Home Safety Tips⚓︎

Summary⚓︎

Staying safe is highly subjective relative to the situation.

Attention

As with all of the articles in this series, this is by no means a comprehensive guide. It should be considered a practical approach.

Have Emergency Numbers Accessible⚓︎

Always make sure that you have emergency numbers handy and in an easily accessible location. You never want to be in an emergency scenario and have to figure out where your emergency contact information is.

Important Contacts

Have numbers for emergency responders such as the police, fire department, or an ambulance.
Have a number for a poison control center. It's essential for an accident or illness that may or may not be an emergency.
Have a number for a trusted neighbor or friend in case of an emergency.

Have Emergency Devices Easily Accessible⚓︎

You should always know where something like a fire extinguisher or first aid kit is. Neither should anyone in your household.

Safety Essentials

Keep the first aid kit in the bathroom and always make sure it goes back in the same place after use.
Have more than one fire extinguisher around the house. Keep one in the kitchen and by a fireplace.
Make sure everyone in your house knows how to use any emergency devices such as a fire extinguisher.
Keep a flashlight in a central location such as the kitchen. It will be helpful should there ever be a power outage for an extended period.
Have a smoke and CO2 detector in each room. It's especially critical for bedrooms and the kitchen.

Make an Emergency Plan⚓︎

While it's impossible to plan for everything, it's a good idea to have an emergency plan for any problems that may arise while you're at home.

Emergency Planning

Have multiple escape routes if there's ever a fire. Make sure everyone in the house knows what to do and where to go.
Depending on where you live, you may need a plan for a natural disaster such as a tornado, hurricane, earthquake, etc.
Have an emergency plan for something like a home invasion. Include escape routes, where you can hide in the house, where you can go for help, etc.

Install an Alarm System⚓︎

Having an alarm system is an essential component of a home. You should always pay for central monitoring if it's available to you.

Alarm System Considerations

Alarm systems can have several extra components that you may or may not need. If you already have a device to monitor carbon monoxide, you won't need this as part of your alarm system.
Make sure any alarm system is always set and has the appropriate batteries or wiring.

Keep Doors and Windows Locked⚓︎

Unless you live in a small town where no one locks their doors, you should always lock them. It's crucial if you're home alone.

Security Reminders

Make sure to lock any windows and doors on the ground floor at all times. Having them unlocked can create easy access for any burglars or intruders.
Depending on where you live, you may need to re-enforce any windows on the ground floor.

Never Tell Anyone You're Home Alone⚓︎

If someone knocks on your door and asks to speak to you, avoid telling them you're the only one there, especially if it's unsolicited.

Privacy Tips

If you live in an apartment building and someone you don't know wants you to buzz them in, avoid doing so.
Don't post on social media that you're home alone.

Make Sure to Have a Spare Key⚓︎

Always have a spare key to your house located in a hidden location. If you have a trusted neighbor, give them a copy of the key should you ever lock yourself out.

Spare Key Tips

Don't hide a key under the front mat or in a flowerpot since this is the first place an intruder would look.

Don't Enter Your House if it Looks Like Someone Broke In⚓︎

If you get home and see a broken window or the door has been open, you should not go and investigate. Go to a neighbor's house and call the police.

Safety Precautions

Always call the police if you're unsure of the state of your home. If a light is on that shouldn't be, call the police.
Checking if an intruder is still in your home can lead to potential consequences.