Home Safety Tips: 10 Ways to Keep You and Your Family Safe

To many, home is where one can escape from the everyday stresses, threats and dangers of the outside world. It is a safe place. Still, many take for granted the seemingly inherent comfort of home. By neglecting general home safety, households can become dangerous in unexpected ways.

Below, you'll find our top 10 home safety tips to ensure your house is as safe as possible.

Tip #1: Be Prepared

As safe as you try to keep your home, unfortunately accidents and events out of your control can still happen. The best thing you can do is to be prepared for them. By having the following items on hand, you'll go a long way towards keeping you and your loved ones safe:

  • An emergency escape route in case of fire or other disasters
  • An emergency plan with delegated responsibilities
  • Fire extinguisher
  • First aid kit
  • Non-perishable food and water

Tip #2: Install and Maintain Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Fire and smoke inhalation can be extremely dangerous and life-threatening. Install smoke detectors throughout your house so that if a fire does occur, you'll be able to evacuate in time. Routinely check that your smoke detectors are in working condition and be sure to replace batteries when needed.

Carbon monoxide poisoning is hazardous and deadly. Installing carbon monoxide detectors in your home is one of the most important home safety precautions you can take. For additional safety you should also follow general carbon monoxide safety tips, such as having a professional inspect your gas-powered appliances and checking your fireplace for flue blockages.

Tip #3: Don't Leave Flames Unattended

Always keep a vigilant eye on any open flames. Try not to leave the stovetop unattended while cooking and blow out any lit candles when leaving a room. Fire can spread very fast and turning your back on an open flame for just a moment could lead to disastrous consequences.

Tip #4: Educate Your Children

Take time to teach your children about basic home safety tips. Instruct them on your evacuation plan and consider running a few fire drills to make sure it sticks. Make sure they are aware of any areas or items that are off-limits. These might include tools in the garage, the stove, the oven and any lighters or matches. It's also a good idea to verify your kids know who to contact in case of an emergency, including 9-1-1.

Tip #5: Cover Electrical Outlets

This general home safety tip applies to any household but is especially important in homes with small children. Make sure you cover all unused electrical outlets to help prevent the insertion of fingers or foreign objects.

Tip #6: Never Leave Children Unattended by the Pool

Having a pool or hot tub is a great luxury. It's so important, however, that if you have a pool, you practice strict safety measures. In addition to taking steps like having child safety fences around your pool, make sure you never leave your children unattended by or in the water.

Tip #7: Don't Forget Food Safety

Proper food handling is a home safety tip that often gets overlooked. However, mishandling food can put you and your family at risk of becoming very ill. To reduce the risk, store raw meats away from other foods like fruits and vegetables. Always be sure to thoroughly wash your hands before and after handling meat, eggs, and unwashed produce.

Tip #8: Keep Up with Housekeeping

Keeping your house clean and tidy is key for maintaining home safety. Here are a few housekeeping-related home safety tips to consider:

  • Make sure pathways are clear of objects you could trip over, like children's and pet toys.
  • Store unused tools in a secure place your kids cannot access.
  • Don't leave dishes in the sink where bacteria can grow.

Housekeeping chores might not be fun, but they can ultimately make your home a safer place.

Note: These tips are suggested as general practices. However, actual results may vary.

Tip #10: Inspect Your Home

image of home inspection checklist

Make regular rounds of your home, inspecting the furniture, structure and appliances as if you were touring a home that was for sale. A few things to look for might include:

  • Checking to see that any railings on staircases are secure and not loose.
  • Making sure that doors and windows are opening and closing properly and that locks are in working order.
  • Making sure that doors and windows are opening and closing properly and that locks are in working order.
  • Ensuring older appliances are functioning properly.

It might be helpful to keep a running list of items that need addressing on your fridge or in a notebook. That way, anyone in the family can contribute and you can be sure you won't forget to make the necessary fixes.

Safety starts with education and we hope that our top 10 home safety tips help keep you and your family safe. For more information on how Direct Energy may be helpful in your home, review our electricity plans and gas plans, contact us at 866.374.6299 or follow the links below for more safety guides.

Note: These tips are suggested as general practices. However, actual results may vary.