Yard Safety: 3 Home Structural Dangers To Keep An Eye Out For
Whether you want to spend a few summer evenings carelessly swinging in a hammock or let the kids run around safely outdoors with friends, it’s impossible to enjoy your backyard unless it’s reasonably safe for all occupants. Unfortunately, there are several serious domestic hazards that can threaten the structure of your home as well as the safety of everyone dwelling there. These three structural dangers are certainly not the only potential threats, but they are some of the most common ones found around modern houses.
Electrical Lines And Utility Cables
One of the most deadly domestic hazards are electrical lines. Virtually every modern home is connected to the communal utility grid through a series of thick cables. While these are normally harmless, they can pose a significant threat when poles are damaged or if buried lines are accidentally surfaced. It’s never a good idea to dig deep holes, or allow kids to do so, without confirmed knowledge of the location of buried lines on your property. Overhead power lines can also become a serious threat if they fall or sag due to damaged infrastructure. Homeowners are advised to ensure their system structure complies with the codes and standards of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).
Dying Trees And Falling Branches
That old, sickly tree haunting the backyard is more than an eyesore, it’s also a potential threat to your home and its occupants. If there are any large trees on your property, then you should inspect them on a regular basis to make sure they are healthy and all branches are firmly attached. Consider hiring a professional tree trimming and management service, like Pete & Ron’s Tree Service, Inc., to trim away excess growth and remove diseased flora from the yard. Dying trees can cause thousands of dollars in damage to your home, encourage insect incursions and may be a safety liability for visitors.
Septic System Problems
Thousands of homes throughout the country rely on a local septic tank and leech field to remove waste from the home. These systems are completely safe when they are maintained and in good working order. However, foul smells or pooling of water in the yard near the septic site could indicate an overflow or leak beneath the ground. Homeowners with septic systems should have their system inspected on an annual basis and have the tank pumped regularly to avoid untimely problems.
Many homeowners enjoy the challenges and rewards that come with the experience of caring for a house and yard. As long as you are observant and take the proper precautions, many common structural dangers can be completely avoided. When in doubt, contact a professional to examine the situation and offer input based on their findings. It’s always better to deal with problems quickly, as putting off necessary repairs can cost a lot more down the road.
