Healthy Homes Program

Healthy Homes & Communities 

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8 Tips for a Healthy Homes

1. Keep it Dry

• Be sure to clean up any standing water in the home, and dry out any materials holding moisture.
• Inspect your home for leaks, clean them up as soon as possible, and repair the leak source.
• Keep the humidity in the home down, dry conditions can help to prevent mold growth.
  • If your house is very humid, consider using dehumidifiers in problem areas.

2. Keep it Clean

• Control sources of dust and contaminants by clean regularly with wet methods – like mopping.
• Reduce clutter in your home so that you have less to clean around.  Less clutter also means there are less tripping hazards.

3. Keep it Safe

• Keep all chemicals and poisonous substances out of childrens reach, and make sure they are labeled.
• Secure things that could cause tripping, like loose rugs or electrical cords
• Be sure to have detectors for smoke and carbon monoxide.
• Have a fire extinguisher and first-aid kit on hand in the case of an emergency.

4. Keep it Well-Ventilated

• Fresh air should be supplied from outside of the home to reduce buildup of airborne contaminants
• Install vents in the kitchen and bathrooms to exhaust out steam, moisture, and cooking fumes. You don’t want these to build up in your home.
  • If you can’t install vents, open a window to vent outside while showering and cooking.

5. Keep it Pest-Free

• Pests can enter in a home through gaps, cracks, and openings to outside.
  • Seal all cracks and openings you find
  • Cut trees and bushes away from the house – pest like to use these as a path to get in.
• Pests come inside looking for food, water and shelter. Reduce the chances of pests by:
  • Putting food up in sealed containers
  • Drying standing water
  • Sealing tight areas where they can hide

6. Keep it Contaminant Free

• There are many sources of contamination in the home. Some common sources are:
  • Lead: Lead-based paint can be an issue in homes built before 1978. Learn more about lead hazards.
  • Radon: Radon is an odorless gas that can build up in homes. It is common in areas where there is a high natural uranium content in the soil. Learn more about radon.
  • Mold: Mold spores exist everywhere, but become a problem when they grow in your home. People can develop respiratory issues from inhaling mold spores. Learn more about preventing mold in the home.
  • Household Chemicals: Many household chemicals for cleaning are toxic to humans. Be sure to understand the side-effects of the chemicals you are using in your home. Look for the hazard label on the product to get this information.

7. Keep it Maintained

• Make repairs as soon as you notice damage to a home. A small issue can become a large problem if not taken care of quickly.
• Inspect your home regularly for issues.
• Clean thoroughly and often.

8. Keep it Thermally Controlled

• Avoid exposure to extreme temperatures.
  • Extreme hot temperatures can cause heat stress, while cold temperatures can cause hypothermia.
  • Hot temperatures can cause mold growth.
• Adequate insulation and consisten HVAC in the home is reccomended.

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Funding Opportunities

Single Family Housing Repair Loans & Grants in Alabama

Roof Replacement Grant – Strengthen Alabama Homes : For residents of Mobile and Baldwin Counties Only

Resources:

HUD Healthy Homes Webpage

HUD Healthy Homes Program Brochure

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Healthy Homes Grant Program Information

Notice: The application period has ended. We are not accepting any more applications at this time. Please check back for updates regarding future application opportunities.

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