SIMPLE TIPS TO PREVENT SPRINGTIME SLIPS STEPPING INTO SPRING SAFELY
Sneaky Home Issues You Should Never Ignore
With wildflowers blooming and warmer temperatures calling us outside, spring is a great time to be in Texas. However, the season can bring unpredictable wet weather, increasing the risk of
Your home is your haven, but even the coziest spaces can harbor silent troublemakers. While some household quirks might seem harmless, ignoring them can lead to bigger, pricier problems. Let’s uncover common culprits and learn how to deal with them before they take over. Tiny Intruders and Mysterious Droppings The sight of mouse droppings can stop any homeowner in their tracks. Droppings, ants, and other pests indicate your home has unsealed openings, inviting critters in. Inspect spots like exhaust vents and garage doors for gaps or signs of chewing. When in doubt, call a professional. Ignoring pests is a recipe for health risks and more unwelcome guests. Mold’s Unwelcome Appearance Mold hangs out in the usual places — bathroom corners or the fridge ( oops, forgot about that yogurt ). However, mold on your living room walls or bedroom ceiling is a major red flag. Unexpected mold could point to a hidden moisture problem. Get a professional to evaluate the situation, stop the spread, and ensure your home stays safe for you and your family. Less-Than-Perfect Shingles Your roof works year-round to protect your home, so don’t let damaged shingles go unnoticed. A single missing shingle might seem trivial, but it can allow moisture to wreak havoc on the wood beneath. Before you know it, a quick fix turns into a costly nightmare. Inspect your roof or schedule a professional check-up — your wallet (and home) will thank you. Risky Stair Railings A shaky stair railing can seem like a minor annoyance until it becomes a major safety hazard. A quick DIY fix might work for short railings, but anything longer — or attached to a balcony — needs a professional’s touch. Better safe than sorry! What Lies Beneath Peeling Paint Peeling paint can be more than an aesthetic issue. If the paint flakes in square, scaly patterns, you might have lead-based paint underneath — a big concern, especially with kids in the house. Don’t tackle this alone; bring in a pro to safely remove the old paint and give your walls a safe upgrade. Your home has a way of hinting when something’s wrong. Listen to those little signals and take action. A bit of vigilance now can prevent major headaches later, keeping your sanctuary safe and ready for all of life’s moments.
slips and falls. According to the National Floor Safety Institute, slip-and-fall accidents account for over 1 million emergency room visits yearly. Avoid becoming part of this statistic by following a few tips to stay safe this spring.
Watch your step. Paying close attention to where you walk is important during wet weather — sidewalks, parking areas, and lawns become slippery when wet.
Always be mindful of where you step, avoiding muddy areas or puddles that could cause you to slip. Stick to well-established paths whenever possible, and take smaller, deliberate steps when walking on potentially slippery areas. Choose the right footwear. Shoes with good traction offer the best protection against slips. Hiking shoes are a great wet-weather option. Slip-resistant footwear is ideal, as it is designed to provide improved traction on wet surfaces. Avoid wearing smooth-soled shoes, sandals, and heels if rain is in the forecast because this type of footwear offers minimal traction. Be mindful of hidden hazards. Spring rains can lead to various hazards — some more obvious than others. Algae can be problematic on shaded sidewalks and wooden decks, creating very slippery conditions. Likewise, leaves and other organic debris left to collect can turn slick after rainfall. Also, be mindful of hidden pools of rainwater brought indoors by shoes and umbrellas. Entryways to public places such as office buildings and grocery stores are particularly prone to this issue. Know what to do if you fall. After a slip and fall, the first step is to assess your injuries and seek medical attention if necessary. When possible, take photos to document the hazard. In some cases, it’s more than just wet weather to blame. Texas law requires property owners to maintain reasonably safe conditions. Those who fail to address rain-related hazards, such as uncleared sidewalks, pooled water, and algae, could be held liable for any injuries. Slip-and-fall injuries can have lasting consequences, but proving negligence requires the expertise of a personal injury attorney. If you’ve been injured due to unsafe conditions, Aulsbrook Law Firm is here to help.
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