Home Safety Tips from an Attorney for National Safety Month
Updated: Jun 24, 2020
June is National Safety month. It’s a nice reminder to take the time to do some important inventory and perhaps make some changes in your home to ensure you and your family are as safe as can be.
It’s important to identify risks around your home and to seek to improve safety standards.
To help you get started, here are some home safety tips ranging from fire prevention to overall protection of your household.
Fire Prevention Safety Tips
1. Install the proper amount of smoke alarms in your home - especially in your bedrooms.
To check if the smoke alarms are working properly, test each alarm once a month to see if there is a need to change the batteries.
2. Have a fire escape plan with the entire family and practice it at least twice a year.
Ensure that there are two or more ways to escape each room and establish a meeting area outside your home.
3. Purchase a shovel and a fire extinguisher to have available if a fire occurs.
4. If you are updating your home, check to see if you can use fire-resistant materials.
5.Teach each member of your family “Stop, Drop and Roll” and make sure everyone knows how to call 9-1-1 and what to tell the dispatcher. It’s never too soon to help your kids learn their address!
Electrical Outlets Safety Tips
1. Go throughout your home and check each electrical cord’s location. Electrical cords should never be under a rug or across any doorway.
2. Every month, check for any wires that are frayed or loose and in need of repairs.
3. Continually check if your outlets are warm. If any of them are warm, then contact an electrician to fix the issue to ensure safety.
4. Check the maximum wattage of outlet requirements in your home so you don’t go over the limit with any of your devices or cords.
5.Do not have more than one high wattage appliance plugged into one outlet.
Outside and Security Safety Tips
1. Every year, employ a contractor or inspector to inspect your roof for any issues, such as any missing pieces or open cracks.
2. Add lights with motion detection around your home to keep away potential burglars.
An example of safe lighting are smart light bulbs where you can control the outdoor or lighting of your household by the convenience of your smartphone.
3. Prune your plants and trees outside your home and in your backyard.
This safety tip gives intruders less places to hide, and overall a well-kept home makes your home look as though someone is currently living there.
4. Install security cameras in your main entrances and around your home.
5. Be sure to make your house numbers visible in case of an emergency - this way emergency personnel can find you faster and helps if a neighbor or bystander might have to call 9-1-1 for you.
You can make your house number more noticeable by painting them a bright color. You can also add lighting. This will be helpful for emergency personnel to find your home easily and quickly.
Take some time this month and this summer to ensure your home is as safe as it can be. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out today! Fill out a contact form, or call our office at (754) 206-6200 and ask to speak with Manny.
Manny is a Licensed Florida Home Insurance Attorney who is dedicated to helping you protect your home. He’s also dedicated to helping you get everything you deserve from an insurance company if your home suffers any damages.