We’re already one month into 2023, so it’s time to start working on those resolutions! One resolution and accomplishment you should have on your list for the year is an annual safety check for your manufactured home. Your safety and security should be a number one priority for 2023, so it’s essential to ensure that your home is secure from the top of your roof to the bottom of your flooring! Not to worry, though, because there are several things you can do this year to bring some peace of mind and ensure the safety of your manufactured home. Here’s a helpful list to guide your annual manufactured home safety check:
Inspect Your Fire Extinguishers
You should have at least one fire extinguisher in your manufactured home, ideally in your kitchen; if you have more than one, even better! Another great location for a fire extinguisher is at or near the entrance of your home.
To ensure that your fire extinguishers are still in working condition, it is important to inspect them annually. No, this does not mean spraying them in your backyard. Instead, you should hire a professional to do an inspection. Some fire extinguisher inspectors may visit your home, or you can take your extinguishers to them.
While fire extinguishers do not have an expiration date, their longevity does depend on how well you maintain them. Keeping your fire extinguishers in a dry, easy-to-reach location that is far from any possible chemical exposure is prudent.
What if you don’t currently have a fire extinguisher in your home? You must invest in a fire extinguisher in case of any emergencies. Fire extinguishers can be very useful for containing small fires before they become catastrophic.
Inspect Your Smoke Detectors And Their Batteries
The smoke detectors in your manufactured home are equally as important as a fire extinguisher. If there is a fire in your home, you may not realize it at first, and this detector will immediately alert you.
Smoke detectors are typically battery-powered, so it’s important to check that the ones in your home aren’t running on empty. It’s a good idea to check your smoke detectors annually to make sure they won’t fail if you ever need them.
Other types of smoke detectors may have batteries already installed in them, which means that the entire unit may need to be replaced when it loses its charge. These disposable units can be found at your typical hardware store and only need to be changed every few years. If you aren’t sure which kind of smoke detectors you have, call a professional to check them.
Make Sure Your Extension Cords Are Safe To Use
It’s more than likely that you are using power strips and extension cords in your home, and it’s important to make sure that they aren’t damaged. Nowadays, power strips are used for game systems, speakers, appliances and chargers, so they’re often found throughout the home. These cords are helpful and convenient, but if damaged, they may be a hazard in your home.
To ensure the safety of your home, check all of the extension cords. You have to ensure that the wires aren’t frayed or there is any other damage. If so, they need to be replaced immediately.
It is also important to note that some appliances should never use extension cords for power. For example, space heaters should NOT be powered through an extension cord. Additionally, you should never plug an extension cord into a power strip or overload outlets by using too many power strips.
Clean Your HVAC System
Your HVAC system is responsible for operating your furnace and air conditioning, which should also be checked annually. Make sure that your filters stay clean and your ducts have no mold or debris.
Your system may also have a condenser or evaporator coil, and these parts also need to be inspected annually. If you aren’t sure if you have these, you can call an HVAC professional to inspect your system for you.
Inspect The Trees Near Your Property
Another way to protect the safety of your home is by inspecting the area around it. You should check all of the trees that are in close proximity to your home and ask the following questions:
Do any of the trees make contact with power lines?
Do any branches pose a risk of breaking off?
Are any trees at risk of falling over entirely?
If you answer “yes” to any of these questions, you should hire a professional to take care of the issue. If you live in a manufactured home community, check with your community’s staff to ask about their policies on tree maintenance, as they might handle any issues for you.
Inspect The Foundation
Last but certainly not least, it is crucial to inspect the foundation of your manufactured home. You should inspect to make sure that there is no visible damage or signs of deterioration such as mold, cracks or leaks.
If you require other tips to maintain your manufactured home, reach out to us so we can help!
Adapted from MH Villager
