The Ultimate Guide to Keeping Your Family and House Safe
There are 2.5 million burglaries annually in the United States – 66% of these are home invasions, according to the US Department of Justice. If this number unnerves you, you’d probably want to ensure that your family and belongings are safe. Even if you feel secure, you should bear in mind that potential hazards may come unexpectedly.
What happens if you suddenly fall ill? How will this affect your family? Will there be other financial sources to maintain their lives on the same level while you are unable to work? While a life insurance broker will be able to answer all these questions, it is essential to take a few critical precautions when it comes to keeping your house and, therefore, your family safe.
You should eliminate possible fire or electrical risks or provide necessities, including a complete first aid kit. Moreover, you should maintain a security system containing smoke detectors and security cameras, among other things. Similarly, it’s essential to educate your family members about safety procedures and encourage safe habits.
Below, you will find the ultimate guide to keeping your family and house safe. Once you follow our tips, you will be able to be at peace with the world. Check it out!
Be Prepared For a Fire
One of the most common causes of death in the US is fire. Unfortunately, fires often occur when you least expect them to. As a result, you should take a few precautions to prevent a fire and avoid causing a major catastrophe. For instance, you need to have a smoke detector and a fire extinguisher at home.
Moreover, make sure all your electrical appliances are safe and properly maintained. This includes cleaning out dust from air conditioners and defogging units regularly. You should also install ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) designed to reduce electrical accidents by shutting down the flow of electricity when there is a loss of current between two points.
In addition, if you have children, you should invest in safety covers for outlets as they are not always careful while playing around or operating appliances.
Purchase an Emergency Kit
Everyone in your family needs to know how to handle minor injuries, such as cuts and scrapes, especially if you live in an isolated area without quick access to medical care. As such, it is essential to have a first aid kit inside your house at all times.
In addition to having bandages and disinfectants at hand, you should stock up on insect repellents containing DEET as well as sprays containing permethrin if there is a risk of getting bitten by mosquitoes and other insects. Make sure everyone knows where it is and learn first aid procedures just in case something happens.
Install a Security System
You need to ensure that your home and belongings are safe from burglary and other threats. You can do this by installing a high-quality security system in your home and on your property. Make sure you purchase a system with a two-way intercom and video surveillance. While you should take advantage of this technology to monitor your home, you should also install signs indicating a security system to deter potential burglars.
Similarly, you should invest in motion detectors, such as motion-sensing floodlights and doorbell cameras. These will help you get notified when someone approaches your home, even if they don’t ring the bell. Furthermore, make sure to include a deadbolt lock on all external doors and windows of your home to make it harder for someone to break in.
Keep All Valuables Out of Sight
Expensive items kept in plain sight may attract burglars. Ensure that you store your valuables in a safe and secure place, such as a sturdy, fireproof safe. If you don’t have one at home, you can buy one and lock it in a closet or somewhere similar.
You should also ensure that you don’t leave your keys, wallet, or other valuables in the car. Otherwise, burglars may break in through your car windows to grab them. Additionally, make sure to hide your spare key somewhere outside of your house.
Educate Your Family Members on Safe Behavior
Aside from knowing how to respond when a fire or an electrical hazard strikes your home, you need to teach your family members how to behave safely and encourage positive habits that will reduce the risk of accidents occurring within the house.
For instance, you should teach your children how to use fire extinguishers and what to do if they smell gas or hear strange noises from electrical devices. Make sure they know how to report these safety issues immediately. Similarly, you should teach them how to be cautious around sharp objects like knives and how to use them safely.
Stay Safe During a Natural Disaster
Natural disasters often have devastating effects on people’s lives, including property loss, injuries, and even death. You can minimize these risks by preparing for a natural disaster in advance.
For instance, you should have a survival kit readily available at all times containing food rations, water, flashlights, batteries, a first aid kit, and other essentials. Additionally, you should create a plan that describes how to evacuate your house quickly if it gets flooded or damaged by a natural disaster or other weather-related incidents. You should also know where to take shelter if the situation arises.
As you can see, keeping your family and house safe is essential. You should make sure everyone in your family knows how to protect themselves from physical harm as well as fire, electrical hazards, and natural disasters. You also need to ensure that your home is equipped with safety devices, such as smoke detectors and fire extinguishers, and that you maintain all the necessary household appliances in good working order.
Remember that keeping your family and house safe is not limited to the tips mentioned above. It is important to remain diligent and to take every precaution necessary to ensure your home stays safe at all times.