Last Updated on June 19, 2024
From break-ins to house fires, owning a home has its fair share of hazards. But rather than living in a state of paranoia, you can take action right now to protect both your home and everyone inside. Use the following tips to minimize safety threats or to respond effectively if one arises. As a result, you can embrace home ownership with more peace of mind.
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Install Home Security Equipment
Always start with the basics of home security. Lock all windows and exterior doors, even when you’re home. This will deter potential intruders from accessing the space. You can also use exterior and interior light fixtures to discourage home invasions, as burglars often prefer to work under the veil of darkness.
Beyond these starting points, you should invest in a home security system with a built-in monitoring service. A home security system will ensure constant surveillance around your home’s perimeter. Smart systems will integrate cameras, sensors, and automatic lights for inclusive protection. Many also connect to a mobile app so that you can always access the system.
Change Up Your Lifestyle Habits
Another simple way to bolster home security is to change your normal behavior. For instance, close the blinds at night so no one can see inside. Or leave the TV running when you’re out of the house to fool intruders into believing someone is home.
A potential intruder might watch your house for signs of valuables inside, so dispose of all boxes after buying expensive items. Do not leave toys, tools, or other valuable objects in the yard, and take down landscape features that make burglaries easier to commit. Remove lattices, tall trees, thick shrubs, or other features that someone could scale to reach an upper-story window. Make sure the basement windows are securely locked as well.
Practice Fire Safety at Home
House fires are another prevalent concern, but a few effective fire safety measures will help minimize the risk factors. First, place smoke detectors in the kitchen, near furnaces or stoves, and other crucial areas. Each floor should have at least one fire extinguisher, and you will also need an evacuation plan ready if a fire occurs.
Look for access points that you can adjust to function as emergency exits. If your home has multiple stories, consider installing a fire escape ladder for quicker and safer evacuation. Finally, test the smoke alarms or other detection equipment monthly and replace batteries—or the entire device—if necessary.
Use Power Safely and Efficiently
Faulty electrical wiring is one of the most common structural fire hazards. If it’s been more than five years since your home’s last thorough electrical inspection, schedule this service with a qualified electrician as soon as possible.
You’ll also want to update the electrical panel when installing new home electronics or appliances. If the breakers trip frequently, take it as a sign that your panel cannot handle the current energy output. Look for any scorch marks, burning odors, or light flickers, then turn off power in these areas until an electrician can identify the problem.
Plan for Natural Disasters
Aside from home burglaries, electrical hazards, and house fires, planning for natural disasters is equally important. Install surge protection and whole-house generators in the event of power outages from hurricanes or other extreme weather. If your home has a basement, you’ll also need to install a sump pump to minimize flooding and protect electrical wiring.
Store critical documents in a weather-proof container, and stock your home with essentials such as first aid supplies, extra blankets, flashlights, batteries, and emergency radios to shelter in place. Keep at least one gallon of water and non-perishable food on hand for each person in your household for at least three days.
Stay Diligent to Keep Your Home Safe
Home safety requires diligence and attention to detail. Invest in the correct protocols and take these action steps to ensure your home remains as safe and secure as possible.
