Tips To Keep Your Home & Family Safe

When you own your own home, taking care of it and keeping your family safe becomes a top priority. The good news is that there are lots of things you can do to keep them all well-protected. Here are 6 ways to keep your home and your family safe.

Smoke alarms

Smoke alarms will alert you when increased levels of smoke are detected within your property and are essential in any home regardless of its size. You can buy battery operated alarms which are extremely easy to install, however, hard-wired alarms are safer as they will continue to work as long as your property has a power supply.

If you don’t already have smoke alarms fitted in various locations around your home, it’s something you should prioritize.

Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Carbon monoxide detectors work similarly to smoke detectors and will sound an alarm should any carbon monoxide be detected. Carbon monoxide is poisonous to humans but even more deadly because it is odorless, colorless, and tasteless.

Battery and hard-wired options are available and should be fitted in any property where gas, oil, or solid fuel is burnt.

Security Alarms

If you don’t already have a home security alarm system, it is worth considering. People may suggest that locking doors and windows is sufficient, but if you want to ensure that your property is safe from unwanted intrusion, alarming your home is the way forward.

There are many different types of alarm systems available, so it’s worthwhile talking to a specialist to find out what is best suited for your home as well as your budget.

Social Media

If you are a bit of a social media addict and love sharing details of your every move, bear in mind that you could be increasing your risk of being a victim of crime. Not everyone is trustworthy, so before you post the itinerary of your latest vacation or announce that you are going out for the day, think about who could be reading it.

Social media is a great way of communicating with others, but the less detail you provide, the less risk there will be.

Don’t Use Appliances During The Night

If you are tempted to put on the dishwasher before you go to bed or regularly put laundry in the dryer to save time in the morning, think again as you could be putting your family in danger. If an appliance catches fire during the night, the first you are likely to hear of it is when your smoke alarm sounds.

If you intend to do laundry or any other household jobs around the home, do them when you are awake. The same applies if you are going out. Household appliances should not be left unattended, so don’t be tempted to do so to save time, as it’s a decision you may live to regret.

Going On Vacation

There are several things you can do to keep your property safe even when you are out of town. Before leaving, make sure all your sockets are switched off to minimize the risk of a fire. If you have lighting timers, smart bulbs, or smart plugs, program a few lights to go on and off at certain times in the evening. This will create the illusion of you being home and should reduce the chances of your home being targeted.

If you are on good terms with your neighbor, leave a key with them, and ask them to check your property once every few days to make sure that everything is ok. Having your property monitored will give you additional peace of mind and should help you to relax and enjoy your time away.