Safety and security are top concerns for homeowners. A safe home lets you feel that your family is secure. Let’s look at seven simple, effective ways to keep your home safe.
Keep Your Home Safe
1. Prioritize Fire Safety
Fire safety is an essential aspect of home security. Verify your home has smoke detectors on every floor and near sleeping areas. Regularly check and replace the batteries in these devices. Also, create a fire escape plan and practice it with your family so everyone knows what to do in a fire emergency.
2. Secure Your Home with Deadbolts
A strong deadbolt on exterior doors will fortify the entrance when you’re asleep or away. For added security, install smart locks to unlock your doors without keys and monitor your entryway via an app while you’re away. Improve safety by installing a dust box in the door frame instead of the standard strike plate. Use long wood screws to install the dust box so it will stand up to frequent use and attempted break-ins.
3. Keep Your Home Safe with Adequate Lighting
Proper lighting helps prevent accidents inside and outside your home. Add illumination to hallways, staircases, and entryways to prevent falls. Outdoor lighting minimizes the risk of stumbling in the dark and deters criminals by giving them fewer hiding places.
4. Childproof the Home
If you have toddlers or young children, childproofing the house is a vital safety measure. Install safety gates and outlet covers and anchor heavy furniture to the wall to prevent accidents. Keep harmful chemicals out of reach, and secure cabinets and drawers with childproof locks.
5. Regular Home Maintenance to Keep Your Home Safe
A well-maintained home is a safer home. Regularly inspect and repair hazards such as loose handrails, uneven flooring, and damaged electrical outlets. Keeping your home in good condition helps prevent accidents and injuries. Order a home maintenance inspection every year or two to verify you haven’t missed necessary maintenance or repairs.
6. Create a First-Aid Kit
Every home should have a well-equipped first-aid kit readily available. Include bandages, antiseptic ointment, pain relievers, and other essential wellness items. A first-aid kit allows you to address minor injuries and accidents quickly. Take a basic first-aid course to know how to treat injuries properly and when to call for help.
7. Stay Connected with Neighbors to Keep Your Home Safe
Building strong connections with your neighbors is an excellent way to enhance safety in your community. Look out for each other, share important information about safety concerns, and collaborate on emergency preparedness. In times of crisis, your neighbors can be valuable sources of support.
Home safety and security involve more than just deterring criminals. With these seven easy tips, you can create a safer and more secure living environment for you and your family.
Homestar Inspection Services offers thorough inspections to homebuyers and sellers in northern Virginia, Maryland, and DC. Contact us to request an appointment for our services.