You may think your home is perfectly safe; but it and your family actually may be under threat. You could be breathing in toxins that are making you or your family members sick. Or, your house may have hidden issues that can cause structural problems or worse.

The first step to protecting your home and family is knowledge. Here are 4 unseen hazards that may be jeopardizing the safety of your home and family.

1. Carbon monoxide

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, tasteless toxic gas. It is the leading cause of accidental poisoning deaths in America, according to the Journal of the American Medical Association. Carbon monoxide is produced by incomplete combustion in fuel-burning devices such as fireplaces, furnaces, water heaters, stoves, clothes dryers, space heaters and portable generators. Automobile exhaust from vehicles parked in attached garages also can produce carbon monoxide. To stay safe, have carbon monoxide alarms installed in your home and make sure they are working properly at all times. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers other preventative solutions.

2. Mold

Molds are fungi that grow in warm, damp and humid conditions – both indoors and outdoors. Common spots to find mold in your home are bathrooms, basements, attics or near leaking pipes. Mold spreads and reproduces by making spores. These spores can cause allergy and asthma symptoms, severe illness such as lung infections, and, in rare cases, death. To prevent mold, use a dehumidifier to keep the humidity below 50% in rooms that are prone to mold. Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for other prevention tips and instructions on clean-up procedures.

3. Termites

A termite is a small, pale soft-bodied insect that lives in large colonies. They feed on dead plants, trees and wood products. Termites can be found in every state, except Alaska. They’re a silent destroyer since you may not know you have an infestation until it’s too late. To find out if you have termite problem, you can have a pest-control company inspect your home annually. The Entomology Department at Ohio State University also offers other tips on protecting your home from termites.

4. Faulty Electrical Wiring

Defective electrical wiring can be extremely dangerous, leading to fires or electrocution. The National Fire Protection Association reports that in 2011, 370,000 homes caught on fire, resulting in over 2,500 deaths and $6.9 billion in damages. If your home is over 30 to 40 years old, it likely has an outdated electrical system, including obsolete circuit breakers, fuse boxes and older types of wiring materials. Frequently blown fuses, dimming lights, discolored or melting light socket fittings, shocks from electrical appliances or excessive sparking when a light is turned on are all indications that you have faulty wiring in your home. If you suspect you have a problem, contact a licensed electrician and have him/her examine and repair your home’s wiring immediately.

By uncovering your home’s hidden dangers, you can safeguard your home from loss and protect your family from illness and possible death.

At Grandview Lending, we’re concerned about your and your family’s wellbeing. We hope you never have to experience any dangers to your home or your family’s safety. And remember to keep us in mind for all your future home loan needs.

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