Tips for Homeowners to Improve Safety and Sustainability


(StatePoint) The International Code Council’s 43rd annual Building Safety Month campaign has begun, and week one’s theme: “Building Safety Starts at Home” highlights how building safety impacts our everyday lives.

According to InjuryFacts.NSC.org, about 16 out of 100 people were injured in a home or community venue in 2021. The leading causes that contribute to these injuries, such as drowning, fire smoke, and general home maintenance, can be prevented by acting ahead of time.

As the leading global source of model codes, standards and building safety solutions, the Code Council is passionate about educating homeowners on fire safety, home maintenance and sustainability practices. Here are some safety tips from the Code Council to help prevent accidents and keep your family and community safe:

Fire Safety Tips:

• Put a smoke alarm on every level of your home, outside each sleeping area and inside every bedroom. Test each smoke alarm regularly and replace it every ten years.

• Install home fire sprinklers. They are relatively affordable and can increase property value and lower insurance rates.

• Make an escape plan with a meeting place outside so everyone knows how to get out fast.

• Keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from portable heaters.

• Keep all items that can burn away from your home. Remember to clean leaves from your gutters and clear dead leaves and branches from shrubs and trees surrounding your home.

Home Maintenance Tips:

• Never overload electrical cords or power strips.

• Don’t use appliances that have damaged cords.

• For mold prevention, watch for leaky pipes, condensation and wet spots, and fix sources of moisture problems as soon as possible.

• Keep in mind that there are several materials and items that should never be flushed down the toilet, including medication, disposable wipes, coffee grounds and more.

• To prevent your pipes from freezing in the winter, drain water from the swimming pool and water sprinkler supply lines following the manufacturer’s or installer’s directions.

• Make sure all pedestrian gates in the barrier fence of your swimming pool are self-closing and self-latching.

According to the Center for Climate and Energy Solutions, the average U.S. family can spend $2,000 a year on energy bills. This means that reducing your home energy use is the single most effective way to save money and reduce your home’s contribution to greenhouse gasses. The Code Council recognizes that for many people, it’s unclear where to start, and suggests the following tips to help communities forge a path forward.

Energy and Sustainability Tips:

• Install water-saving shower heads and low-flow faucet aerators and use your water meter to check for hidden water leaks. These steps can improve water conservation.

• To prevent stormwater runoff pollution, never dump anything down storm drains.

• Change the filters in your home’s heating and cooling system regularly to increase energy efficiency.

• Replace your light bulbs with LEDs, which use up to 90% less energy and last up to 25 times longer than traditional incandescent bulbs.

• Build green and design your home with materials that are easily recyclable, reusable, renewable, durable, affordable and low maintenance.

• Build a rain garden to capture roof drainage and divert it to your garden or landscaping to recycle non-potable water. Be sure to check your local rules on rainwater harvesting prior to installation.

For more information, check out the Code Council’s Safety Tool Kits and additional resources at iccsafe.org.

