#Home safety

[incognitopolls]

Ground floor = the same level as the road/ground outside, i.e. you could walk outside without going down a (full) flight of stairs. If you live in a split level or slightly elevated home, e.g. you go up or down just a few steps to get in or out, consider that ground level for the purposes of this poll.

If you live in a multi-story home where one of the floors that you live on is ground level and others are higher, select the most relevant "ground floor" option.

–

We ask your questions anonymously so you don’t have to! Submissions are open on the 1st and 15th of the month.

[pathetic-gamer]

me, an hour ago: "fuck, the stove is on! what do we do?" [immediately does all the wrong things]

PSA: What NOT to do when you smell gas

In this situation, we got home to a smell of gas throughout the house and discovered our gas stove was on without a flame. it was only a tiny stream, and everything turned out fine, but here's a brief list of everything we did wrong:

NOTE: this is for if you smell significant amounts of gas, not a blanket list for all possible gas situations. (If you aren't aware, the methane**/natural gas used in houses smells vaguely like sulfer, or rotten eggs - this is an additive, since it has no natural smell. It's a very recognizable smell, once you've smelled it once. It's not the same smell as gasoline.)

1. If your stove has an electrical/spark ignition, do NOT turn it off.

Spark ignitions often spark when turning on *and* off. Spark + Gas = Boom. Boom is bad. Avoid boom.

Instead, turn off the gas at the source, i.e. the physical valve at the meter. There may be a smaller valve near the stove. If you don't know where the shutoff is, the fire department will find it.

2. Do NOT turn on (or off) vents or fans.

In fact, don't flip any electrical switches - that includes lights, plugging in or unplugging appliances, etc. These cause sparks. Spark + Gas = Boom.

Also, don't start your car. obviously.

3. Do NOT open windows

counterintuitive, I know. This is mostly because you want to prioritize your exit, but it's also to keep the fumes from spreading outside, where you should be waiting for the ~professionals~ to come handle it.

4. DO take all people and pets outside.

Do this very first!! (one thing we actually did right - go us!)

This is obviously because you don't want to go boom, but you also don't want to suffocate. Gas is poison!

NOTE: the gas from your stove is probably methane (natural gas); carbon monoxide is what you get when methane burns, which is why your kitchen needs to be well-ventilated and the stove shouldn't be left burning for long periods of time, but the natural gas itself is *also* potentially deadly. Carbon monoxide detectors dont detect natural gas, so that's what the odorous additive is for.

Inhaling natural gas causes nausea, headaches, dizziness, and makes you just generally woozy, and eventually causes you to lose consciousness and potentially suffocate, just like carbon monoxide does. We don't want that.

5. DO call the fire department/emergency line

They'll check for other leaks, shut gas off if needed, then test for air quality and eventually clear your house for reentry. It takes like 1-2 hours for the gas to dissipate, generally.

Yay, you survived! Congrats!!

NOTE: if you find the stove has been left on with a flame, or it's on with no flame but you don't smell gas, then you should be safe to just open windows and turn on vents and fans to air it out.

idk, this was actually pretty scary, especially when we realized how much of our immediate response was wrong and could have turned a dangerous situation into a real disaster.

tl;dr: If you smell gas when you shouldn't be smelling gas, just get all the people and animals outside, shut off the gas line, and call the fire department or gas company. don't fuck around with gas. you're not overreacting, you're taking the proper safety measures.

**CORRECTED FROM ORIGINAL VERSION. Original said propane, but it's very much not propane, it's methane. too much Hank Hill on the brain, clearly.

[reality-detective]

Fireproof Super-Material Made From Household Items...

Starlite was a material invented in the 1960s that allegedly withstood 10,000°C temperatures.

Here, NighthawkInLight shows his copycat of the secret recipe, withstanding a still whopping 2000°C at less than 1" thickness.

The way it works: when exposed to high temperatures, it expands, creating a carbon foam barrier that pushes the heat away while forming an insulator.

The Recipe: 👇

2 parts Flour

1 part Corn Starch

1 part powdered Sugar

1 part Borax

1.5 parts Water

When mixed and formed and let dry, you have a fireproof tile with heat resistance claimed to be on par with alumino fire brick, while protecting against both insects and mold. 🤔

[defensive-tactics]

No Stranger Gets in Your Home

[constructionsafetynetwork]

Ladder Safety

Ladder safety is a crucial topic for both professionals and DIY enthusiasts. This article will delve into the best practices for ladder use and why adhering to these guidelines is vital for preventing accidents and ensuring safety. The Basics of Ladder Safety When it comes to ladder safety, the importance of selecting the right ladder for your specific task cannot be overstated. The first step…

[degankatz]

am I just from the Stranger Danger era where home invasion was discussed like a regular occurrence, or did everyone else's parents also walk them around the house at some point during childhood to see what hiding spots they could fit into in case of a dangerous intruder?

unrelated: did you know that a 5-year-old can fit inside the dryer, underneath the sink, and on the top shelf of the linen closet?

