Deck & Porch Safety Tips

As summer approaches, we are urging homeowners to take the time to check outdoor areas for potential safety hazards. Proper inspections now can help to keep you family and friends safe in the future.


Porches can be at risk of collapsing if they are not properly constructed or if they are old. Your community has building codes in place that homeowners must follow when building or repairing porches. 

A common safety hazard occurs when porches are nailed to buildings rather than being attached with the proper anchors or bolts. Nails are a poor method for attaching porches to buildings because they work their way loose over time.
 
Other safety hazards to look for include:

• Split or rotting wood
• Wobbly handrails or guardrails
• Loose, missing, or rusting anchors, nails and screws
• Poor end support of the porch deck, joists or girders
• Excessive movement of the porch when walked on and swaying or unstable porches.
  

Building or repairing to your communities codes, which requires a building permit and an inspection, will help ensure that the porch is safe.
 

Your local building code officials, along with the New River Valley Home Builders Association work hard every day to ensure that your homes are sound and secure. Taking some time now to make sure the outside of your home is safe will make a more enjoyable summer for everyone.

Outdoor Safety Tips

As summer approaches, homeowners need to take the time to check their outdoor areas for potential safety hazards. While most people know that pools are a safety hazard for kids, there are lot more things to watch out for in your back yard, like barbecues and grills, lawn equipment and toys. Find out whether local building codes require childproof fences and gates around pools and plan accordingly.

Check out this list of zero to low cost steps that can help to keep your loved ones safe outdoors this summer:

• Practice constant, adult supervision around any body of water, including pools and spas.
• If you’re considering a swimming pool purchase, contact your local Building Department first to determine exactly what permits are needed and what requirements you must follow.
• In-ground and above-ground pools, including inflatable pools holding more than 24 inches of water, must be surrounded by a fence or other barrier at least four feet high. Any gates in the fence must be self-closing and self-latching.
• Designate the grilling area a "No Play Zone" and keep kids and pets well away until grill equipment is completely cool.
• Check propane cylinder hoses for leaks before use. (Source: USFA)
• Do not move hot grills.
• Never add charcoal starter fluid when coals or kindling have already been ignited, and never use any flammable or combustible liquid other than charcoal starter fluid to get the fire going. (Source: USFA)
• Dispose of charcoal properly, keeping ash containers outside and away from combustible construction.
• Place the grill away from siding, deck railings and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.
• Your jurisdiction Fire Code prohibits the use of charcoal and gas grills and other open burning devices on combustible porches or within 10 feet of combustible construction. There are exceptions for one- and two-family homes and where buildings and porches are protected by an automatic sprinkler system.
• Don't leave toys, tools and equipment in the yard.
• Reserve a spot on a wall or fence near the pool for lifesaving devices.
• Keep steps, sidewalks and patios in good repair.
• A common safety hazard occurs when porches are nailed to buildings rather than being attached with the proper anchors or bolts. Nails are a poor method for attaching porches to buildings because they work their way loose over time.
• Check all swings, slides, playhouses and other structures for sharp objects, rusty metal pieces, breaks or weakened support pieces.
• Learn cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). 

Courtesy of the International Code Council

Pool Safety Tips

Summer is right around the corner, and that means time for some fun in the sun, pool-side. Did you know that pool accidents are the second leading cause of accidental death in children under the age of 5? Check out our list of zero to low cost pool safety measures to help keep your loved ones safe this summer.