How to Make Your Home a Safer Place for Your Family
We all like to think that our homes are the safest place for our kids to be but it’s an unfortunate fact that that is exactly where millions of children get hurt every year. So if you’re looking for ways to keep your family out of harm’s way, here are some pointers.
Prepare for Fire Emergencies
Being prepared in case of a fire is vital. That is why you have to install smoke detectors and equip your home with fire extinguishers. In order to prevent accidents, you should test your smoke detectors every month and replace the batteries at least twice a year. Teach your kids how to call emergency services and where to meet you when they get outside. The best way to avoid fire is, of course, making sure all your electrical work is done properly and keeping combustible materials away from any sources of fire or heat.
Be Careful of Poisoning
You should be aware of the fact that various substances around your home pose quite a threat to your family members. For example, in Australia, poisoning is most commonly caused by household products. Kids are curious creatures and it’s important to teach them that things such as air fresheners, nail polish remover and all sorts of cleaners are not to be played with. You should store these products on high shelves or in locked cabinets.
Watch out for Scalding
The bathroom, in general, is quite a dangerous place, not only for children. However, besides drowning and slipping in the bathtub, hot water can seriously burn a child. Therefore, make sure to always check the water temperature before your child gets in. You should also invest in anti-scald fixtures.
Regularly Check Your Appliances
Performing regular maintenance when it comes to your appliances is essential to prevent unexpected situations. See whether they are working properly and if you notice an issue, call professionals to check it out. If you’re located in NSW, turning to a reliable appliance service in Sydney will fix your problem in no time and your family members will not be put in danger.
Fix Any Electrical Issues
We already mentioned that faulty electrical work can lead to fires. That is why you have to make sure everything is done properly. Seeing as how it’s illegal to do any electric work on your own in Australia, get a professional to check everything and fix what needs fixing.
Secure the Windows
When it comes to windows, you have to think about two things. The first one is preventing your child from falling out of a window. In order to do that, you should install window guards or window stops. The other thing concerns safety in case of a fire. You have to make sure you can quickly release the guards. Also, once in a while, check whether any of the windows are stuck.
Make sure the house is properly lit
Proper lighting plays a crucial role in the safety of your family. You can install sensor-activated lights in some more slippery or dangerous areas of the home, or at least some nightlights to help people find their way around the home. Furthermore, installing sensor-activated lights outdoors can deter burglars.
Invest in a Home Security System
Speaking of burglars, you should install a security system to protect yourself from any potential break-ins. There are plenty of models, so invest in a quality one that includes alarms and cameras. Moreover, motion-sensing alarms will emit a loud sound if someone tries to break open a door or window, which will definitely surprise the thief.
Protecting your family is probably your top priority, so take these steps and you will stay safe and healthy.
Author Bio:
Patrick Adams is a freelance writer and rock-blues fan. When he is not writing about home improvement, he loves to play chess, watch basketball, and play his guitar. More than anything, he loves to spend his time in his garage, repairing appliances and creating stuff from wood.
