Moving from an apartment to a house has many benefits, from having more living space to finally being able to enjoy a lawn. However, it’s understandable to feel a little scared about potential intruders and other safety issues. After all, unlike apartments, which usually have their own safety measures in place, new homes are often a blank slate. The good news is that there are many steps you can take to make your home safer.
Whether you’re moving to a home in San Francisco or Dallas, the key to feeling safer is to plan ahead and take the security of your home into your own hands. We’ve put together a list of must-know home safety tips, covering everything from security to fire protection to child safety.
Home safety tips to maximize security
When it comes to home security, vigilance is key. There are many simple steps you can take, along with affordable tools and smart devices to help monitor your property and deter intruders.
1. Invest in a home security system
According to recent research, one robbery occurs every 41 seconds in the United States, which adds up to more than one robbery per minute and more than 2,000 robberies per day. A home security system may be one of the best investments you can make to protect yourself and your home. These act as a deterrent, as burglars are less likely to target your home if they know you have a security system in place.
2. Install more lighting to increase visibility around your home.
In addition to a security system, motion detection lights are a great way to deter potential burglars and other intruders. Sensors detect people approaching your home and illuminate them with a spotlight. Installing these lights near each entrance to your home is an inexpensive and effective way to feel safer and more protected.
3. Upgrade to a smart doorbell
A smart doorbell is a Wi-Fi-enabled intercom system that connects to your mobile phone and provides a live video feed of your front door. With a smart doorbell, you can prevent package theft and see who’s coming before you open the door. It’s a small upgrade, but it brings great peace of mind.
4. Protect your home with a smart lock
A smart lock is a Wi-Fi or Bluetooth-enabled smart home device that lets you lock and unlock your doors with the tap of your finger or simple voice commands. Eliminate the risk of lost or stolen keys and easily control access to your home.
5. Get to know your neighbors
You don’t have to become best friends with your neighbors, but taking the time to introduce yourself and get to know them is worth it and can provide an extra line of defense from intruders. You can alert your neighbors if they notice suspicious activity or unexpected visitors.
6. Close curtains and blinds at night
When the sun goes down and you turn on the indoor lights, the inside of your home becomes much easier to see for others, but harder for you to see. Make it a habit to close your curtains and blinds every night to make your home safer and prevent others from prying eyes. Before intruders plan a break-in, they observe the home and look for signs that the home is unoccupied. If you don’t already have high-quality blinds, invest in them for extra security.
7. Buy a security door
Security doors add an extra layer of safety to your home’s entrance. A security door acts as another barrier between your front door and your front porch. They have their own locks and are usually made of metal screens and thick glass, allowing you to see and hear people outside without giving them permission to enter your home. These doors provide another level of home safety and security and act as a deterrent against potential intruders.
8. Strengthen windows to prevent break-ins
If all other areas of your home are locked and secure, intruders may target your windows as a last resort. Windows are considered one of the weakest points in your home when it comes to security because glass is easily broken. If you want to strengthen your windows and extend the time before someone breaks the glass, invest in window security film. This is applied to windows to prevent the glass from shattering in the event of an attempted break-in. This gives you time to react and call for help if you hear someone trying to break in.
9. Secure tools and ladders
The last thing you want to do is make an intruder’s job easier. All tools, ladders, and equipment should be stored in a locked garage or shed and cannot be used to break windows or access upper floors.
10. Take special measures to secure sliding doors
Sliding glass doors are beautiful, but they can also be easily damaged. Add security bars, door sensors, or double glazing to make it tougher and harder to break into.
Fire prevention and safety tips
A house fire is one of a homeowner’s worst nightmares, but by taking the right steps in advance, you can reduce the damage or prevent the fire altogether.
11. Test smoke detectors regularly
Smoke detectors are an important line of defense when it comes to fire safety, as they can alert you to small fires before they spread. Be sure to test it monthly and replace your battery every 6 to 12 months.
12. Make an escape plan
When an emergency occurs, the last thing you want is to panic. Establishing an evacuation plan is a great way to ensure a quick and organized evacuation if you need to leave your home in an emergency. Make sure everyone you live with knows your evacuation plan and practice it regularly.
13. Practice safe habits in the kitchen
Nearly half of home fires start in the kitchen, so practicing good safety techniques in the kitchen can greatly reduce the risk of a fire outbreak. Keep towels, paper products, curtains, etc. away from heat sources and never leave them unattended while cooking.
14. Keep flammable materials away from heaters
As winter approaches and your home’s heating system begins to collect dust, be sure to take proper safety precautions to prevent fires. Make sure to clear the area around vents and heating equipment, as flammable materials can cause a fire.
Home safety tips to keep your home safe from children
15. Securing hazardous materials
Children sometimes end up messing with things when they shouldn’t. Store hazardous chemicals, cleaning products, and medications in locked cabinets or high shelves.
16. Cover electrical outlets
You can keep your children safe by simply covering all electrical outlets in your home. To prevent electrical shock, cover electrical outlets that are accessible to small children.
General maintenance tips to keep your home safe
Home maintenance may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of home safety, but a well-maintained home can go a long way in keeping you safe. Resolving small problems early can prevent accidents and larger problems later on.
17. Inspect your home regularly
Pay attention to anything out of the ordinary around your house. Unusual sights and sounds can be signs of underlying problems that threaten the safety of your home. Check that door and window locks work properly. Make sure your old appliances don’t pose a fire hazard, and quickly address potential leaks or foundation issues before they lead to bigger problems in the future.
18. Make sure the exterior of your home is well maintained.
In addition to increasing your home’s curb appeal, seemingly mundane tasks like regularly mowing your lawn, landscaping, and painting your home’s exterior can also make your home safer. Thieves target homes that are rundown or poorly maintained, so going the extra mile to keep your home looking nice may make them think twice.