PHOTO SOURCE: (c) doble-d / iStock via Getty Images Plus


More Resources

Tearing Down the House
Last year, we bought this big ol' 1887 house. We are just now coming to grips with the magnitude of the "upgrades" planned.
Removing Your Old Wood Double Hung Windows
Last week I told you how to measure your wood window openings to properly order your new vinyl replacement windows. This week I'm going to explain how to remove your old windows.
Planning Permission Tips UK - Is Todays Popular Quest For Contemporary Design The New Bad Taste
Can you remember when people used to install slatted louvre windows as replacement units in their Victorian semis or the stone cladding revolution of the 1980's.We look back & 'tut tut' at these blunders with a comfortable glow of self satisfaction that we would never make such obvious design & development errors in our own projects - we have a far greater sense of good taste haven't we?Trends in the residential development world seem to go in huge swings of about 7 to 10 year cycles and it is often not until the end of one cycle we realise what the mistakes were which is usually triggered by the complete abandonment of the previous trend or methodology for another system.
Home Improvement Projects That Really Pay Off
Many of us watch TV shows and see the miraculous transformation of homes and gardens by professionals and amateur do-it-yourselfers. Is it really that easy, we ask ourselves.
Scented Candles - Take Me AWAY!
Remember the old Calgon commercial-"Take me away Calgon!" There's only one thing that can take you away faster than a Calgon bath, and that's a scented candle. Whether you want a breath of fresh spring air, or you want to transport yourself to a South Sea paradise minus the hassle of airport security, crowded, delayed flights and lost baggage, grab a scented candle, and travel wherever your imagination leads.
How to Use Do-It-Yourself Toxic Mold Test Kits
VANCOUVER, CANADA. Many homeowners, landlords, renters, property managers, business owners, and employees want to know, and need to know, the precise identities of the various toxic mold species inhabiting their home, rental property, or place of work, according to Phillip Fry, Certified Mold Inspector and author of the mold book Do-It-Best-Yourself Mold Prevention, Inspection, Testing, and Remediation.
The Benefits of Small Dehumidifiers
So it's too humid in your 10' X 10' bedroom. Or perhaps the steam in your bathroom is starting to make the wallpaper peel.
The Techno-Witch and Magickal Appliances
My favourite episode of Bugs Bunny is the one where Bugs turns into a witch and says: "We ride vacuum cleaners now".It is true that the vacuum cleaner can be substituted for a broom to do a spell.
Metal Carports: Steel Carport Guide
Buying a carport to protect your investment can be a very frustrating task. With hundreds of manufacturers claiming to have the best product, how do you know who to trust? First you must ask yourself, are they out to make a buck, or to protect my truck? The first line of defense is to know what makes a good carport and the second is to trust your first instinct and know that you are protecting your mobile investments.
Mexico: Who Farted?
Do you have embarrassing gas problems? Do you find this problem creeping up on you when you least expect it? I bet not.If you have lived in the United States all your life, I bet you've never seen a gas main or line and have just taken it on faith that it is there pumping gas into your house.
Light Up Your Life With Feng Shui
Feng Shui (pronounced Foong Shway or Fung Shoy) is the ancient Chinese art of luck management, which works by maximising the flow of energy (known as 'Chi') in your environment. Every object, inanimate or living, possesses its own energy field and also has an affect on the flow of Chi in your environment.
The Ten Most Important Feng Shui Design Tips
If you wish to learn how to manage interior design according to feng shui design guidelines, there are some major tips you must know. We wish to help you achieve a balanced and harmonic feng shui design for any environment you wish it to be.
How About a Jungle Mural to Put Some Swing Into Your Child's Room?
If your child loves all different types of animals, a jungle mural is a great way to make their room a fun and enjoyable place. You might be thinking how you will be able to achieve such a task, especially if you do not have artistic talents.
Art and Design
Maybe you've faced it before - a new house with an empty room or two. This room is just crying out for some furniture.
Ceiling Fan Blades
A ceiling fan consists of three basic parts, namely the motor; blades and the mounting device. The standard ceiling fans comprises of three to five blades.
Interconnects for Your Audio/Video System - Choosing The Proper Cables
Research & DevelopmentI began designing audio and video interconnect cables in 1988. I was asked to develop custom interconnects for discriminating audio and videophiles, who wanted to see and hear the quality of their components and the source material without added personality from their interconnects.
New-age Paint Thickening & Rheological Additives : Solvitex & Solvizen
For Paint Manufacturers worldwide, there has come a radical new development in the legion of Thickening Agents & Colloidal stabilizer for Aqueous Latex Paints. So far most of the companies producing aqueous Paint emulsions, the most preferred thickening agent was Hydroxy ethyl cellulose (HEC).
Types of Table Saws
A table saw is one of the most popular pieces of machinery used for woodworking. It consists of a circular saw powered by an electric motor that is mounted onto a table.
Tuscan Style Decorating For The Kitchen
A Tuscan decorating theme can put some old world charm into your kitchen and make it a warm homey room to gather in. The Tuscan style incorporates warm earth tones along with natural materials and architectural accents to create a time worn look.
Fixer-Uppers: What To Fix
You've bought a house, a fixer-upper you can make some money on. What improvements and repairs should you make? First of all, you need to know this before you buy, as I explained in another article.

