Our homes are supposed to be our safe haven, the place we go to escape the dangers of the world. Even young children think first of going home when they’re frightened or in danger.
So with such high expectations for the level of safety in our homes, it is essential that we do the things that are necessary to keep ourselves and our families safe from the many potential threats that can be present, even in our homes.
Periodically, do a safety review of your home to make sure that you’ve done everything possible to keep your family and property safe.
Deal With Pests
This may not seem like a safety issue, but if anyone in the home has an allergy to wasp or bee stings, it most certainly is. And for those living in warmer areas where these pests are active nearly every month of the year, you’ll need to stay on top of pest control as often. If this sounds a bit overwhelming, don’t hesitate to call in the pros.
When we first moved to California, we were taken aback by the amount of pest infestations that homes had. Some were overrun by termites, others were a haven for cockroaches. With two young and exuberant dogs, ticks were a big problem. Being warm all round the year makes for perfect living conditions for many kinds of pests. That was the first time we gave up the regular insect sprays from Walmart and hired professionals. We used Riverside pest control experts. They offer year-round wasp and yellowjacket protection to their Southern California customers, enabling homeowners to seek help at times of the year when their hands might be full with holiday planning. After eliminating wasps and yellowjackets and making a plan to manage honeybees with nonlethal techniques, exterminators can also do some work in the yard to deal with the widespread incidence of Lyme disease and other diseases carried by ticks.
Guard Against Intruders
One of the biggest challenges of home security is keeping criminals out without making the home feel like a fortress. You want the security without the inconvenience and appearance of the most effective tools like iron bars and heavy locks.
Fortunately, there are ways to achieve this. Technology is a big help, with video surveillance and discreet alarm components. But low-tech is good as well; bulky bushes near windows can make access difficult, and almost everybody has a nosy neighbor who knows what vehicles should and shouldn’t be around. Remember that well-placed lights are a serious deterrent to thieves. Check out ADT or even something like this here.
Be Vigilant With Pools
With the growing popularity of staycations and home recreation, swimming pools are showing up everywhere. These can be a great source of fun and exercise, but they obviously pose some dangers as well.
Most families do a good job buying locking gates and installing extra measures like pool covers and pool alarms, but those measures are worthless if they aren’t activated. Each year, make a safety talk part of the process of opening the pool. Impress on everybody how important it is to lock gates when the pool is unoccupied and to react when the alarm activates.
Keep Pathways Clear, Inside and Out
One of the most common fire code violations in public buildings is obstructed exits. Businesses may store things in these seldom-used areas, creating a hazard when a fire takes place. In fact, inadequate exits are a major cause of fire fatalities.
Your home may not get inspected like a business, but the same is true there. Keep stairwells clear of toys, laundry baskets, and all the other things that seem to find their way there. Make sure the area immediately outside each door is free of flower pots, chairs, and other barricades. In short, make sure you can move quickly through the house to every exit, then quickly out that exit.
Anywhere you go, there can be danger. When you’re out in public in unfamiliar places that you don’t control, that danger is higher. It shouldn’t be that way at home. You know every nook and cranny of your house, so you should be an expert on safety features. Install common-sense safety features, and be sure they are activated and properly maintained. With planning and attention, your home will be the safe place it should be.