Home safety is a topic that’s very important, but often gets left aside when you are moving into a new place. You might be planning for a remodel or making home decorating decisions, while forgetting about some fundamentals. Fire safety isn’t something that most adults think too much about anymore, but it’s important. There are other safety measures you can take to protect your home, here are some of the basics.
Use Adequate Exterior Lighting
Did you know that simply lighting the exterior of your home can reduce your risk of being broken into? Not everyone thinks about how dark spaces around your home can create easier entry points. By using bright exterior lighting in different ways, you can create a safer space around your house at night. Using walkway lighting, lining the roof with lights, or even keeping your holiday lights up all year long can improve the safety of the exterior of your home. Lights can also reduce the risk of falling in the dark or tripping on other things on your lawn or walkway leading up to your home.
Upgrade Your Doors
Metal doors are a better choice than glass doors. Not only can no one see in, but they also are not as easy to break into. Make sure you install a peephole or doorbell camera so you can look outside before you open the door. Upgrading your doors from wood or even glass can make for a stronger entryway that’s harder to tamper with. You’ll want to ensure that you have not only a doorknob lock, but also a deadbolt.
Use Alarms
Use door alarms to alert you when someone is approaching your home. You can also install alarms on windows and sliding glass doors. This can give you a warning when someone enters through any of those spaces. Many people appreciate this as a safety measure to feel more secure in their homes.
Get a Doorbell Camera
Doorbell cameras are a great way to keep an eye on your home. They can help you see who is at the door and if there is damage to your home, as well as catching fire or other emergencies early on. They are also great for being home alone and getting to check who is at the door when the doorbell rings without even needing to go to the door. Doorbell cameras have become a popular home security device. When combined with other home security systems, they make a great option.
Replace Old Smoke Alarms
Smoke alarms should be replaced every 10 years, and it’s important that you test them regularly, at least twice a year to ensure the battery and alarm is working well. If you live in an older home, it’s also possible that your current system could be outdated and need to be replaced entirely especially if the alarms are hardwired.
Keep a Fire Extinguisher in the Kitchen
A fire extinguisher is for fires, especially grease fires in your kitchen. If you use it to put out a grease fire on your stovetop, the extinguisher will be empty and you will need a new one. Be sure to replace it every time you try using it. If you need tips on how to use it, you can go to the local fire department and they will teach you.
Don’t Overload Outlets
Do you have one of those plugs that seem to have 15 cords hanging out of it? This is dangerous and should be avoided. As a home safety tip, you need to avoid overloading outlets with too many plugs or devices plugged into extension cords. Use extension cords sparingly and be sure that if you do, you only plug in devices to it that are rated for the gauge of the cord.
Check Your First-Aid Kit
In order to be prepared for an emergency, it’s important to check the contents of your first-aid kit regularly. Whether you have kids or not at home, you never know when you’ll need a first-aid kit. Those kitchen knives can be sharp! The most important thing is to make sure that everything in the kit is up-to-date and not past its expiration date. You should also check for any missing items, such as bandages or antiseptic wipes and replace things that are missing.