[johnb10]

Home Watch Services Canada

Benefits of a Home Watch Service Company

Do you stay in multiple homes at different times of the year? Do you feel worried about your vacant home? If the answer to both these questions is yes, then you need to read this article to know how to vanish your worries and have full enjoyment. How? Let us know the answer here and now—

Having a reliable neighbor or security cameras is always good. But if you think that you don’t need a professional home watch service company, then you need to think twice. That’s because you don’t have any idea about what is happening inside your home. Does your water heater or refrigerator require repair? Is your air conditioner working properly? For answers to these important questions, you need the services of Vancouver home watch services because they can document and provide date stamp photos of each visit for insurance validation if anything goes wrong.

Top reasons for using home watch services---

Burglary—One of the biggest reasons homeowners hire home watch service company is for safety and security. When your house is unoccupied, the chances of intruders barging inside are high. This means your vacant home becomes vulnerable to vandalism, theft, or burglary. But with weekly or periodical visits (check with your home insurance company or your strata regulations) by a trustworthy  company like HomeWatchCanada.Ca engaged in home watch safety services at different times can make your home appear as lived-in. That’s why residential home protection services can considerably reduce the chances of such untoward incidents in your house.

Failed appliances and faults in electrical systems—Can you imagine leaving your home unattended for a couple of weeks or months? You never know when the air conditioner may become faulty leading to smell or damage in your home. Power surges or strong thunderstorms can result in failed appliances. It can cause damages to your home including the collapse of the home security system (due to internet disconnection or broken modem), flooding in your basement, or a broken pool pump caused by overheating. Having a watchful eye from a professional company offering home watch services can make a difference.

Pest invasion, mold, and mildew—Animals and rodents like mice, rats, or even raccoons can invade your home in your absence. Insects like bees, ants, and termites can occupy the exterior or interiors of your home. Termites can damage not just wood but also your filtration system, insulation, books, etc. Mold, mildew, and other odors are common in a home that is closed up. But weekly interior and exterior check service by professionals of HomeWatchCanada.Ca can keep your home safe. Services offered during the weekly visits include detailed monitoring of the HVAC system for protection against mold, the opening of doors and windows (for proper ventilation), and supervising all appliances to keep your house ‘lived in’.

Owning multiple properties requires proper maintenance to prevent unexpected issues. Hence, it becomes important to get professional home watch services for keeping a close eye on your residential property. By hiring a company offering Canada home protection service, you can have peace of mind about the safety of your primary and secondary home while you are away. Moreover, you can make your next visit an enjoyable experience with your home in perfect condition to welcome you.

Do you have a vacation home or second home in Vancouver or Canada or Abroad? We, at HomeWatchCanada.Ca, have the experts to provide regular maintenance to your home. Hand over your worries to us and let our team of reliable and dedicated professionals keep your vacation home up to date for your upcoming visit. Contact home watch specialists today to stay assured that your home is in safe hands.

[janicebaker727]

Scents That Can Promote the Sale of Your House

The familiar aromas emanating from the kitchen make many of us feel at home when we visit our childhood homes. Many perfumes actually have a naturally relaxing impact or emit a subliminal smells of cleanliness. Therefore, it makes sense that you may utilize aroma as a stealthy secret weapon when marketing a home to create the impression that it is a tidy, peaceful, and relaxing space.

Vanilla. The cozy quality of vanilla is well-known. One of the main reasons the nostalgic aroma of freshly baked cookies makes us feel at home is because it exudes warmth and comfort. Vanilla, according to some, helps people feel less stressed and anxious.

Citrus. Lemons in particular from the citrus fruit family frequently evoke cleanliness and freshness. It's not a bad idea to place a bowl of lemons in the kitchen for staging purposes. The aroma may come from real lemons, but a bowl of fake ones will not.

Cinnamon. Cinnamon can inspire good sensations, just like how vanilla or pine can make you feel cozy. In an emergency, you can also use it to cover up offensive scents. I made the transaction that evening as the fragrance of Thanksgiving filled the entire house.

