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Our homes bring comfort and security and it can be easy to miss some of the potential safety hazards. There are important steps to take to ensure your home is more safe and secure. Taking corrective action to analyze the hidden dangers in the home can help you live in comfort.
Clear the Doorways
It can be easy to let clutter stack up near the doorways, especially if you have kids. However, this clutter blocking the doorways can lead to a safety hazard in the event of an emergency such as a fire. Clearing the clutter away from doors, stairs and ensuring all cords are out of the way can ensure everyone can make it out safely. Keeping things in easy reach such as files, keys, cell phones is also important if you need to quickly grab them to leave the home.
Maintain Home Security
One of the biggest safety hazards at home is potential security threats such as burglary, fires, carbon monoxide leakage, and sewage backup. There is also the risk of floods, loss of power, home invasions, or worse. An adequate security system can help monitor each of these areas. A combined system with motion detectors, smoke alarms, carbon monoxide alarms, window sensors, sewage and water level alarms can make the difference when protecting your home and can further prevent a catastrophe.
Home Fires
Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors should be installed in each bedroom and on each level of the home. Changing out the batteries every six months and doing an alarm check will prove the alarms are functioning accurately. When it comes to home fires, never leave the stove unattended. Counter surfaces should be free of clutter, grease and flammable objects should be stored in a secure cabinet such as hairspray, bug spray, and air fresheners. As it can be easy to forget cooking, it is beneficial to set an alarm to avoid overcooking food. Additionally, wearing tight clothing can prevent loose shirts from catching on fire.
Electrical Risk
Loose or exposed wires, open sockets, frayed wires, and cords can lead to fires. Overcrowding electrical outlets can cause shortages and damage to the socket. Old extension cords should only be used if necessary and should be new and certified by Underwriters Laboratory. If there are any frayed wires, cords or outlets contact an electrician to rectify the problem
Check Your Locks
Completing a lock check every couple of months will prevent intruders from entering. Locking the doors and making sure you can’t push the door open, or if the door shakes it may be time to replace the locks and add a deadbolt. A deadbolt adds an extra layer of security and goes about ¾ of an inch to the door jamb causing a secure sealed door. If you are experiencing problems with the doors, calling an experienced locksmith can help re-secure your home.
Window Check
Windows can lead to vulnerabilities especially if there is a broken lock, the window doesn’t close securely, there is a crack in the window or if it comes off the track. Always check the first-floor and second-floor windows. Although second windows are higher up, it doesn’t mean an intruder can’t access it.
Installing Security Cameras
Security cameras add an extra level of security especially if you are home by yourself. If someone comes to the door, you can see who it is prior to opening the door. Installing cameras on your porch, window, or at your doors will help secure your home and catch any intruders that may try to enter the home. Some security cameras and systems alert local law enforcement on your behalf if the system goes off when you are away.
Store Valuables Elsewhere
A rigid frame building that is a storage facility can help store valuable materials such as jewelry and fine art. Most storage facilities are completely fenced in, have security cameras, alarms and security. This reduces the risk of someone potentially taking those valuables in the event of an intruder.
Safety is of the utmost importance in everyone’s home. Taking these safety measures will help you secure your home and make it safer for you and your family.