We teach our children not to talk to strangers, to always be aware of their surroundings. We ourselves drive defensively to keep ourselves safe, we maintain awareness of those around us and what is happening around us to ensure we are safe. But, do you ever consider your safety within your home, too?
Dangers don’t stop existing once you walk through the front door. Some dangers are still apparent and should be checked regularly. Certain safety checks, such as servicing a boiler, might be a requirement by law, depending on your locale.
Without performing these checks, you could be leaving yourself, your family, your pets at risk of injury or even death. Faulty equipment is one of the leading causes of injury within the home, so always ensure that everything is in working order – and speak to an Oakland PI lawyer for more info.
Review these three steps below that you can take to increase your home safety – both in design and security.
Windows
Installing a window jammer can help to prevent potential burglars from entering your home via an open window. These only allow a window to open so far before the catch reaches its maximum level. This small gap allows fresh air to still circulate through your home but stops people from being able to pull the window open further.
While you can fit these yourself, it is always a better idea to have a trained professional to fit them for you. Some windows now come with jammers automatically, where you can set the opening and lock the handle down into that position.
Boiler Maintenance
It is recommended and, in some countries, a legal requirement to have your boiler serviced. This will be essential if you use gas for central heating, water heating, or even for using a stove top. Boiler servicing can also help you to stay safe as gas leaks can be potentially fatal.
A trained and qualified professional will come to your home and check all the aspects of your boiler and connecting pipes. Some boiler professionals are also trained plumbers too, so you could get your water systems checked at the same time.
Alarms
Whether you have smoke alarms, carbon monoxide alarms, or even a burglar alarm, it is best to test these on a weekly basis to check that batteries are working properly. If not, they need to be changed immediately.
According to U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), each year in the U.S., approximately 3,500 people die and 18,300 sustain injuries from fires. In 2005 – 2009, approximately 66% of reported home fire deaths resulted from fires in homes with no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms. (source)
Some smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are now integrated, and may also be wired into your household electricals which can give you further safety in knowing that you do not need to rely on simple batteries. Even so, these should still be checked weekly in case of connection or wiring issues.
Staying safe at home means ensuring that your house is fully capable of protecting you from incidents as well as unsavory people. These checks may not take very long, but they can make a big difference to your safety, and even your ability to feel relaxed and secure in your own home.
