Safety is an important consideration when it comes to homes. You want to make sure that you, your family, and your valued possessions are all protected. Discovering just how safe your home is in the foreground can bring you peace of mind.

Securing Your Home

One of the key aspects of a safe home is secure locks. Take a walk around your property and verify all locks secure correctly. Make sure window sashes lock, doors lock cleanly as well as sliding doors aren’t intimidated to be lifted off its track.

Some people prefer to have an enhanced home security system installed, where a security company monitors whether someone tries to break into your home. There are different types of home security systems available such as smart home security systems, CCTV, and alarm systems.

Smoke Detectors and Fire Protection

When was the last time you checked your smoke detectors? A surprising number of people neglect this safety feature, and this makes their homes much more vulnerable to fire damage.

Not only should you install smoke detectors, but you should also make sure they are working by testing them regularly. Check that the batteries are replaced frequently, or if you now have battery-operated smoke detectors that have a long-life lithium battery, test them annually to make sure they are fully operational.

You should also look at fire extinguishers, which should be kept in strategic locations throughout your home particularly the kitchen, garage and landing area. Replace your fire extinguishers and detectors every 10 years.

Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Carbon monoxide detectors are crucial, particularly if you have gas appliances.

Carbon monoxide is an invisible, odorless gas that can be lethal to humans and pets, and it is crucial that you have a carbon monoxide detector placed strategically in your home. Replace your carbon monoxide detectors every 7 years.

Lighting

Lighting has an important role to play, especially in the exterior of your home such as the entryway, walkway and gardens. Ensure that all exterior lighting is in good working order and is easy to access for easy replacement of bulbs.

Motion sensors and timers are also an excellent feature to bring on if they are not already installed.

Home Exteriors and Boundaries

Overgrown bushes, untrimmed trees, and lack of boundary fencing can make your home a considerable risk for burglars. Take action by making sure that trees are trimmed, bushes are chopped down, and all of your perimeter fencing is in good working order.

If you notice any broken fence boards or posts, whether they’re existing or new, replace or fix immediately.

Stairway Safety

A stairway is a potential accident hotspot in a home. Ensure there are handrails on both sides if you have staircases, and check that they’re tight and secure.

Fit skid-proof strips to the steps and the stairwell rails so seniors and young kids can confidently walk through. Keep all stairs and walkways clear of clutter or any instant items that could trip someone.

Hazardous Materials

If you store hazardous materials in your home, they must be correctly stored and have clear warnings of what they contain, particularly chemicals or flammable materials. They should have air-tight covers to avoid spills and cut-off valves to stop leaks.

For any out-of-date material, dispose of it promptly and efficiently to avoid any chance of it mistakenly used.

Appliance Maintenance

Regular maintenance of your appliances is essential for effectiveness and safety. Verify the expiry date of warranty of your appliances and pay attention to when their replacement or service is approaching.

Avoid running malfunctioning machines as they can pose serious health and safety risks. Don’t neglect the lint filter on your dryer, which can cause house fires due to the accumulation of highly volatile lint matter.

Water and Plumbing System

An overflowing drain can cause severe damage to your home and lead to safety hazards like the potential presence of mold or mildew.

You should regularly check pipes to ensure they’re in good condition and free from clogs, and that the lines are insulated to avoid freezing. A check of your plumbing fixtures to chip off any tarnishing and rust regularly helps to ensure the longevity of your plumbing system.

The Verdict

Discovering how safe your home is can prevent accidents, burglary, and other safety concerns. Investing in the preventive measures and keeping up with regular inspections can bring peace of mind and create a safe haven for you and your family.

Ultimately, safety is paramount, and taking a proactive approach is essential in ensuring that no accidents or other issues arise.