safety Archives - All About Tiny Houses

Tiny House Safety: 5 Major Safety Issues You Can’t Ignore

January 28, 2020 | Comments 0 Comment

Living in a small quaint house sure does sound like a dream. And with the Tiny House Movement, that dream isn’t far from reach for many. Nevertheless, you still have to face issues such as tiny house safety.

Just because you’re living in a tiny house doesn’t mean you’re free from hazards. Below, we discuss these five crucial safety issues of living in a tiny house.

5 major tiny house safety issues

In the US, you will find many different types of small housing. The tiny house that we’re describing below is any dwelling that measures less than 400 square feet and is built on foundations, as defined by this review.

If you’re planning to live in a tiny house, you have to face reality. Having one isn’t a walk in real estate park. Read on to know more.

1. Fire hazards

burnt roof of an old house. — Burnt roof of an old tiny house

There are two common fire hazards in most tiny houses—combustible materials and space heaters.

If a tiny house is built with combustible materials, and you use gas or electric heaters and gas stoves, the fire risk is greater.

For example, plywood fire is a Class A fire, which means the fire can spread easily on a structure built with plywood. Therefore, if you’re planning to buy or build a tiny house, consider other non-combustible materials.

Fiberglass, for example, won’t burn when it catches fire—instead, it will just melt. Besides that, it’s also lightweight, strong, and an excellent heat insulator, which means you can rely on it during cold nights.

Moreover, because it’s a tiny house, you should watch out for space heaters. Appliances like space heaters commonly cause deadly fires in US homes because they easily overheat.

2. Carbon monoxide poisoning

a hand holding a white carbon monoxide detector device. — This CO detector will help save lives.

Carbon Monoxide (CO) poisoning is a common house hazard, but it’s deadlier than others since it’s colorless and odorless. Therefore, it’s very tricky to detect without a device, making it even more critical in a tight space with poorly designed ventilation.

Since a tiny house is often tightly sealed, you have to be three times careful with equipment. A gas-powered kitchen range, especially, gives off a lot of CO when you start it.

The CO level in your kitchen’s air elevates even more when you don’t use a range hood when using your gas range. So, don’t forget to use that range hood to reduce the harm of CO.

Are you still serious about living in a tiny house? Besides using a range hood when cooking, you can also invest in a carbon monoxide detector. In the US, 27 states mandate residential buildings with fossil-fuel burning devices to install at least one CO alarm.

Other cost-effective ways to prevent CO poisoning is making sure your kitchen is well-ventilated and letting a qualified pro inspect your gas range for combustion safety.

3. Indoor air quality

female Asian disgusted of indoor air quality in her house. — Indoor air quality has long-term effects on wellness.

Indoor air quality is a significant factor in your wellness. Whether you’re in a tiny house or a workspace, the indoor air quality will affect your physical health and even your productivity. According to this study, people perform poorly if they work in an area with terrible indoor air quality.

Now, in a typical residential house, improving the indoor air quality can be as simple and cheap as opening the doors and windows. However, in a tiny house, it can be a bit trickier. Compared to a wider space, where the moisture can dilute better, a tiny house with poor indoor air quality will bring you many issues.

Humidity problem

First, you might encounter a humidity problem. When a house in an already humid area develops a high level of air moisture, it will pose some risks to the occupants. People’s bodies might not cool down easily, exposing them to a risk of heat strokes.

Allergies

Another issue you might encounter with a humid place is allergies. Dust mites thrive on air moisture since they can’t absorb water. Their waste is particularly dangerous, as it can trigger allergic reactions like red eyes, sneezing, runny nose, inflammation, and itchiness.

Make sure to have an air purifier available in your tiny home.

Costlier electricity bills

With poor quality and circulation, a tiny house’s indoor air will easily allow dust buildup in the HVAC systems or Air Conditioning (AC) units. And if they do have dust buildup, they will work harder to maintain the required level of heat exchange in your house. What comes next will be a series of repairs or high utility bills.

4. Mobility inside the house

wooden interiors of a tiny house — Any occupant should be able to move freely inside a tiny house.

Mobility may be the well-known benefit of tiny houses, especially for the elderly who can still take care of themselves. Since all the facilities are near each other and easily accessible, older people won’t need to walk several meters just to relieve themselves.

