Keeping your home safe is an integral part of parenting and one of the essentials to having a happy family home. You want to ensure your children don’t get into danger when they are at home alone or with just one parent. Houses can be dangerous places, even if you think yours is safe; there may be dangers lurking that you have not thought about – especially if you have recently moved into a new house. So many things could put your family at risk in their home, from fires and intruders to poisonous plants and appliances that break easily and start fires. It can be difficult adjusting to a new house with new risks, but as long as you remain vigilant and follow these safety tips, you can stay secure in your home.
Change the locks
There are many ways a home could become less secure. For example, you may have had the locks changed for a new address or rented a house that didn’t have any. You may also have bought a house with some old locks that were not up to standard. As parents, you want to know that your family is safe, so if there is even a tiny chance that someone could break into your home, hire a locksmith to change your locks. Your locks will be your first line of defence against intruders. If a would-be robber knows that your locks are outdated and easy to break into, they could quickly get in and hurt you and your family. There are many different kinds of locks you can choose from, including locks and keys for your windows. If you are worried about intruders, there are also many smart locks that you can use with your phone.
Check your smoke detectors
A fire is one of the most common causes of death in the home. Surprisingly, many homeowners could have prevented fires in their homes if they had simply maintained their smoke detectors. You should regularly check your smoke detectors to ensure they work properly. If your smoke detectors were installed when you bought your house, you might need to replace them after ten years. You should also ensure that you have enough smoke detectors in your home. The amount you need depends on the size of your house. Your local fire department can advise you on how many smoke detectors you need. If you have young children, you should also have a smoke detector in their bedrooms. If a fire breaks out in your child’s bedroom, a smoke detector can give them time to escape.
Watch out for poisonous plants and chemicals
Poisonous plants are another common hidden danger in homes. If you have a toxic houseplant, it can be a danger to young children and pets. It is essential to keep these out of reach of your children. You may also want to check your cleaning products to ensure they are not harmful. Many cleaners contain dangerous chemicals that can be harmful if ingested or come into contact with your skin. Unfortunately, knowing which cleaners are poisonous and which plants are poisonous can be difficult. One way to stay on top of this is by keeping a list of everything in your home that could be harmful. You can also use online resources to check what is contained in everyday household items. Keeping track of these dangers can help keep your family safe.