Having a safe home is something that all families worry about. When a new baby is brought into the house, parents can go overboard with babyproofing. We cover the outlets, put a baby gate on the stairs, and put all the sharp or fragile decorations into storage. This may seem excessive or obsessive, but when it comes to our children, it’s certainly better to be safe than sorry.
If you live in Texas, there are a few potential hazards to keep in mind that are unique to the area. Texas is a big place, but there are still a few common factors that every Texan has to deal with sometimes.
1. Venomous Snakes
For anyone who wants to enjoy their lawn or their land in Texas, knowledge of the local wildlife is a necessity. Texas wildlife agencies have identified 15 snake species that are considered dangerous. The state is actually home to some of the most venomous snakes in the world, from the cottonmouth to the copperhead, and with plenty of rattlesnake species in between.
If you have a yard, chances are there are snakes out there. Now don’t be too alarmed, as snakes are essential for any ecosystem and can actually help you out. A nonvenomous garden snake will keep your yard free of pests like rats or insects.
Wood piles are a natural hiding place for snakes, so be sure to keep these as far from your house as possible. Keeping your storage areas neat and organized will limit the number of spots that snakes can hang out. Most importantly, never stick your hand or foot anywhere you can’t see, like a hole in the wall. This is just asking for a snakebite.
Keep a first aid kit on hand for minor bites, and a quick reference guide of poisonous snakes can help you determine if the bite requires serious medical attention or not.
2. Extreme Weather Conditions
Because Texas encompasses such a large portion of the country, almost every type of extreme weather can be experienced there. From floods and hurricanes on the coast to droughts and tornadoes in central Texas, it is important to know what mother nature might throw at you.
Staying on top of your local weather forecasts is a crucial part of keeping your home safe. It’s hard to prepare for a flood, but it is still better to know that it might be coming than to be surprised.
If disaster strikes, you should call a restoration crew to your home immediately.
Companies that offer restoration services in Texas know how to minimize the damage and better prepare your home for future disasters.
Even if your home seems to be relatively unharmed after a major storm, it is still good to have a crew come out and inspect the situation. They will find things that you may not notice until later down the road, and small issues can often compound into larger ones if you don’t address them quickly.
3. Fires in the Home
Many parts of Texas are prone to droughts, and this often leads to wildfires and home fires happening at higher frequencies. Many families in Texas also live in smaller, rural communities. This means that if a fire does occur, it may take the fire department longer to reach your home.
Fires are almost impossible to deal with when they are in full effect and can devastate a home. You will have to reach out to Fire and Smoke Damage Restoration after a fire. Therefore, it’s crucial to take preventative measures so that no fire is started in the first place.
You want to ensure that there is a smoke alarm in every room. Keep candles away from cloth or other flammable material, and always put them out before leaving the room. If you use natural gas to heat your home, make sure your heater is properly maintained and serviced regularly.
Most fires occur because of negligence, so what it comes down to is just being aware of your surroundings at all times.
Leave a Reply