Top Tips for Protecting Your Home

 

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Protecting your home should be your top priority if you want to keep your family, and your assets safe. Not only should you increase the level of security that you have, but you should also take steps to free your home of dangers that will put your family and their health and wellbeing at risk. For example, by using smoke detectors, protecting the foundation of your property, and reducing hazards. Here are some of the best ways that you can protect your home and live with peace of mind. 

#1 Increase security 

Unfortunately, there are burglaries every 30 seconds, so it is important that you take steps to protect your home by increasing the level of security that you have. There are lots of innovative technological systems that you can choose from, depending on your needs and your budget. For example, you can invest in the following equipment:

• A video doorbell on your front door

• Motion sensor lights at the front and back of your home, and on your garage 

• Security cameras around the corners of your property (both internal and external)

These are a great way to deter any criminal activity as they are usually visible on the outside of your home, and ensure you can better keep an eye on your family. 

You can also secure your home better by upgrading your doors and windows, changing your locks, adding more locks on your doors, installing a burglar alarm system, locking your windows when you are not home and removing any hiding places outside of your home. 

At times, securing your home does not just mean physically. With most homes dependent on the internet, you must secure your home, family and assets from cyber-attacks. You should start with locking down your WiFi by creating strong passwords on your network hub and devices, and installing anti-virus and anti-malware software. 

#2 Protect your home from a house fire

It has been reported that on average 358,000 house fires happen each year, and the majority of these start from electrical malfunction, heating and cooking. It is therefore important that you regularly review your home for any risks or fire, as it only takes 30 seconds for the smallest flame to turn into a big one. Keep your family safe by:

• Installing smoke detectors in every room of your home and checking they work regularly

• Reducing the use of candles in your home

• Making sure candles and fireplaces are completely out when you have finished using them 

• Keeping items such as space heaters at least 3 feet away from blankets, curtains and any other flammable items

• Regularly inspecting your electrics in your home and all of your appliances

• Keeping your appliances clean, especially appliances in the kitchen that regularly build up fat and grease

• Making sure your family are aware of your fire escape plan and what to do in the event of a fire

• Equipping your home with a fire extinguisher and a fire blanket (and learn how to use them)

#3 Protect your home from mold and damp

Mold and dampness in your home can be detrimental to your family's health, as well as cause costly consequences to the structure of your home. 

Damp and mold can cause a plethora of respiratory issues such as infections, allergies, and asthma, as well as weaken your immune system. If you have young, elderly or vulnerable family members living in your home, they are going to be more sensitive to the effects. It can be extremely toxic, irritate your respiratory system and cause an allergic reaction in some people, who will experience symptoms such as a runny nose, sneezing, and red eyes. 

Dampness can not only impact your health, but it can also damage your property. The moisture that seeps throughout your property will cause rot and mold, making the structure unstable, and unsafe. If you suspect mold and dampness, you should get these seen by a professional immediately. You can identify mold and dampness by looking out for the following signs:

• An unpleasant smell, usually quite musty

• Water droplets on walls and windows 

• Warped walls or floors 

• Discolored paint or peeling wallpaper

• Black or dark patches around windows, floors, walls and ceilings 

• Rooms with high humidity

Damp, mold and structural issues can be caused by dampness in basements or floors, unsecure windows and doors that let in moisture, or leaking pipes. You should speak to a professional, and consider adding preventative measures in your home to reduce dampness becoming a problem, such as a basement sump pump. 

Looking after your home is important to keep your family safe, and healthy. These tips will also help you increase the value of your property.