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Moving from an apartment to a house has its perks, from having more living space to finally being able to enjoy a lawn. However, it’s understandable if you feel a bit frightened by the possibility of intruders or other safety issues. After all, unlike apartments, which typically have their own safety measures in place, a new home is often a blank slate. The good news is that there are plenty of steps you can take to make your home safer.
Whether you’re moving into a home in San Francisco or a house in Dallas, the key to feeling safer is planning ahead and taking home safety into your own hands. We’ve put together a list of home safety tips you should know, covering everything from security to fire prevention and childproofing.
Home safety tips to maximize security
Vigilance is the name of the game when it comes to home security. There are plenty of simple steps you can take, along with affordable tools and smart devices to help you monitor your property and deter intruders.
1. Invest in a home security system
According to a recent study, a burglar strikes every 41 seconds in the US, adding up to more than a burglary per minute and over 2,000 burglaries per day. A home security system may be one of the best investments you can make when it comes to protecting yourself and your home. These can act as deterrents since burglars are less likely to target a home if they know a security system is installed.
2. Install more lights to increase visibility around your home
In addition to a security system, motion-detecting lights are a great way to deter potential burglars or other intruders. The sensor can pick up anyone who approaches your home and illuminate them in the spotlight. Install these lights near each entry point of your home for an inexpensive and effective way to feel more protected.
3. Upgrade to a smart doorbell
A smart doorbell is a Wi-Fi-enabled intercom system that connects to your phone and provides a live video feed of your front door. Having a smart doorbell can help prevent package theft and let you see who’s at the door before opening it. It’s a small upgrade that offers big peace of mind.
4. Secure your home with smart locks
Smart locks are Wi-Fi or Bluetooth-enabled smart home devices that allow you to lock and unlock doors with the tap of a finger or a simple voice command. They eliminate the risk of lost or stolen keys and make it easy to 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 become acquaintances can be valuable and can offer you an extra line of defense from intruders. Neighbors can alert you if they notice suspicious activity or unexpected visitors.
6. Close curtains and blinds at night
Once the sun goes down and you turn your interior lights on, it’s very easy for others to see inside your home and difficult for you to see them. To ensure others aren’t spying on you, make it a habit to close your curtains and blinds every evening for added home safety. Intruders will often observe homes before planning a break-in, looking for signs that a home is empty. Invest in some high-quality blinds, if you don’t already have some, to provide you with more security.
7. Buy a security door
A security door adds another layer of safety to your home’s entrance. A security door acts as another barrier between your front door and front porch. They have their own lock and are usually made of a metal screen and thick glass, allowing you to see and hear the person outside without allowing them access to your home. These doors offer another level of home safety and security and act as a deterrent to potential intruders.
8. Reinforce your windows to prevent break-ins
If all other areas of your home are locked and secure, an intruder might target your windows as a last resort. Glass can be easy to break, which is why windows are considered one of the weakest points when it comes to home security. If you want to strengthen your windows and increase the time it would take for someone to break them, invest in window security film, which is placed over your windows to keep glass from shattering in the event of a break-in attempt. This can buy you time to react and call for help if you hear someone struggling to break in.
9. Secure tools and ladders
The last thing you want to do is make an intruder’s job easier. Store all tools, ladders, and equipment in a locked garage or shed so they can’t be used to break windows or access upper floors.
10. Take extra steps to secure sliding doors
Sliding glass doors are beautiful but can be vulnerable. Add a security bar, door sensor, or multi-pane glass to strengthen them and make forced entry more difficult.
Fire prevention and safety tips
A house fire is one of a homeowner’s worst nightmares, but taking the right steps beforehand can mitigate the damage or prevent fires entirely.
11. Regularly test smoke detectors
Smoke detectors are a crucial line of defense when it comes to fire safety, as they can alert you to small fires before they spread. Make sure you test them monthly and replace the batteries every 6 to 12 months.
12. Have an escape plan
In any emergency, the last thing you want to do is panic, and having an established escape plan is an excellent way to ensure a quick and organized evacuation when you need to exit your home urgently. Make sure everyone who lives with you knows the escape plan, and practice regularly.
13. Practice safe habits in the kitchen
Almost half of all house fires start in the kitchen, so making sure you practice proper safety techniques there will significantly reduce the risk of one occurring. Keep towels, paper products, and curtains away from heat sources, and never leave cooking unattended.
14. Keep flammable items away from heaters
As winter approaches and you dust off your home heating system, make sure you take proper safety precautions to prevent fires. Flammable items near vents and space heaters can ignite, so make it a point to clear the area around them.
Home safety tips for childproofing your house
15. Secure hazardous materials
Kids have a way of getting their hands on things when they’re not supposed to. Store harmful chemicals, cleaning products, and medications in locked cabinets or on high shelves.
16. Cover electrical outlets
Simply covering all the outlets in your home is a great way to keep kids safe. Cover any outlets that are accessible to small children to prevent electrocution.
General maintenance tips
Home maintenance might not be the first thing that enters your mind when it comes to home safety, but a well-maintained home can go a long way towards keeping you safe. Fixing small issues early can prevent accidents and bigger problems later.
17. Inspect your home regularly
Keep an eye out for anything out of the ordinary around your home. Any unusual sights or sounds might be a sign of an underlying issue that threatens your home’s safety. Check locks on doors and windows to see if they work properly. Make sure older appliances don’t pose a fire risk, and address potential leaks or foundation issues promptly before they lead to bigger issues down the road.
18. Make sure your home’s exterior is well-maintained
In addition to improving your house’s curb appeal, seemingly mundane tasks like mowing your lawn regularly, landscaping, and painting your home’s exterior can also make it safer. Thieves target houses that look run-down or poorly maintained, so going the extra mile to keep your place looking nice might make them think again.
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