Pine or cedar. Well-being can be enhanced by the scent of cedar or pine wood. However, as pine has long been mishandled in cleaning solutions, don't use it excessively. The very last thing you want is for potential customers to believe that you are attempting to cover up the scent of a damp taxi.

Jasmine or green tea. Jasmine is frequently thought of as an underappreciated perfume and has a relaxing effect.

The greatest alternatives typically convey cleanliness, warmth, and comfort. People can relax and recall happy memories when they are exposed to pleasant scents. Selecting the best video doorbell camera is the best approach to let you know when someone is at your door.

[incognitopolls]

We ask your questions anonymously so you don’t have to! Submissions are open on the 1st and 15th of the month.

[estateedge]

Apartment Security: Essential Tips for Safe Living

When purchasing a new home, security often becomes a top priority for homebuyers, alongside other amenities. A dream home is not only about comfort but also about the safety and well-being of your loved ones. As urban living continues to rise, apartment security has become a significant concern for many, and rightly so. The level of security provided by a residential property can heavily influence your decision to live there. Here’s everything you need to know to ensure the apartment you’re considering is as secure as possible.

Essential Components of Apartment Security The security system of an apartment is its backbone. Without a comprehensive security setup, an apartment is not worth considering. A modern security system should include monitored CCTV cameras, security guards, and smart lock systems.

Security Guards A security guard is one of the most basic yet crucial aspects of apartment security. Every apartment building should have trained security personnel to monitor the entry and exit points and prevent unauthorized access. Before purchasing an apartment, ensure all entryways are covered by security, check guard schedules, and verify their training.

Security Features Look for advanced security features such as:

Access control through smart cards or biometric scanning Visitor registration with proper ID verification CCTV cameras in common areas like parking lots, elevators, and walkways These measures ensure that the building is protected from intrusions and enhances overall safety for residents.

Emergency Numbers Make sure that important emergency contacts, including local police, hospitals, helplines, and essential services, are displayed prominently in common areas. Having quick access to this information can make all the difference during emergencies.

Fire Safety Fire safety is a critical aspect of apartment security. Ensure the building has the necessary fire prevention measures in place, such as fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, and sprinkler systems. Clear and accessible fire escape routes, along with regular fire drills, are essential for resident preparedness during a fire.

Protection Against Natural Hazards In addition to man-made threats, apartment buildings should be resilient to natural disasters such as floods, earthquakes, and heavy rainfall. Construction techniques and materials should be chosen for their ability to withstand such events, and early warning systems like sirens can notify residents of impending disasters. Clear evacuation routes and designated safe zones further ensure safety in such situations.

Modern Apartment Security Systems Today’s apartment security systems are sophisticated, offering peace of mind through innovative devices and technology. These systems notify homeowners when someone enters their home and help monitor and protect their living space.

Motion Sensors Motion sensors activate security cameras when movement is detected, capturing any suspicious activity in real time. These sensors can be linked to alarm systems, alerting homeowners and authorities to unauthorized access.

Smoke Detectors Smoke detectors are essential for early fire detection. Integrated with smart systems, these devices can send alerts to residents’ smartphones, allowing for immediate action.

CCTV Cameras Modern security cameras provide high-definition footage and can be accessed remotely via smartphones. Smart doorbell cameras, such as the Google Nest Cam, store footage in the cloud for safekeeping and give homeowners remote monitoring capabilities.

Smart Locks Smart locks offer enhanced convenience and security. They allow residents to lock and unlock doors remotely via a smartphone app, and many feature biometric authentication or passcode entry, providing additional layers of protection.

Emerging Trends in Apartment Security As technology evolves, so do apartment security systems. Below are some of the latest trends that will shape the future of apartment security.

Smart Sensors Sensors are becoming more versatile, integrating with smart home systems and capable of detecting motion, leaks, and other anomalies. These sensors provide real-time alerts and help maintain the security of your home seamlessly.

Video Doorbells Video doorbells are increasingly popular, allowing homeowners to see and speak to visitors remotely. This feature provides an extra layer of convenience and security, especially when homeowners are away from their apartments.

Voice-Activated Smart Speakers Voice-activated smart speakers, like Amazon Echo and Google Home, are becoming standard in modern homes. These devices not only allow for hands-free control of security systems but also integrate with other smart home devices to provide an enhanced living experience.