However, mobility inside a tiny house might pose safety risks for most people.

For example, if a person injures themselves, and they use a wheelchair, their dwelling needs to have enough space to cater to wheelchair mobility. However, it’s rare for a tiny house to have ramps.

Another concern is the occupants doing different activities in the house at the same time. What if one person is cooking and another person is fixing something nearby?

They should be able to move freely to avoid bumping into each other. The stairs inside a tiny house shouldn’t be too steep as well to prevent falls and slips.

The point here is a tiny house should supply adequate mobility for each occupant. You can’t ignore this issue because people’s needs change, and so do the activities in the house.

5. Mold growth

disgusting mold growth on a white wall. — Long-term exposure to mold growth will worsen underlying upper respiratory diseases.

Mold growth is another crucial safety concern in a tiny house.

Humid spaces enable the growth of mold. Therefore, any small signs of growth in a poorly ventilated tiny house will blow up to a mold infestation in no time.

Wooden materials are especially notorious breeding grounds for mold. If you notice a rotten wood smell or a musty smell, you might be having a huge mold infestation. You should not dismiss this and identify the source.

If you find mold, you can instantly get rid of it. You can either use a soap and water solution or bleach to remove mold from a wooden surface. Bleach is a known mold killer.

Mold is dangerous for a number of reasons, just like the following.

Fever
Shortness of breath
Asthma
Coughing
Wheezing
Sneezing
Stuffy nose
Red and itchy eyes

If a person has a compromised immune system or an undiagnosed lung problem, they should be extra careful of living in tiny houses. They are more at risk for complications if they get exposed to mold.

Conclusion

Do you still think tiny houses are good investments? If you do, then never forget to address these five safety risks we listed. Tiny houses already have a bad rap to the public, so don’t add fuel to the fire by being even more careless with your tiny home.

8 Tiny House Safety Procedures: An Important Guide

November 5, 2019 | Comments 0 Comment

Did you know? According to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), more accidents happen at home than anywhere else. It also added that there are about 6,000 deaths per year as the result of a home accident.

The statistics added that falls are the most common accidents. RoSPA encourages everyone to take preventative actions to reduce accidents at home.

Accidents can still happen even in tiny houses. And for the most part, wheeled tiny houses are more exposed to accidents, especially whenever they zip the road.

However, by taking tiny house safety procedures, you can reduce or even prevent accidents from happening.

There’s a lot you can do to avert you and your family from home injuries. This blog post enlists the safety methods you can perform from building your tiny home to residing in it.

Are Tiny Houses Really Safe to Live In?

Petite homes offer shelter, comfort, and protection the same as large, traditional houses do, albeit the limited space.

Tiny houses are safe to live in, as long as you practice safety procedures religiously. Preventative measures should also be exercised when constructing your home and traveling from one place to another.

1. When Building Your Tiny House

When building your tiny house, the chance is that there will be no officials to look over your shoulder to ensure that you’re following the necessary requirements in constructing a house. But this doesn’t mean that you must cut corners.

Safety starts at the beginning of your project. When constructing your tiny home, you must use safety gear such as a safety vest and helmet. And ensure that everything you do is according to the code requirements.

This may sound like a hassle, but you won’t regret doing so. Don’t underestimate the potential dangers.

If it’s possible, take extensive training before constructing your home.

Do not use unsteady scaffolding, loose boards, and unsecured ladders. If you need to reach something, use a safety ladder, not a chair or table.

You must also stay dry, especially if you need to access zones where electricity is being installed.

And when you need to lift something, make sure you do it the right way!

Most importantly, be watchful! By being aware of all that is happening on your building site, you escalate your safety.

If you hire a professional crew to build your home and notice that they violate basic safety procedures or code requirements, you must report them immediately to the foreman.

2. Reducing Risk Inside and Around Your Tiny House

Home accidents don’t just happen out of the blue. They happen because we fail to notice the things that lead us to them.

For example, not cleaning up cooking oil spills can cause the floor to become slippery, which can then lead to an injury. The injury could’ve been avoided if only you took immediate preventative actions.

The safety tips mentioned below will help you reduce the risks inside and around your tiny house.

