When you are new to home ownership, it can be difficult to know what safety measures are necessary to keep yourself and your family safe. From something as easy as remembering not to leave your key under the mat on your front porch to installing an alarm system that is sure to keep intruders away, here are six important safety tips that you should remember for your home.
1. Home Security System
There are many different types of home security systems, the most in-depth being those with cameras that allow you to see who is outside and around your home 24/7. Most security systems will alert the authorities of any break-ins, and there are even some that alert emergency authorities for power outages, flooding, and fires. These security systems will give you peace of mind whether you are far from home or safely inside. It’s worth it, no matter the expense! Keep important contacts handy including website links for emergencies such as lost keys.
2. Smoke Detectors
This one cannot be said enough: Install and keep fresh batteries in your smoke detectors. Many people do not think that a fire could happen to them and a shocking amount will take the batteries out of their smoke detectors to use for something else. Make sure that you keep fresh batteries in your detectors and test them often to make sure that they are working. In the case of an emergency, you will be glad that you kept your smoke detectors working properly.
3. Gas Detectors
While it is less commonly thought about, a gas detector may be a great idea for the safety of your home. These detectors can tell when harmful gases like radon, carbon monoxide, and radiation are contaminating the air in your home. Much like smoke detectors, these detectors should be installed and tested frequently to ensure that they are working. Making sure these systems, for radon mitigation and others, keep you and your family safe from harm.
You can get gas detectors at places like The Home Depot and Lowes, but it is best to have a professional design and install your alarms. Companies like austdynatech.com.au are your best option because they have experience installing gas detectors correctly!
4. Secure Windows and Doors
Of course, you should always lock your windows and doors. Many windows are even sold with an alarm that will sound with any forced entry. If you have any sliding glass doors, keeping a pole between the doors is a simple and cheap idea to prevent any break-in attempts. The same can be done on a lot of windows.
5. Keep All Entries Shut
One important and easy way to keep your home safe is by ensuring that your points of entry are properly closed at all times. Doors and windows should remain closed—especially at night.
This is especially important when it comes to garage doors. Many people leave their garage doors wide open and most have the door that enters their house unlocked as well. To maintain the security of your home, it is crucial to keep your garage door shut, especially at night and in the early morning.
6. Do Not Leave Spare Keys Out
As convenient as it might be to leave an extra key under the mat in case you happen to forget yours, this is one of the biggest mistakes you can make for the security of your home. Therefore, it is necessary to prepare a contingency lockout plan by keeping a contact number of a trustworthy 24-hour locksmith handy just in case you are locked out.
Do not leave the keys to your home in obvious places such as under a mat, rock, or any other cliché hiding place. This is still very common! Whether you are going all out to buy a security system with all the bells and whistles (or in this case cameras and alarms), or simply ensuring that all of your doors are locked, these safety measures will give you peace of mind that you need to sleep soundly in your home.