Conclusion Apartment security is paramount in ensuring the safety of residents and providing peace of mind. Whether through physical measures like security guards or modern technology like smart locks and CCTV cameras, a secure apartment offers more than just protection – it enhances the quality of life. At Confident Group, we prioritize the safety and well-being of our residents, offering apartments equipped with state-of-the-art security systems. Our homes ensure a safe, comfortable, and convenient living experience for everyone.

[ezlivingconcepts]

Creating a Barrier-Free Home: A Guide to Accessible Home Design

Accessible home design is not merely a trend but a fundamental approach to creating living spaces that cater to the needs of everyone, ensuring that homes are safe, comfortable, and navigable for individuals with disabilities, the elderly, and anyone who might face mobility issues.

[grungebutsoft]

Reblogging this because everyone should know this

me, an hour ago: "fuck, the stove is on! what do we do?" [immediately does all the wrong things]

PSA: What NOT to do when you smell gas

In this situation, we got home to a smell of gas throughout the house and discovered our gas stove was on without a flame. it was only a tiny stream, and everything turned out fine, but here's a brief list of everything we did wrong:

NOTE: this is for if you smell significant amounts of gas, not a blanket list for all possible gas situations. (If you aren't aware, the methane**/natural gas used in houses smells vaguely like sulfer, or rotten eggs - this is an additive, since it has no natural smell. It's a very recognizable smell, once you've smelled it once. It's not the same smell as gasoline.)

1. If your stove has an electrical/spark ignition, do NOT turn it off.

Spark ignitions often spark when turning on *and* off. Spark + Gas = Boom. Boom is bad. Avoid boom.

Instead, turn off the gas at the source, i.e. the physical valve at the meter. There may be a smaller valve near the stove. If you don't know where the shutoff is, the fire department will find it.

2. Do NOT turn on (or off) vents or fans.

In fact, don't flip any electrical switches - that includes lights, plugging in or unplugging appliances, etc. These cause sparks. Spark + Gas = Boom.

Also, don't start your car. obviously.

3. Do NOT open windows

counterintuitive, I know. This is mostly because you want to prioritize your exit, but it's also to keep the fumes from spreading outside, where you should be waiting for the ~professionals~ to come handle it.

4. DO take all people and pets outside.

Do this very first!! (one thing we actually did right - go us!)

This is obviously because you don't want to go boom, but you also don't want to suffocate. Gas is poison!

NOTE: the gas from your stove is probably methane (natural gas); carbon monoxide is what you get when methane burns, which is why your kitchen needs to be well-ventilated and the stove shouldn't be left burning for long periods of time, but the natural gas itself is *also* potentially deadly. Carbon monoxide detectors dont detect natural gas, so that's what the odorous additive is for.

Inhaling natural gas causes nausea, headaches, dizziness, and makes you just generally woozy, and eventually causes you to lose consciousness and potentially suffocate, just like carbon monoxide does. We don't want that.

5. DO call the fire department/emergency line

They'll check for other leaks, shut gas off if needed, then test for air quality and eventually clear your house for reentry. It takes like 1-2 hours for the gas to dissipate, generally.

Yay, you survived! Congrats!!

NOTE: if you find the stove has been left on with a flame, or it's on with no flame but you don't smell gas, then you should be safe to just open windows and turn on vents and fans to air it out.

idk, this was actually pretty scary, especially when we realized how much of our immediate response was wrong and could have turned a dangerous situation into a real disaster.

tl;dr: If you smell gas when you shouldn't be smelling gas, just get all the people and animals outside, shut off the gas line, and call the fire department or gas company. don't fuck around with gas. you're not overreacting, you're taking the proper safety measures.

**CORRECTED FROM ORIGINAL VERSION. Original said propane, but it's very much not propane, it's methane. too much Hank Hill on the brain, clearly.

[sqwyure4]

Exploring the Future of Smart Home Security with SwitchBot Door Locks

Hello Smart Home Enthusiasts!

I recently discovered the incredible world of smart home security, particularly focusing on SwitchBot's innovative door locks. These smart locks not only provide enhanced security for your home but also offer convenience and ease of use. Imagine being able to unlock your door with just a tap on your smartphone or through voice commands!

SwitchBot door locks are designed with the latest technology, ensuring that your home remains safe while also integrating seamlessly into your smart home ecosystem. The installation process is straightforward, and their sleek design complements any door style.

If you're considering upgrading your home security, I highly recommend looking into SwitchBot door locks. They truly represent the future of home safety and convenience!

Looking forward to hearing your thoughts on smart home technologies!

Best, A Fellow Smart Home Enthusiast

[dailyplanet-loislane]

A Yuletide Blaze: When Holiday Cheer Turns Hazardous