We all want to feel safe and secure at home, but we want to feel comfortable too, which means we do not want to turn our houses into fortresses, right? Well, there is no need to because there are lots of simple things you can do to ensure you, your kids, and even your pets, are totally safe and secure at home, as you will see below.

Outdoor Lighting: Let There Be Light

One of the biggest benefits of outdoor lighting is the security it brings to your property. It’s really not just for setting the mood for your evening BBQ anymore. Well-lit exteriors are like kryptonite for would-be intruders. Motion-sensor lights around your property’s perimeter, pathways, and entry points serve a dual purpose: they welcome guests and deter those who weren’t invited. Plus, coming home to a well-lit entrance can make your return from work feel more like a hero’s welcome and less like an audition for a horror movie.

Secure the Fort: Locks and Deadbolts

Upgrading your locks and adding deadbolts might seem like Safety 101, but it’s astonishing how often this is overlooked. Ensure your doors have sturdy locks, and don’t forget about sliding doors, which can be a favorite entry point for burglars. A simple dowel or a specialized lock can make these doors much more secure. Remember, a lock isn’t just a lock; it’s a barrier to entry and peace of mind.

Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors: The Silent Guardians

While they might not be the most glamorous gadgets in your home, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are indispensable sentinels. Ensure you have them installed on every floor, especially near bedrooms. Test them regularly and change the batteries at least once a year (pro tip: do it when you change the clocks for daylight saving time to make it easy to remember). These devices are like having a superhero team on standby, ready to alert you to danger at a moment’s notice.

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Trim the Hedges: A Clear View

High hedges and overgrown trees might offer more privacy for you and your family, but they also provide perfect hiding spots for burglars and anyone else who may wish to do you harm in your home. Keeping your landscaping trimmed not only beautifies your space but also removes potential cover for anyone trying to lurk unseen. Think of it as creating an unobstructed view where you can enjoy your garden’s aesthetics while also keeping an eye on security.

Get to Know Your Neighbors

In the age of digital everything, it’s easy to forget the value of good, old-fashioned neighborliness. Getting to know your neighbors can create a supportive community watch system. Exchange contact information for emergencies, and keep each other informed about any suspicious activities. It’s like having a neighborhood safety net, fostering a community where everyone looks out for each other.

Create a Safe Room: Your Personal Haven

In an emergency, having a designated safe room can provide a secure space for you and your family. This doesn’t mean constructing a panic room with steel walls; it can be as simple as reinforcing an existing room’s door and windows. Stock it with essentials like water, non-perishable food, a first aid kit, and a means of communication. This room can offer a haven during natural disasters or if an intruder enters your home, giving you a place to retreat to until help arrives.

Childproofing: Safety for the Little Explorers

If you have kids, then you will know they like to explore and the places that are most exciting to them are often those places that are least safe for them to visit. Therefore, childproofing is a real must. You are going to want to, as a bare minimum, cover electrical outlets, secure heavy furniture to the wall to prevent tripping and install safety gates at the top and bottom of stairs. You should also make a real effort to keep hazardous materials, like cleaning supplies and medications, out of reach. Keep them safe!

Fire Safety Plan: Be Prepared

We all hope we’ll never experience a fire, but it can happen to anyone, so planning for it is a must. Practice fire drills regularly, ensuring that all family members know how to exit the house safely from different rooms. Establish a meeting point outside your home where everyone will gather after escaping, and make sure that fire extinguishers are accessible and everyone knows how to use them. Being prepared can make all the difference in an emergency.

With these simple changes to your home space, you will be able to truly enjoy your home because you will always feel just a little more safe and secure than you did before.