Safety should top the list of priorities for every homeowner. Unfortunately, many people only think about it when it's too late. Use the tips below to protect your investment and make it safer for you and your family:
Test smoke alarms
Your home should not just have a smoke detector on every floor; you should test the alarm monthly to ensure they are working properly. While the presence of an alarm will give you a feeling of safety, it will be useless in a fire if it has gone bad or the battery has died. Make sure to replace the batteries once a year.
Create an emergency plan
Knowing what to do and where to go in an emergency is important. Create an emergency plan with your family, including escape routes and meeting places, and practice it regularly. Also, ensure that everyone in the house knows how to call for emergency services.
Childproof your home
How safe is your home for your children? Can they access medications? Children are naturally curious and can easily get themselves into dangerous situations. As such, it's important to childproof your home. You can do this by ensuring medications are locked in a cabinet. Chemicals such as cleaning supplies and other potentially damaging items should be kept out of reach.
Check the washer and dryer
Regularly check your washer and dryer to detect issues that could result in dangerous situations. For instance, you should replace old and worn-out hoses in your washer to prevent water from spilling out and causing water damage. Also, lint can build up in your dryer vent and cause a fire. Checking and cleaning your dryer vent will help prevent fire and other hazards.
Set up a security system
You can easily set up a security system or hire a professional for the installation and monitoring to help deter burglars and other criminals, especially while you're away. Alternatively, giving the appearance that you're home when in reality, you're away from home can also help prevent crime.
For instance, having a friend pick up newspapers and park in your driveway, using timers to turn on and off lights at different hours of the day, and keeping curtains and blind the way you usually do can give the impression that someone is at home.
Implementing these five home improvement tips will help make your home safer for you and your family. For the ultimate protection of your home, don't forget to get a homeowner's insurance policy. Our insurance agents will walk you through your options and guide you in choosing the right one for your needs and budget.