Home Safety Tips

Your Home Safety and Security Checklist

When you leave your home for a long period, be sure to create the illusion that someone is home. You can put your lights on timers, leave a television on, or have a friend or family member stay at your home while you are away.
Check to see if all of your doors have good, updated locks that work properly. If not, replace them immediately.
Install a peephole in your front door so you can see who is outside before letting them in.
Never leave extra keys or garage door openers under doormats, in mailboxes, or on top of the doorframe. Instead, leave an extra key with a close friend, neighbor, or family member whom you trust.
You can make any windows or sliding glass doors extra secure by laying a piece of wood or metal along the bottom track, preventing the window or door from opening from the outside.

Always keep garage doors shut.
You should keep your blinds and drapes shut. Don't advertise the items in your home for the outside world.
Store expensive jewelry, electronics, and important documents in a safe at home or even better, a safe deposit box at your local bank.
Never leave a note on the door when you are away from home. This is a clear signal that no one is home and a nice invitation for any criminal to come inside.
When you are away for extended periods, ask a neighbor or family member to collect your mail, newspapers, and any deliveries you may have collected. This is a clear indicator that no one is home.

Be sure to use fire resistant materials when building a new home.
It is never a good idea to leave candles, or any other open flames, unattended in your home.
Make sure cigarette butts are completely out before throwing them in the trash.
Never leave hot irons, curling irons, grills, etc. unattended.
Clear dry and dead leaves, trees, and grass from your yard on a regular basis.
Ensure that your street address is easily visible, allowing emergency personnel to find your home quickly.

Be sure to store firewood away from your home.
Install smoke alarms on each floor of your home, check batteries regularly, and test them at least once per month.
When cooking, don't leave pots or pans unattended on the stove.
Make sure you and your family have a fire escape plan. Practice the plan and make sure everyone in your home knows exactly what to do in case of a fire.

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