Simple Ways to Make Your Home Safer

A safe home gives you peace of mind and lets your family relax. Fortunately, making your home safer doesn't have to be complicated or expensive. Many effective safety improvements are simple, quick and easy to maintain. From fire safety to security and everyday hazards, these practical steps help protect the people and things you care about most.

Fire safety basics

• Smoke alarms: install them on every level, inside bedrooms and outside sleeping areas. Interconnected alarms sound together for faster warning.
• Carbon monoxide alarms: place them near sleeping areas and on each level if you have gas appliances or an attached garage.
• Fire extinguishers: keep one in the kitchen, garage and on each level, near exits.
• Test regularly: press the test button on alarms and replace batteries or units as recommended.
• Kitchen care: never leave cooking unattended and keep flammable items away from the stove.

Make an escape plan

Identify two ways out of every room and choose a meeting spot outside. Practice the plan with everyone in your household, including children. Make sure windows open easily and that security bars have quick-release mechanisms.

Safety isn't about worrying. It's about preparing, so your home can be the calm, protected place it should be.

Secure your entry points

• Install deadbolts on exterior doors and use longer screws in strike plates.
• Consider smart locks for remote locking and guest access codes.
• Add a video doorbell to see visitors from anywhere.
• Secure sliding doors with bars or additional locks.
• Lock windows, especially on the ground floor.

Light up the outside

Motion-activated lights around entrances, driveways and dark corners deter intruders and help you get around safely at night. Path lights reduce the risk of trips and falls on walkways and steps.

Add cameras and alarms

Security cameras covering entrances and driveways, combined with door and window sensors and an alarm system, provide strong protection. Many systems send alerts to your phone and can include professional monitoring.

Prevent slips and falls

• Install grab bars in showers and beside toilets.
• Use slip-resistant flooring or mats in bathrooms and kitchens.
• Make sure stairs have sturdy handrails and good lighting.
• Secure rugs with non-slip pads or remove trip hazards.
• Keep walkways clear of clutter and cords.

Check electrical safety

• Avoid overloading outlets and power strips.
• Replace damaged cords and loose outlets.
• Install ground-fault outlets in kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms and outdoors.
• Call a licensed electrician if you notice flickering lights, warm outlets or frequent breaker trips.

Protect against water damage

Water leak sensors near water heaters, washing machines and sinks alert you to leaks early. Automatic shut-off valves can stop the flow of water when a leak is detected. Keeping gutters clean and ensuring water drains away from the foundation helps prevent flooding.

Childproofing and pet safety

• Install safety gates at the top and bottom of stairs.
• Use outlet covers and cabinet locks.
• Anchor heavy furniture and televisions to walls.
• Store cleaning products and medications securely.

Keep emergency essentials ready

Prepare a simple emergency kit with flashlights, batteries, a first aid kit, water, non-perishable snacks and copies of important documents. Keep emergency contact numbers easily accessible.

Upgrade as you renovate

Renovations are a perfect time to add safety features, such as wiring for interconnected alarms and cameras, fire-resistant materials, better lighting and accessible bathroom designs. Planning these upgrades in advance makes them seamless and affordable.

Easy Answers

Want a safer home without the hassle? Our team can assess your home and install fire safety, security and accessibility upgrades quickly and neatly.