It’s August, which means that several Dallas schools will be starting their semesters soon. While the professionals at RestoPros get ready for seasonal changes in the weather, our customers and neighbors are getting ready for changes in their household. The back to school rush can be overwhelming for both parents and kids. Schedule changes and new routines present challenges for families with kids of every age. One of the more important, and often overlooked, issues that typical households must face every fall is safety. The transition from a summer home to a fall home is different for every family depending on various factors. But there are some common safety challenges inside the home that should be addressed every year.
Unplug Devices – One of the more concerning issues in today’s tech-driven environment is the ubiquitous use of devices. Like it or not, most kids today own at least one device wired to the internet. Whether it’s a smart phone, a tablet or a personal computer, kids are connected to the internet more than ever. This year take stock of all the electrical devices before everyone leaves home for the day. Make sure that any device left behind has been unplugged. Certain smart phone and pad batteries have been overheating and catching fire. In addition, even after a device has been fully charged, it is still drawing power. Save energy (and stay safe) by unplugging all smart devices and their chargers.
Smart Power Strips – A good way to ensure that all the devices in the home are “unplugged” is to set up a designated charging area with a power strip. A power strip is ideal for charging devices and electronics that need to be unplugged after use. A power strip can power multiple items and once it has been turned off, it immediately cuts the power to everything plugged into it. This is an easy and effective way to ensure all the devices left at home are disconnected at once.
Change Thermostat Settings – Do you have a programmable thermostat? If so, you should revisit the settings to make sure that they reflect the new household schedule. If the house will be empty for most of the day, raise the thermostat setting while maintaining a healthy humidity. The weather in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area will remain hot and humid through October, so maintaining a healthy indoor air quality is important. You need to be mindful of the humidity to ensure that increased moisture doesn’t start to affect the home. Program your thermostat to begin cooling the house about a half an hour before the first person returns for the day.
Humidity Damage in Your Dallas Home
Safe and Secure – Most residential burglaries take place on week days between 10am and 3pm, when people are most likely to be away. The first few weeks during the school/vacation transition can be chaotic, which means that certain safety practices can be overlooked. If you have a security system, make sure that it activated before you the home. Be sure to alert neighbors of your new schedule – and be extra mindful of locking doors and windows before you leave.
Neighborhood Safety Tips for Parents
Smoke & CO2 Detectors – Make sure to test your smoke and CO2 detectors before the back to school rush. If you have smoke and CO2 detectors that are a part of a home security package, make sure that they are in working order. Check the batteries on all detectors and alarms, even if they are the more common battery-operated designs. Most have a test button that allows you to check the battery life. There are more residential fires (and CO2 leaks) in the fall and winter, so be sure that your detectors are in correct working order.
Latch Key Connections – If you have a child who gets home before an adult, try to create a list of safety precautions for them to follow. Makes sure that they have the local emergency numbers – as well as close neighbors or family. Also try to choose a “safe house” close by in case they need to find shelter with adult supervision. A safe house can be the home of a friendly neighbor, relative or friend who lives within walking distance and is present during that after school period.
The first couple of weeks during the back to school transition can be chaotic and stressful. But don’t let that frenzied activity compromise the safety of your home and family. Take some time to go over these tips with your kids to ensure a safe and happy school year. Remember that RestoPros works around the clock to help our Dallas/Ft. Worth neighbors with all of their mold remediation and removal needs. Our professionals can always work around your busy schedule! Call us at 855-587-3786 to schedule an appointment with a technician today!
Related Blogs:
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