Healthy Tips and Tricks to Make Your Home Safer

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Healthy Tips and Tricks to Make Your Home Safer

 

At Charlotte County Realty, we know your home is supposed to be your sanctuary, a fortress where you are safe and comfortable. However, this is not always the case, and, sometimes, our homes pose more of a threat to our health and safety than the outside world. So, make today the day to improve upon where you live so that you don’t look back with regret.

Safer for Your Health

There are dangers lurking around every corner, particularly if your home is filled with clutter. Start your home safety efforts by ensuring your family’s health. A good first step is to get rid of excess. Although you likely had good intentions, those yard sale boxes in the garage have been sitting there for three seasons. Likewise, outdated clothes in the closet and boxes in the basement and in storage areas are a haven for things like bugs and rodents.

Note that if you find evidence of mice, rather than using harsh chemicals or setting traps, it’s healthier and safer to work with a professional exterminator. To find a reputable exterminator near you, use this search tool to check out customer ratings and testimonials first.

You’ll also want to ensure that the basement, crawlspace and attic are free of things like mold and mildew, which can aggravate sensitive respiratory systems. And if you haven’t done so already, make a point to change your HVAC unit’s air filter, which U.S. Home Filter recommends doing every 90 days for the cleanest and healthiest air.

If you’ve just purchased your home, closely review documentation from the home inspection, looking for any call-outs or concerns that came up. You’ll want to address any unresolved issues that pose danger to you and your family, especially problems with any of the major systems including HVAC, plumbing and electrical. Also prioritize any adverse finding on the inspection checklist dealing with the roof or foundation.

Beef Up Your Home Security

Home security is another area to pay close attention to. Although burglaries have declined over recent years, according to the FBI, they are always a very real possibility. Good news for homeowners: Technology has made it easier than ever to install a self-monitored home security system. You can add everything from outdoor security cameras to video-enabled doorbells to see who’s coming and going when you are away.

In addition to smart-home security features, there are many low-tech ways to improve safety in and around your property. First, look around the outside. If you can’t see your windows, it’s time for some pruning. Small trees and large shrubs should be pruned to below the window line. This may discourage burglars from trying to enter since they no longer have cover to stay hidden. You can also plant thorny flowers at ground-level areas and add crunchy gravel, which will make too much noise for most thieves.

Next, plan to add outdoor lighting. Ambient lighting, such as solar spotlights combined with motion-activated floodlights, make your home more visible at night. Also, spend some time checking the doors and windows. Add sensors to all accessible windows, which will sound an alarm if opened from the outside. Secure sliding glass doors and make sure your garage and any secondary entrances are shut and locked each night.

A few other things to consider regarding home security include never announcing plans to be gone on social media. If you will be away for work or vacation, let your neighbors know, and set timers strategically for lights, televisions and radios throughout the house. You might also consider forming a neighborhood watch.

These simple and effective steps can leave you with a more enjoyable home where you are not only comfortable but safe as well. Remember, prioritize your health, but also don’t forget about protecting what you love the most from threats outside.

 Katie Conroy

katie.conroy@advicemine.com     Phone:  518-360-0532