How to keep your family and home safe?
Photo by Tobias Tullius on Unsplash
Living in the comfort of your home can make you feel so safe. However, your home is also a place where potential safety hazards may be lurking around.
Would you like to assess your house and take corrective actions? You would not want to keep your family in danger, so check out these seven tips to keep your family and home safe.
Keep adequate home security
Security threats are big safety hazards. May it is a loss of electrical supply or a burglar, you should have adequate home security. A security alarm or a door locking system always proves useful in any home. It keeps the thief out of your property.
With your house keys or house codes, share them only with family members and people you trust. If smart doors are not your thing, a simple way to improve home security is to always lock your doors and windows. If you need to change or repair your locks, have keyside locksmiths check your home. Don’t be an easy target!
Having an emergency plan at home is also beneficial. What’s the escape plan? Where’s the emergency meeting place? Make sure to communicate these with the whole family. When you’re leaving the house for a vacation, don’t share it on social media. Your potential threats may just be lying in waiting for you to do that.
For additional home security, you can also consider having motion detector lights, porch cameras, and camera or video door locks.
Ensure safe housekeeping
Neglecting safety housekeeping may only result in minor safety hazards, but having good safety housekeeping measures is a good habit. It keeps those hazards at bay.
What are these basic safety practices? If you have people over 70 years old who are prone to falls and trips, toddlers, or anyone in between, you should reduce the risk of falls in your house. Clear your walkways, and declutter your hallways, exits, and steps. Rugs and electrical cords can also cause people to trip down so keep them out of the bay. You can also try non-slip mats. When not in use, keep your drawers and cabinets closed. Make sure that any harmful chemical is also stored appropriately. You should take home maintenance seriously.
Get rid of electrical risks
With our reliance on electricity, potential electrical safety hazards are present in our home. These hazards should be eliminated or reduced to keep our family safe.
If you have frayed or damaged wires and cords, consider replacing them before they do any harm. They can increase the chance of fire or electrical accidents. Similarly, you should also throw out the old or faulty appliance and regularly check other appliances for faulty plugs and switches.
With electrical outlets, never overcrowd them. Avoid overloading power boards with appliances if you want your family safe. When unused, use plastic socket closures on your sockets. If anything comes up, you should not try repairing outlets or electrical appliances yourself. Call a licensed electrician instead.
Store up necessary items
There’s nothing wrong with being overprepared. It’s better than being caught off guard. A first aid kit is a good way of keeping your home safe. If you already have one, check your items because they do expire. If you think something is missing, supplement it with what you think you might need in case of an emergency.
Aside from a first aid kit, other typical emergency response items that you should have include inhalers, medicines for common ailments, and even contact numbers of your doctor or hospital. Make sure that all of these are placed in an easy-to-access location in your house.
Have good lighting
Sensor lights are a good investment. Have them installed at the exterior of your home-front, back, and sides. They are helpful not only when you come home at night, but also when someone tries to sneak in. They can detect movement and may shock a burglar when they suddenly light up.
In addition to protecting the house from intruders, having good lighting will also help reduce falls and trips for those with poor vision who get up at night. Replace your bulbs immediately when they go out.
Maintain fire safety
House fires are highly dangerous and deadly. When a fire starts in your home, you may only have seconds or a minute to escape. That’s why it’s important to have proper fire prevention and safety that is known to the whole family.
If you don’t know where to start, go to your local fire department. They may be providing free fire safety checks. If your property is a two-storey home, you can also invest in a fire ladder. Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, heat sensors, and sprinkler systems can also make your home safe; have them installed.
Another simple practice that may keep you safe from fire is unplugging the appliance or turning it off when not in use. Keep your lamps, heaters, and anything that gets hot far from flammable items. If you also like scented candles and create a romantic ambiance at home, don’t leave them burning unattended.
Get ready for the weather
Preparing for the weather may seem a little paranoid, but it’s a smart idea. You never know when the weather may become harsh or potentially dangerous. Extreme temperatures, whether hot or cold, are also uncomfortable and may cause serious health consequences.
To prepare for it, you can set up free weather alerts that can be sent to your phone. It will help you to stay ahead of the game. You can also keep easy-to-prepare meals in the freezer to avoid going out for food when it’s heavily raining and the outdoor areas are wet.