We all want to live in the safest home environment possible, especially in 2020 as we are all spending more time at home. As a homeowner or a renter, it is important to know the signs that your home may be unsafe. The more you know, the better prepared you will be to keep you and your family safe.

Pests
Common household pests can pose a variety of safety issues for you and your home. Did you know cockroaches can trigger allergy symptoms? People with asthma can also have severe reactions to cockroaches, aggravating their asthma symptoms even more. Even if you are not allergic, cockroaches can spread icky germs around your home that can adversely affect your health. These pests can carry all kinds of diseases that can infect humans. There are over 60 pathogenic bacteria, fungi, molds, parasitic worms, and viruses found in cockroaches. These pests transmit germs indirectly when humans consume contaminated food and water or touch contaminated surfaces. There are also many rodent borne diseases such as salmonella and hantavirus that can be transmitted by direct contact with rodent waste/saliva, inhaling air contaminated with rodent waste, being bitten or scratched by a rodent, or ingesting food or drink that is contaminated with rodent waste. Protect yourself and your family by pest proofing your home today and contacting a professional if you already have an infestation.

Lead Paint
Lead poisoning is far less common today but it is still a concern, especially in children. Many New York City apartments are older dwellings and even though lead-based paint has been banned for residential use since 1960, older buildings may contain old layers of lead paint. Lead paint was typically used on kitchen and bathroom walls and throughout homes on doors, windows, and wooden trim. Lead paint, and the dust it turns into, is the most commonly identified source of childhood lead exposure in New York City. Keep children away from peeling or damaged paint. Clean up paint chips and dust by wet wiping areas. If you are a renter, report peeling paint to your property owner. New York City building owners are required to identify and safely fix lead paint hazards in apartments with young children.

Unprotected Windows
Each year, young children are injured or die in falls from unguarded windows, even from the first floor. These tragedies are preventable with properly installed and approved window guards, which are required in many residential buildings. If you reside in New York City, homeowners must have window guards on their windows by law if children 10 years or younger are living in the home. Properly installed window guards are your best defense in preventing window falls. You can’t ever rely on insect screens to prevent a window fall. Screens alone cannot support the weight of a child.

Sentry Window Guards is your one-stop solution for window guards and windows. From start to finish, our professionally trained staff can assist you in your window guard project. We can troubleshoot, measure, fabricate, supply, and install all within a 24 hour period. All Sentry powder coated window guard products are warranted for life against rust. Sentry is also capable of matching any color that isn’t part of our standard color selection. For more information regarding our products and how they keep everyone safe at home in NYC, contact us today!