More Home Improvement Information:

Related Articles

Thinking of Remodeling Your Kitchen?
If you like to cook, or even if you just do it from necessity, having a homely, organized, and modern kitchen is probably important to you. Although, the traditionally kitchens are still out there, there are so many new, modern elements that can add luxury and class and convenience to any home.
The Advantages of Steel Buildings
Use of steel as a construction material has seen phenomenal growth in the last few years. Although steel buildings have been used in the commercial and industrial sectors for a long time, they are increasingly gracing the skylines of countries all over the world.
Save Money On Home Improvement Projects
Many of us avoid home improvement projects due to their expense. Granted if you are contemplating a "second-story" addition to your home, or the construction of a new "game-room", then most likely you will need to hire a general contractor to complete this task.
Tips on Ladder Safety
PLACEMENT?Ladders should be placed so each side rail is on level and firm footing so the ladder is rigid, stable and secure.?Boxes, loose bricks, or other loose packing should not support the side rails.
Building Your Dream Home - Part 2
Razing the CottageWith new house plans and permits in hand, subcontractors hired and a Septic Design in process, it was now time to raze the existing cottage. I considered employing the local fire department to burn it down, however I chose the demolition route instead.
Installing Vinyl Replacement Windows In A Wood Frame Opening
When we left off last week, we had removed the old wood sash windows and prepared the opening for the vinyl replacement windows. Now it's time to install your new windows.
Upholstery Fabric Will Give Your Furniture a New Look!
Upholstery fabric will put some new life into your old and ragged furniture. If you notice that your furniture has been starting to look a little worn and shaggy recently, upholstery fabric may be just what you are looking for.
Kitchen Remodeling Costs
It is important to prepare a budget for your kitchen remodeling plan before you start implementing it. Without a complete and detailed budget prepared before the kitchen renovation begins, you may get swept into a spending spiral of unbudgeted extras.
Key Bathroom Remodeling Ideas
One of the simplest ways to start planning your bathroom remodeling is to tour other bathrooms to get bathroom remodeling ideas. Pay attention to what you like and don't like.
Baking Soda for Cleaning
Baking soda is a common, inexpensive household item that can be used for many kinds of cleaning projects. In an era when we are all exposed to many toxic chemicals, it's nice to know that something so mild can be effective.
Garage Doors
You may think choosing garage doors is straight forward, however there are many things to consider, such as whether your garage is adjoining your property, is it a single or a double garage, how much clearance inside and out is needed and so on. Also, the appearance of the garage door can influence what material you use.
Laminate Flooring Is Attractive And Long Lasting
Laminate flooring is perfect for people who want to install a floor covering that is easy to install and combines the rich look of hardwood with the easy care of a laminate counter top. Laminate floors that have been constantly gaining popularity since their creation a few years ago.
Heres How To Know Which Kitchen Design Is Right For You
Kitchen design is a sea of opportunity filled with potential. Color schemes, wallpaper and other aesthetic additions will make up the design portion of your kitchen.
Single Pane Glass Repair in an Aluminum Frame, Part 2
This week we are going to continue our series on single pane window glass repair. Let's talk about broken glass in a fixed window, usually referred to as a picture window.
An Affordable Shortcut To Designing Your Dream Home
You have likely been making mental notes for years. Every book or magazine that you read and each home that you visit has become a source for pieces to the puzzle that can become your new home.
Light Up Your Life
A house or any particular room can be carefully planned, well thought out and perfectly executed but without the proper lighting it never really comes to life. A perfect example is a tile back splash in a kitchen.
Home Fire Prevention Effectiveness 1
Are you aware that you can lose all your personal belongings in a single fire?It's very sad when fire strikes your home. You lose everything.
How to Keep Your Tools Useful for Every Season
You don't want to keep your useless tools in your storage right? You will only fill up the room with broken tools, so you feel you want to throw everything out. Wow, that's really a good way to throw out money.
Got Attic Mold? Lets Talk Energy Conservation!
It happens to countless homeowners around the end of the year - you make the annual visit to your attic to collect the holiday decorations and what do you find? Spots and blotches covering the bottom of the roof sheathing.Worse yet - it turns out to be attic mold!What does energy conservation have to do with mold in the attic? Well if you take a step back and consider how the house behaves as system, they are often directly related.
What You Should Know About Steam Showers
"Steam" and "Steam Bath" Health Benefits:"Steam" and "Steam baths" in you own home. Why not? Researchers have found that steam not only is a benefit for skin, but also helps with the elimination of toxins within the body.