Tips for Homeowner Safety
Aside from June being Homeowner Safety Month, we are in the middle of a booming seller’s market and families are on the hunt for new homes. Once you find your dream house, your home holds more than just the title of your “property.” A home is a powerhouse that holds tender value, nostalgic memories, and sentimental items that would be devastating to lose to a fire or burglary. Maintaining a safe household takes time, effort, and trial and error. Reduce the risk around the house and create a safe environment for people of all ages with our homeowner safety tips.
Secure Windows + Doors
First and foremost, even with the most top-notch security system, be sure you keep windows and doors locked at all times. Not only should parents remember to do this, but also advise their children to do the same. We all want to believe the world is full of great people, but keep your guard up even when living in the middle of nowhere or thinking you can rely on neighbors for “crime watch.”
A large handful of the burglaries happening in the US are a result of unlocked windows and doors. Remember to lock up!
Test All Alarms
Security systems, fire alarms, and carbon monoxide detectors should be checked regularly. Being forgetful is no excuse, calendar appointments should be made to inspect alarms to be sure they are working properly. Don’t let faulty batteries be the reason someone gets hurt or items get taken from you, batteries should be changed every six months.
Fires spread quickly! A defective fire alarm could leave your family with no belongings or worse. A working fire alarm reduces the chance of death by 50%. Homeowners should have fire alarms on every level of the house, as well as in every bedroom.
According to the CDC, 430 people die each year in the U.S. from accidental carbon monoxide poisoning. Malfunctioning generators, heaters, water heaters, clothes dryers, and motor vehicles can all be sources of carbon monoxide within your home. The scary part, gas cannot be detected by taste or smell. It is imperative that you keep up with checking alarms to prevent harm from your home and the people who live in it.
Prevent Fires
More than 15,000 house fires start each year as a result of washing machines and clothes dryers, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. This is usually due to lack of cleaning and proper maintenance. Be sure to install, clean, and maintain all major appliances in your household.
Other ways to prevent house fires include keeping vents and heating sources clear of clothing, toys, and clutter, not leaving your kitchen unattended when using kitchen appliances, and practicing caution with candles.
Keep Chemicals Away From Children + Pets
Always properly store and dispose of chemicals and household products. Childproof doors, knobs, cabinets, and any place you may store cleaning supplies, pest killers, and other chemical products. Always keep products in their original packaging so no one “forgets” that there is bleach in the Windex, or so children don’t mistake a product for food. Products should be stored safely away from children and pets to avoid injury or even death.
Electrical Safety Awareness
Properly unplug and dispose of damaged electrical cords or appliances immediately. Never run extension cords under carpets and rugs. To keep children safe, always make sure there are plastic covers plugged into vacant outlets.
Send Back Recalled Products
On average, about 4,500 products are removed from shelves each year due to recalls. A recall in a product can result in damage or injury to you, the people around you, and your home. Keep track of all major products and appliances in your household and be on the lookout for recalls on the news or in your email.
Shop For Home Insurance With An Independent Agency
Lastly, you never have to feel unprotected when working with an independent insurance agency. After looking over all of your assets at stake in case of an emergency, independent agencies can provide you with more than one option to cover any damage or accidents that happen in your home. Independent agents are on your side for a lifetime to guide you through all of life’s changes and events.
Homeowner safety is no joke and we take it and our clients seriously. Rumbaugh Insurance Agency has been serving the Hanover, Spring Grove, Gettysburg, and New Oxford area for more than thirty years. Call us today at (717) 632-6001 to set up a free insurance review to keep your home and family safe 24/7.