Kitchen

Cooking is fun, but your safety in the kitchen is a top priority. Some of the most dangerous items can be found in the kitchen, including knives, electrical appliances, and even bacteria.

So what can you do to reduce accidents in the kitchen area?

Do not put flammable objects near fire sources. Papers, plastics, and curtains, for example, must be put away from the stovetop, oven, or portable heater.
There must be space around appliances for proper ventilation. Otherwise, the devices may overheat and cause a fire.
Store sharp objects like knives and other similar tools and utensils in a drawer or a wooden block.
Make sure all electrical cords are not tangled to other appliances or are not draped across the stovetop.
When cooking, make sure to tie your hair back. Avoid wearing loose clothing when cooking, as well. You don’t want your hair or clothing to catch fire accidentally.
Keep potholders nearby and use them, but do not leave them near an open flame.
Clean up spills immediately to avoid slips and falls from happening.
Make sure there’s a fire extinguisher handy in the kitchen.
Always wash your hands before and after handling foods or meat.
Toxic and poisonous chemicals must be stored properly. Don’t place bleach or other similar chemicals in the kitchen.

Bedroom

Do not smoke in your bedroom. Your linen can easily catch fire, and you want to distance them from any source of fire or heat.
Use mattresses with flame-resistant protection.
If you’re sleeping in a lofted bed, make sure the loft is sturdy and can manage your weight.
Your phone and flashlight should be reached easily in case of emergencies. You are also very vulnerable when you sleep, so ensure you have a weapon within reach, pepper spray, for example.

Bathroom

All electrical appliances must have a safe distance from water.
Adding non-slip floor mats or strips can help prevent slips and falls.
Keep your bathroom clean and dry as much as possible.
If you’re using a DIY composting toilet, make sure to manage your waste properly.

Roof Deck

A functional tiny house roof deck is perfect for enjoying cold nights, but this zone can still put you at risk.

Falls are one of the most common home accidents, and it can happen on roof decks. So make sure to perform safety procedures in your roof deck to prevent accidents from happening.

Upon building your roof deck, use durable materials that can withstand harsh weather and wear and tear.
Know how much loading capacity your roof deck can manage.
Protect yourself, your kids, and your guests from falling from the deck by installing robust railings on your roof deck.
The access to the roof deck must be easy and safe for both young and old.

In the yard

Owners of tiny houses on permanent foundation enjoy the perks of having a yard they can garden in or walk their pets to.

But accidents can still happen in the yard. Hence, you must take safety precautions in it.

Install a sturdy fence surrounding your property.
When working in the yard in bad weather, wear the right footwear that will prevent you from falling or slipping.

Stairs

The steps must be dry and clean.
Remove objects in the steps that can hurt; Lego bricks, for example.
The stairs must be sturdy and well lit.

3. Living in a Tiny House with Children

Safety procedures must be exercised if there are kids in your tiny house.

Kids love to explore their homes, but they really don’t give that much care about the potential dangers. As an adult, there are things you can do to keep the children safe from accidents.

Choking

Suffocation and strangulation are two of the common accidents that happen to children. To prevent these from happening, you must:

Keep stuffed toys and piles of clothing out of cots;
Wrap blind cords in cleats installed to the wall
Inspect your kid’s toys. Avoid giving them toys that they might swallow.

Cuts

Don’t let your kids play with sharp objects. Knives and other similar tools and utensils must also be kept away from them.
Ensure that your children play toys without sharp edges that may cut them.

Poisoning

Prevent kids from eating or drinking harmful substances by following these safety procedures:

All medicines must be stored away from the children. Items that seem harmless can be extremely dangerous if consumed in large quantities by kids. And remember, just because your cabinet is placed up high doesn’t mean your children can’t get their hands on what is in them.
Laundry and cleaning supplies must be out of sight and out of reach of children.
Do not put cleaning materials in containers that were once used for food. This may lead the kids to get curious about what’s in the container is still ingestible.
Bad food preparation can also cause food poisoning. Keep the kitchen clean and practice proper hygiene when preparing meals.

