Because we live in the warm comfort and security of our own home, it can be easy to forget that we still live among potential safety hazards. Fortunately, these seven home safety tips will help you assess and analyze the hidden dangers that may be lurking in your home, so you can take corrective action and live in complete comfort.
#1 – Don’t forget safety housekeeping
By upholding fundamental safety procedures, safety housekeeping refers to preventing minor safety hazards. The following are wise safety maintenance practices. First things first: keep clutter away from stairs, stairwells, and steps to prevent accidents. Also, make sure all cords are out of the path of traffic. Keep items within reach, or safely retrieve them using a ladder or step stool, and keep drawers, cabinets, and cupboards locked while not in use. Make sure chemicals or other hazardous goods are stored securely and appropriately because your home surely contains some potentially toxic solvents and cleaners. When not in use, leave kitchen equipment unplugged or off.
#2 – Maintain a strong level of home security
Potential security threats are arguably one of the largest safety risks that can come with homeownership. These can include invasions, fires, floods, power outages, and worse. You should make sure to maintain proper home security by using a security alarm and door locking system at your home in order to prevent a possibly fatal incident. Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors should always be present in your house to ensure fire safety, and you should regularly check their batteries and test them.
Having an emergency action plan for your home, including an escape route, an evacuation strategy, and an emergency meeting spot, is always a good idea. Make sure to share these plans with every family member who resides in the home, and only give out house codes or keys to those you can truly trust. Do not announce your absence from home on social media when you will be gone for an extended period of time. Consider installing porch cameras, motion-activated lighting and cameras, or video door locks to increase security.
#3 – Remember home fire safety
Home fires can be exceedingly dangerous, if not fatal. There are actions you can take to make sure that high-risk home objects are free of any potential risk, even if it might be challenging to live comfortably and conveniently while having eradicated any fire threats. Keep stoves and counter surfaces clear of clutter, grease, and especially combustible items like hairspray, bug spray, or air freshener. Never leave food cooking unattended. Since it is simple to forget, be sure to set a timer that will let you know when your cooking is finished. Wear tight clothing when cooking as well to prevent anything from catching fire. If you have a fireplace, candles, or other open flames, never leave them unattended and place them far away from any combustible materials. It’s always recommend to have buy a fire extinguisher and find the best smoke alarm for your home.
#4 – Remove electrical risks
Despite being incredibly convenient, electricity also comes with a number of safety dangers if not properly maintained. To get rid of potential electrical risks, use the following electrical safety advice. Throw away any outdated or broken appliances, and replace any frayed or damaged cables and cords. When changing light bulbs, be careful to follow the right steps. Use extension cables sparingly, avoid overloading your electrical outlets, and only purchase electrical devices that have been approved by a reputable national testing lab. In addition, only a qualified professional should install or repair any electrical systems. Use electrical safety products for kids to minimise riskes around the home.
#5 – Practice the proper food safety procedures
Common sense doesn’t always apply to food safety, and food-borne illnesses and kitchen injuries are quite real. The following safety advice will help you and your family avoid potential threats to food safety. Maintain a clean and well-maintained kitchen, and be careful to prevent food contamination by keeping raw meat and fish away from vegetables. Before cooking, completely defrost frozen food; also, ensure that food is fully cooked by using a thermometer and being aware of safe cooking temperatures. When handling raw meat, always wash your hands, and use caution when using knives and other sharp kitchen tools to prevent cuts.
#6 – Have the right equipment available
Every standard emergency response tool should be readily available in your home. These things consist of:
- A first aid kit that includes bandages, gauze, antibacterial wipes, eye patches, painkillers, and other supplies.
- Medications for common illnesses including colds and upset stomachs.
- If necessary, your child’s inhalers.
- Calls to doctors, hospitals, or poison control centers in case of emergency.
- Anything more that might be required for your home’s particular requirements.
#7 – Make safe habits the normal thing
Sure, it’s simple for someone to regularly go about the house and remove potential safety issues, but to maintain safety in your home, it starts with encouraging safe behaviors and having open dialogues. Discuss safe practices with your family, guests, and neighbors, and instill the value of safety in your children.