How to perform a quick home safety check in your house

Whether you’re moving in for the first time, or you have been in your home for years, it is always a good idea to perform a routine safety check. Your safety and the safety of those who live with you is a top priority. So, you should be frequently inspecting your home and performing regular safety checks. Not sure what to look for? Try adding these safety scans to your list of other regular home maintenance duties.

Start with the small stuff

Look closely at cords and wires to ensure that none of them are frayed or in areas where they could be potentially hazardous. Cords shouldn’t run under rugs or through doorways where they’re a fire and tripping hazard. Inspect outlets to ensure they are not too hot, which could be a sign of an electrical problem. If you’re using outlet extenders, make sure there are not too many appliances plugged into one outlet. Additionally, study ceilings and walls for abnormalities you might not notice if you weren’t paying attention, such as cracks, stains, or leaks, which could be symptoms of a larger problem.

Fires

An integral part of your safety check routine should be testing your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. It is crucial that you confirm their functionality, that you know what they sound like, and that you keep track of their battery replacement timeline. It is recommended that you have a fire extinguisher in your kitchen and on each floor in your home. If you are just moving in, make sure your home has a fire extinguisher that is not expired, or add one to your shopping list.. Even if you have been in your home for a while, make sure you always know where your extinguisher is and that everyone in the house knows the right way to use it.

Outside

There are a few things you can do regarding your home’s exterior during a safety check. For example, check that your house number is visible from the road. It should be reflective or large enough that emergency service personnel can see it. You should also inspect  your landscaping. Large bushes or limbs on the side of your home could not only provide a hiding place for an intruder, but also could inhibit any efforts to quickly exit your home or open a window in events like a fire. They also could come crashing into your home during a severe weather event.

Planning Ahead

Part of your safety check could consist of making sure you and other members of your house know how to act in the unlikely event of a home emergency. It is not a bad idea to create an  escape plan, put extra flashlights in bedside tables and or create an updated list of emergency numbers.

Keeping your home safe is your responsibility. Though these checks aren’t hard, they do take time. But, a little bit of preventative work could save a life and prevent major damage to your home. Just as you consistently maintain your house’s cleanliness and tidiness, put the same emphasis on maintaining its security.