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Safety
in Older Homes
I personally
am devoted to older homes. They are lovely, charming well built
and have much more character than most homes built today. They do
however have some special problems when it comes to safety. A list
of a few, but not all of these follows:
Building Codes - Construction codes have become much more
strict in recent years regarding safety concerns. Older homes will
not usually conform to those codes.
Lead Paint - is a serious concern in older homes. Lead was used
in some paints as late as the 1970's. Lead is toxic in any quantity.
Problems in older homes most often occur when either the house has
not been properly maintained or, conversely, when a home is being
updated or remodeled. Take the lead hazard very seriously. If you
live in an older home, have the home looked at by a professional.
The federal government provides a wealth of good and useful information
regarding lead poisoning and it can be had for free. Do not ever
attempt to remove, sand, or scrape paint in an older home without
first checking things out. Improper removal can create high levels
of absorbable lead that can poison you and your child. Remodeling
or paint removal done by neighbors can create the same problems
in your home and yard.
Railings - in many older homes are often spaced too far to prevent
a child from squeezing through. They may also be too low.
Stair Cases - many older homes feature narrow and/or winding
stairs that are difficult for young children to climb safely.
GFCI Outlets - are now required in kitchens and baths. Many
older homes will not have these. These are very important safety
features and should be considered when living in an older home.
Windows - Many windows in older homes have lost their counterweights
over time and will slam shut unexpectedly. This can smash fingers
and bonk heads if your child pulls out the object you have the window
propped open with!
Grounded Outlets - Some older homes feature antiquated wiring
that is not grounded. This should be corrected.
Go to the back to the main section.
Disclaimer:
Note, these lists are provided to start you thinking about safety.
We guarantee that these lists ARE NOT COMPLETE!
You will have to evaluate your own home. No list can anticipate
every circumstance. The personal health of yourself , your spouse,
children or other factors may dictate that you take precautions
not listed here, or that you ignore suggestions made here. Ultimately,
you are responsible for your child's safety. When you are unsure
or have questions always consult an appropriate professional. We
have made every effort to check the accuracy of our information,
but we do not guarantee it to be accurate or complete. Use your
own judgments and always seek the advice of a physician when appropriate.
These lists are intended only to help you identify potential problems.
Read our TERMS OF SERVICE
for additional information about the conditions and terms under
which this list is supplied. |