Burns

Many household items can cause burns to kids. Here are some tips to avoid childhood burns:

Keep children away from hot beverages and spills. Do not cook, carry, or drink hot beverages or foods while carrying or holding a kid. Keep warm foods and drinks away from the table or counter edges.
Don’t let the kids get near a fire source. If possible, do not let them come near your stove, space heater, or radiator.
Keep hot devices out of sight and reach. Items like iron, water heater, and curling irons must be stored away.
Cover unused electrical outlets with safety caps.
Keep wires and electrical cord out of the way.
Hide lighters and matches. And always warn your kids not to play with fire.

4. Living in a Tiny House with Elders

Making your tiny house safety-proof is crucial, particularly if you live with older adults.

You must have a list of emergency numbers by each phone. If you’re moving to places from time to time, make sure to get the emergency hotlines of your locality. You should also know the location of the nearest hospital in case of an emergency.

If possible, let the elderly sleep in a lower bed instead of a lofted bed. It’s easier for them to access, and it reduces the risk of falling.
Make sure to tape all rugs to the floor, so they don’t move when you walk on them.
Always keep their medications within reach.
Clear clutter and electric cords.
Keep your tiny house — inside and outside — well lit.

5. Guard Your Tiny Home Against Fire

We need fire for cooking. While the fire is beneficial, it is also dangerous. Fires are a big concern in any house — big or small. However, because tiny houses have limited space, a small fire can quickly turn destructive.

It’s not unusual to make cooking mistakes when cooking. But you need to remember that these mistakes can lead to small-scale fires, and then to a disastrous fire.

So, you must take precautions so you can keep your tiny home safe.

The best way to prevent a fire is to make a plan.

The good news is that there are now hundreds of tools you can use to help you detect potential causes of fire.

Fire Detectors

Fire detectors come in different kinds. A fire detector identifies phenomena that may lead to a fire.

tiny house fire alarm — Fire alarms can help you detect early signs of fire

Smoke Detector

Some states require that your home must have at least one smoke detector.

A smoke detector alerts you if there is smoke present inside your house. The number of smoke detectors you must install depends on the size and number of levels of your tiny house.

Modern smoke detectors can now notify you via your phone, so you’ll know if there is smoke in your tiny house even if you’re far away.

Propane Gas Detector

Propane has a lot of use in a tiny house. You can use it for cooking and heating. Though helpful, it can also be dangerous.

Propane leaking may result in a destructive fire.

Smoke detectors only sense smoke, but not propane gas. Also, your nose can’t always smell a gas leak, no matter how good it is. So make sure to get yourself a high-quality propane gas detector.

Fire Extinguisher

If there is a fire already, you need something to put the fire out before it gets worst.

Having a fire extinguisher is common sense, but you’d be surprised to know that not everyone has it. Most people overlook the importance of having a fire extinguisher, which, obviously, is wrong.

No law requires you to have one at home, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have one.

The number of fire extinguishers you need depends on the size of your tiny home. If, for example, you have a two-story tiny house, then one for each level is advised.

Exit Access

Detecting fire before it becomes destructive is important. And urgently putting off a small-scale fire is also vital. But when the fire becomes rather harmful, you must get out of the house immediately through your exit access.

If you can extinguish the fire, do so thoroughly. But if not, you need to run to safety and call for help.

There should be no household items or clutter that block your way to your exit, so in case of a fire, you can easily escape.

Loft Window

Fires can happen anytime. And you’re most vulnerable when you’re asleep. So in case of fire during the night time, you must be able to escape from your tiny house through your loft window.

6. Keep The First Aid Kit Handy

First aid kits are a must so you can quickly treat ailments and injuries that happen at home. A first aid kit can help reduce the severity of the wound or ailment. It can also reduce the risk of infection.

7. Get Directions

You must know where the nearest hospital, fire department, and police station are, so you can quickly go to them in case of emergencies, and you can’t reach them out through your phone.

If you’re constantly moving to places, you must get information about the place you want to go before traveling.

8. Guard Your Tiny Home Against Intruders

Tiny house safety is not just about reducing risk and protecting your house from fire. It also involves protecting your household from intruders.

Do not open the door to strangers. You must also teach this to your kids and even to your aging parents.
Before heading to bed, make sure the windows and doors are locked.
Keep your phone and lights within reach.
You can install an intruder alarm that beeps when a culprit tries to enter your home. Some home alarms can notify you through your phone if someone tries to break into your house.