Making sure your home is safe is super important. Essential home safety devices help keep you and your family safe from things like fires and break-ins. From smoke alarms to security cameras, these devices help protect your home and give you peace of mind. In this article, we’ll talk about the top safety devices you should have in your home to keep it safe and secure.
See also: Fire safety precautions that developers and home buyers can take
Fire safety
Smoke Alarms: Put smoke alarms on each floor of your house, even near where you sleep. Check them every month to make sure they work, and change the batteries once a year.
Fire Extinguishers: Have a fire extinguisher that works for different kinds of fires, preferably placed in the kitchen or garage. Make sure everyone knows how to use it if there’s a fire.
Fire Escape Plan: Make an escape plan and discuss with your family to evacuate efficiently in case of a fire. Regular drills are recommended.
Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Install carbon monoxide detectors in your home, especially near bedrooms. They can help you know if there’s a dangerous gas leak.
Fire Blanket: Keep a fire blanket handy in the kitchen. You can use it to smother small fires or wrap around someone if their clothes are on fire.
Personal safety
Self-Defense Tools: Carry items like pepper spray or a personal alarm when walking alone, especially at night. These can help protect you from potential threats.
Stay Aware: Pay attention to your surroundings and trust your instincts. If something feels wrong or unsafe, it’s okay to leave or ask for help.
Emergency Contacts: Keep a list of emergency contacts saved in your phone and memorise important numbers like the police and ambulance. This will help you to reach for help quickly.
Share Your Plans: Let someone know where you’re going and when you expect to return, especially if you’re meeting someone new or going to unfamiliar places.
Water safetyÂ
Pool Fencing: Install a secure fence around swimming pools to prevent accidental access, especially for households with children. Ensure gates are self-closing and self-latching.
Life Jackets: Have appropriately sized life jackets available for all swimmers, especially children and inexperienced swimmers, when near bodies of water like pools, lakes, or rivers.
Swimming Lessons: Enrol yourself and your family members, especially children, for swimming lessons to learn essential water safety skills and techniques.
Safety Alarms: Install pool and gate alarms to alert you if someone enters the pool area without permission. These alarms can provide extra protection, especially when young children are around.
CPR Training: Learn cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) techniques and ensure other household members also know how to perform CPR. This knowledge can be lifesaving in the event of a water-related emergency.
Health safety
Thermometers: Keep digital thermometers at home to monitor body temperature, which can indicate fever or illness.
First Aid Kits: Have a well-stocked first aid kit readily available at home to treat minor injuries and address medical emergencies promptly.
Blood Pressure Monitors: Monitor blood pressure levels regularly using a blood pressure monitor to detect and manage hypertension or other cardiovascular conditions.
Pulse Oximeters: Use pulse oximeters to measure oxygen saturation levels in the blood, especially during respiratory illnesses or conditions like COVID-19.
Medical Alert Systems: Consider installing medical alert systems, especially for elderly or individuals with chronic health conditions, to quickly summon help during medical emergencies.
Electricity safety
Circuit Breakers: Install circuit breakers in your electrical panel to automatically shut off power in case of overloading or short circuits, preventing electrical fires.
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs): Use GFCIs in areas where water and electricity may come into contact, such as kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoor outlets. These devices quickly cut off power to prevent electric shock.
Outlet Covers: Place outlet covers on unused electrical outlets to prevent children or pets from inserting objects into them, reducing the risk of electric shock.
Surge Protectors: Use surge protectors to safeguard sensitive electronic devices from power surges caused by lightning or electrical faults, preventing damage to equipment.
Tamper-Resistant Outlets: Install tamper-resistant outlets that have built-in safety features to prevent accidental insertion of foreign objects, reducing the risk of electric shock.
FAQs
Smoke detectors and fire extinguishers are crucial. Smoke detectors alert you to a fire early, while fire extinguishers allow you to fight small fires before they escalate.
Place smoke detectors on every level of your house, including outside sleeping areas. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends installing them within 10 feet of bedrooms.
Test your smoke detectors monthly using the test button. Replace the batteries annually, or even more frequently if the detector chirps to indicate low battery.
A multi-purpose ABC fire extinguisher is the most versatile option. It can handle fires involving ordinary combustibles (wood, paper), flammable liquids (gasoline), and electrical hazards.
Stock your first-aid kit with bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, tweezers, scissors, and other essentials for treating minor injuries. Research and tailor the contents to your specific needs and any allergies in your household.
Install grab bars near the shower or bathtub and toilet for added support. Consider a shower chair with a non-slip surface to improve stability while bathing.
Nightlights in hallways and bathrooms can help prevent nighttime stumbles, especially for children or older adults. Opt for childproof nightlights in children's rooms for added safety.
Childproof your home by installing cabinet locks, outlet covers, and gate closures on stairs and doorways leading to potentially dangerous areas.
Personal alarms can be a good option for some, especially those who live alone or feel vulnerable. They can attract attention and potentially deter an intruder. What are the most important fire safety devices for my home?
Where should I install smoke detectors in my home?
How often should I test my smoke detectors and replace the batteries?
What type of fire extinguisher should I have at home?
What to include in my home first-aid kit?
How to prevent falls in my bathroom?
Are nightlights necessary for home safety?
What safety precautions to take if I have children?
Are personal alarms helpful for home safety?
| Got any questions or point of view on our article? We would love to hear from you. Write to our Editor-in-Chief Jhumur Ghosh at jhumur.ghosh1@housing.com |
