enjoyable. But safety should not be an afterthought because it matters as much as anything else. Some effort and investment can make it a safe haven. Follow these simple steps to make your home exterior safe and enjoy your time out there with your loved ones.
