Moving Into a New Home? Make Safety Your Top Priority

With the stress and business of putting your old home on the market, finding a new home to buy, then the packing up and moving, you may not pay much attention to safety.  I’m not just referring to being safe while loading and unloading boxes or finding the appropriate people to take care of your small children or pets during the process (although, that is important) I’m talking about the safety of your new home.  In this article we are going to list some helpful tips to help you insure your new home is safe and ready to provide you with years of enjoyment.

Fire Safety

Did you know the second leading cause of unintentional deaths in the home is fire?  Approximately 3,200 people each year die because of a fire and upwards of 390,000 fires are reported to fire departments on a yearly basis.  These numbers are staggering, considering there is a simple way to prevent a fire from taking your life and those of your loved ones; smoke alarms.

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) 20 percent of all smoke alarms in homes do not work, mostly because the batteries are either dead or missing.   When you move into your new house take the time needed to check these life-saving devices.  Replace old or missing batteries and be sure to check that they are all in working condition, if not replace them.

In addition to having working smoke alarms, mapping out an escape route in your new home can save time and lives if a fire should break out.  Be sure to make the entire family aware of the easiest and safest routes to take and hold a practice drill so in case of a fire, your family will know how to get out quickly and safely.

Carbon Monoxide Safety

Did you know 200 Americans die of carbon monoxide poisoning each year?  This silent odourless killer can trigger flu-like symptoms that include, nausea, headaches, dizziness, fatigue and shortness of breath.  Carbon monoxide is produced by fuel-burning appliances, including ranges, water and room heaters and furnaces.  If your new home doesn’t have a carbon monoxide detector be sure to install one.  In addition, be sure to have your new home’s chimney and vents professionally serviced.

Burglar-Proof Your New Home

According to FBI records, 3 out of 4 homes will be broken into in the next four years.  This can be scary, especially in a new neighborhood.  Take time to check your windows and doors for locks that are all working properly – doors should have deadbolt locks with a one-inch throw and reinforced strike plate, patio doors can be reinforced with a metal rod or a piece of plywood in the track.  If you have a garage, make sure the door is always locked and any door leading into your home from the garage has a sturdy lock, as well.  In addition, security lights are always a good idea to have installed in any dark spots in your yard and also removing any full bushes that can give would-be thieves a place to hide.  Another tip is to keep your valuables away from the front window – it’s best not to advertise the goods.  If you still feel unsafe, there are many quality home security systems available on the market today.  These are your best defense against an unwanted intruder.

By taking the time to check your smoke alarms, having a working carbon monoxide detector, safety inspections of your furnace and water heater, as well as burglar-proofing your new home, you can relax in the knowledge that you have done everything possible to ensure your new home is a wonderful place to lay down roots and to spend many happy quality years to come.