As a homeowner, it is your responsibility to keep your home safe for you and your family. This can sometimes involve getting your hands dirty with tasks you would rather not perform. Here are three safety hazards you should be aware of around the house that you can fix.

1. Insulation

In the past, many attics were insulated with insulation that was ridden with asbestos. You likely do not need to be told that this is incredibly dangerous. If you suspect that your home may still have this type of insulation installed, have it removed immediately. As an alternative, consider using spray foam insulation Maryland for a safer option that works just as well.

2. Poisons

If you are a family with small children, you know how keen they are to get into places they should not be in. Some of these places include medicine cabinets and the cabinet under the sink, in other words, places where you keep poisonous and harmful substances. If someone, especially a child, happens to ingest anything that you think may be toxic, call poison control for help immediately.

3. Fires

Fire hazards are one of the most dangerous things in a home. Kitchen appliances are some of the most dangerous of these. Always make sure that you turn off your oven or stove after using it, and double-check it if you think you may have forgotten. Simple measures such as these can mean the difference between a normal day and a huge disaster.

Your home needs to be a safe haven where you can escape from all the harsh realities of the outside world. Everyone needs their own space where they can relax. When you do not have to worry about the hazards listed above, you can rest easy knowing that you have made your home a safer place.

Unfortunately, smelling something musty and unpleasant in your basement is not uncommon. The smell’s root cause can vary widely, from being relatively harmless to indicative of a serious need for mitigation such as foundation repair.

Recognize Mold and Mildew

Mold and mildew spores float in our environments, so when conditions in your basement are right, the spores take hold and grow. This results in a musty smell that can also trigger allergies, harm your home’s structure or cause serious health issues.

Find the Water

Mold and mildew can’t grow without water, so the key to successful mitigation is finding and eliminating the water source. Water in basements can come from environmental factors such as humidity, condensation and poor ventilation or maintenance issues such as leaking roofs or pipes. It can also result from behaviors such as leaving damp clothes in piles or more systemic issues such as compromised foundations.

Know When To Get Help

If the water source is easily mitigated, then a DIY approach makes sense. You can insulate pipes that cause condensation, for example, fix a leaky window or stop leaving wet clothes lingering in laundry baskets. However, if you see water seeping through your foundation or identify visible cracks in your basement walls, call a professional who specializes in basement and foundation repair and waterproofing.

Dehumidify and Clean the Mold

If you choose a DIY route, after eliminating the water source, get your humidity to under 60% using a dehumidifier. Then get rid of anything that may contain mold, such as damp boxes and papers or compromised furniture. Wash and dry clothing and other launderable materials on the hottest setting available. Finally, clean any visible mold or mildew spots from surfaces with a 4:1 water-to-bleach solution. Use baking soda or vinegar to get rid of any lingering smells.