Someone said “home” but I heard “safe haven”. Your home is not just a place, it is a sanctuary where you can relax and nourish your soul. But unfortunately, home is where most of the accidents happen.
According to a research, more than 10 million people are living in houses that do not meet the basic safety standard. Every 1 in 10 houses in the UK is at risk which is an alarming situation.
Both the external and internal environment of your home is susceptible to accidents. Bad weather, robberies, and break-ins are some common external disasters, while short circuits, gas leakage, and structural damage are frequently reported in-home disasters.
Life-Saving Tips For Your Home
It is extremely difficult to eradicate the chances of accidents at home as a minuscule spark can turn into a catastrophe. Home safety is not as difficult as it seems and a vigilance attitude are enough to make your home safe and secure for you and your loved ones.
We will walk you through eight home improvement tips that you must consider to ensure a safe home environment.
1. Install A Smoke Detector
Your kitchen is the most common culprit in the majority of accidents. Making your kitchen safe can eradicate almost 50% of potential risks in your home.
Your home must have one smoke detector installed in the kitchen. Also, you must ensure the smoke alarm is working and its batteries are not expired.
Test the batteries at least two times a year. If you have installed a new battery, mark the date on the back so the expiry date won’t exceed.
2. Ensure Your Windows & Doors Are Secured
Weak doors and windows welcome the burglars to show their skills. Strengthening your window and doors will not only deter the thieves but also protect you from natural disasters.
There are plenty of items available in markets to secure these weak spots. Deadbolt is a simple way to secure your main door.
Keep updating your locks after some time because thrives are smart enough to creak a simple lock.
3. A Carbon Monoxide Detector Must Be Installed
Gas leakage is the most common cause of disasters. That is why the government of the UK has made gas safe certification obligatory for every homeowner.
This poisonous gas has no smell or taste, hence you can’t detect if it is leaking around you. In such cases, smoke detectors are not enough, you have a carbon monoxide detector installed in your home.
Different types of detectors with varying quality are available on market. But you must get one that is smart enough to detect small traces of this toxic gas. One with a digital display is getting hype these days.
A good detector may cost you £20 but it is nothing compared to the sense of safety it provides.
4. RCD Outlet Must Be Installed
Electricity is also a major source of disaster in your home. RCD breakers with the current prevention outlet will remove the chances of electricity-related disasters.
These circuits manage the electricity flow and become circuit breakers when the situation calls for it. The bathroom and kitchen are ideal places for installing these outlets.
Any simple outlet can be replaced with an RCD outlet in your home.
5. Add A Peephole/Camera
You must know who is at the door. You can check it by a close circuit camera but a traditional peephole option will work effectively without costing much.
Peepholes are easily available in hardware shops and can be easily installed on your own.
Just make a hole in your door that can accommodate the peephole. It is just that simple.
6. Prepare Yourself For Bad Weather
You might be living in an area that is prone to hurricanes, flooding, or earthquakes. Just being at home isn’t enough to save you.
Take a look at your house and spot the weak points, then take measures to make these points disaster-proof.
Upgrade your equipment and get regular maintenance of your house so that a cruel air or ferocious water can’t harm you.
7. Know Where Shut-Off Valves Are
When a gas leaks, fire erupts, or the house gets flooded, people start searching for a shut-off valve. This takes a considerable time making the matters worse.
So you must locate the shut-off valve beforehand so that you can promptly turn it off when it is needed.
As shut-off valves are not being frequently used, they can get rusted and jammed. So make sure to test them periodically.
8. Update Washing & Drying Equipment
Old and damaged rubber hoses can burst and flood your whole house. Replacing your worn-out hoses with new steel-belted ones is a smart idea.
Moreover, lint can accumulate in your dryer vent after some time, making it vulnerable to causing a fire. Visiting a hardware shop will save you a lot of hassle.
To Sum Up
Your home is intended to make you safe. Home improvement is an essential step to ensure your safety. Accidents can occur; be wary of heights, ignition sources, sharps, and anything that is capable of harming you.
Technology is pre-eminent in providing a safe environment, for instance, smoke detectors, Carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers, digital locks, and what not. With the help of technology and a watchful attitude, you can avert the ravage and protect your loved ones.
Further Reading:
Make Your Home Safer
Apart from this, if you are interested to know more about How to Prepare Your Windows for Summer then visit our HOME IMPROVEMENT category.
