5 Attic Safety Tips You Need to Know About
While it might not happen all the time, there will come a day when you need to access your attic. When that happens, are you confident you can get up there safely? Do you know about the precautionary measures needed to avoid injury and prevent home damage?
Although most people don’t think twice about accessing their attics, it can be dangerous. Each year, approximately 90,000 people go to the E.R. to receive treatment for injuries related to falling from ladders.
With that in mind, here are 5 attic safety tips you need to know about.
5 Attic Safety Tips
Follow these smart tips to keep yourself safe next time you access your attic:
1. Wear the Right Attire
Attics are full of dust and insulation fibers. These tiny, microscopic particles float around in the air and can irritate skin and respiratory systems. To protect yourself from these things, wear long sleeves and pants. If you’ll be spending any time in the attic, up your protection by wearing goggles and a face mask, as well.
2. Install Lighting
Unless your attic is finished and well-lit, you’ll likely have to bring illumination up with you. Even a simple headlamp or flashlight is better than nothing. If you use your attic frequently, it may be worth investing in light fixtures that will brighten the space on-demand. Remember: you’re always better to be safe than sorry. For best results, illuminate storage areas and walkways to avoid tripping or stepping into areas that are not supported from below.
3. Ensure Proper Flooring
If your attic is like most, there are places where the floor is not framed in entirely. Stepping into these areas can cause serious falls. If your attic doesn’t have adequate flooring, don’t assume that you can walk on ceiling beams and stay safe. Instead, lay plywood down along your frequently-traveled paths. This makes the space safer for both storing items and walking.
4. Add a Handrail
The last few steps into the attic can be tough to manage. Give yourself an extra lift by adding a handrail at the top of the stairs. This simple addition can help you safely climb up and down from the attic.
5. Avoid Extreme Temperatures
Attics can be very hot or very cold. With this in mind, take care to visit your attic as early in the morning as possible (during the summer season) to avoid overheating. If you need to go up in the attic during the winter, time your visit with warmer temperatures. No matter what season it is, take frequent breaks to avoid dehydration.
The Case for Attic Safety
The attic is a critical part of the home. Ideal for storage and added square footage, it plays an important role. It can, however, be dangerous. Because of this, ensuring safety in the attic space is important. Following these five tips is a great place to start.
Want to avoid going up to your attic altogether? Invest in an Aladdin Storage Lift. This unique tool lifts your storage items into the attic with a push of a button. It’s an easy way to store things and ensure your safety.