Your home is a place where you should feel safe and secure, and for many of us, that is the case. Others, however, are dealing with additional safety issues in Central Oregon and other areas.
The FBI reports that over 1.2 million homes are burglarized each year, meaning that having a more secure home is something we can all benefit from. Burglary might be the first problem that we want to tackle, but there are also other factors that should be considered.
Home safety also includes how you protect yourself and your family in the event of a fire, harmful toxins, and other hazards. Here are five ways to make your home safer that are easy to implement and cover all the bases.
Maintain your large appliances.
This tip almost seems like a no-brainer, but you would be surprised by the number of home kitchen fires each year. The rule not only applies to stoves, but washers, dryers, and your dishwasher, too. A leaky dishwasher could lead to a flood, and a blocked dryer vent is yet another fire hazard. Letting repairs linger can cause safety problems down the line, not to mention a hefty repair bill.
It can be worthwhile to ask if the appliance repair service will take an audit of your other appliances. For instance, if you were looking for appliance repair in Bend, Oregon, just mention to your technician that you have questions about the safety of additional appliances in your home. This would allow you to address repairs before they become a potential safety risk.
Don’t forget about the pool!
When thinking about the safety of your home, don’t neglect your outdoor spaces. There are millions of households in the United States with pools, but these come with certain liabilities that should be taken seriously. Unfortunately, there are thousands of unintentional drownings each year that make it imperative for homeowners to take proper pool safety precautions.
One of the best ways to consider child safety and protect your family and friends is with a safety pool fence. These fences are made of a strong mesh material that surrounds the perimeter of your above or in ground pool and serves as a barrier to open water. You can install the fence yourself or find a pool fence company to do it.
Another added layer of protection to your swimming pool is a self-closing gate. These are simple ways to make your home safer when you have children or frequently host backyard activities.
Keep your windows locked.
The type of windows and coverings that you choose can impact overall safety. Make sure that all of your sliding windows have functional latches and lock properly. This is just the first line of defense, as you can add additional safety features to make them even more secure.
Consider reinforcing the glass with a durable security film that will prevent shatters. These can be purchased online or installed professionally, meaning there’s a fit for every budget. You can also research the pros and cons of window bars or get creative with your landscaping and put burglar-repelling shrubbery near lower level windows.
Taking a moment to think about overall accessibility and choose the extra security options that work for your home.
Install sensors around your home.
Let’s talk sensors. As high-tech as these might sound, sensors are a safety product that everyone should consider having in their home. These motion and sometimes temperature-activated alarms can be placed just about anywhere, with the most practical areas being your doors and windows.
If your doors are opened or even an odd vibration is felt, you will get an alert sent to your smartphone. Another great feature of these sensors is that many of them can connect your smart home device, easily pairing with Alexa or Google Assistant. Always check to see if there is some sort of lifetime warranty when purchasing these types of products for the first time.
Get a security system.
Installing a security system seems like a lot of work, but it can be quite simple. These systems should pick up noise, let you know if someone is on your deck, and keep your slider windows more secure. There are numerous options on the market, giving you the option to self-install or hire a professional technician. If you go with a professional installer, you should be able to get a free estimate.
Either option works, but you should consider any added-value features that come with the setup. For example, look for a product that also has other important safety features such as carbon monoxide monitoring and a smoke alarm.
Also, research the customer service of the DIY product or self-installation service. Just as you would want to see reviews before hiring an appliance repair company, the same goes for security companies.