Keeping Your Home Safe: A Practical Guide For Property Owners

For the majority of us, home is where the heart is. Our homes should be places where we feel calm, relaxed and safe. As a property owner, it’s crucial to invest in protective measures and to recognize potential threats. If you’re looking to keep your home safe, this guide should come in handy. 

Weatherproofing

Many of us live in areas where the weather can be unpredictable. If adverse weather is forecast, you don’t want to be worrying about the harm it could cause to your home. In some cases, for example, hurricanes and earthquakes, damage is inevitable, but there are steps you can take to reduce the risks of falling foul to storms, heavy rain, snow and strong winds. The first step to take is to ensure that your home is insured. It’s worth spending time researching and comparing home insurance policies to find the best deal. Typically, the higher the premium, the more comprehensive the plan. It’s also wise to keep an eye out for any weak spots or red flag signs, which could make your home vulnerable, such as holes in the roof, missing or loose tiles or broken fencing. Keeping up with home maintenance will protect your house, lower running costs and reduce the risk of wear and tear. If you do have concerns about the condition of the exterior of your property, seek advice as soon as possible. 

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Protecting your home from intruders

There are two types of intruders to consider when looking for ways to protect your home: uninvited human visitors and critters and creatures that want to make your property their new pad. 

Nobody wants to think of their home as a target for thieves, but sadly, this is something we all need to be wary of. You don’t have to go all-out and spend thousands of dollars securing your home, but it is important to take steps to bolster your defences and deter burglars. If you don’t already have an alarm system in place, take a look at the devices on the market. Today, you can buy all kinds of cameras and alarms that integrate with other appliances and connect to your smartphone. Cameras offer a host of benefits because they record footage, but they also act as a visible deterrent. If a thief spots a camera on the outside of a property, they’re much less likely to target that particular house. Additional measures you can look into include installing gates or fencing and fitting CCTV. Before you go out or go to bed, make sure all your windows and doors are locked, avoid leaving valuables on display and don’t leave car or house keys close to the front or back door. Be very careful about what you post and share on social media, especially if you’re away. Uploading photos from an exotic location can alert opportunists to the fact that your home is empty. Make sure your profile is private. It’s also a good idea to ask your neighbours to keep an eye on your home and to leave a car parked in the driveway. If you ever loose one of your house keys, we recommend contacting a local Locksmith to come in and replace your locks or discuss other options.

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The other type of unwanted guest homeowners may stumble across is pests. Household pests turn up without an invitation and they can wreak havoc in your home. If you spot any signs of rodents, insects or spiders, or you’re worried about swarms of wasps in the garden, contact a wildlife removal firm. If you have rats, mice, termites or birds in and around your home, they could cause a significant amount of damage, and it’s best to act early. Look out for droppings, holes and bite marks in soft furnishings or household objects and keep an ear out. You may be able to hear scratching, squeaking or chirping coming from a chimney or an attic, for example. Pest control experts can remove your new residents and implement measures to prevent them from returning.

Also, check your moored boats, decks, docks, porches, and swimming pools; there are chances you will find iguanas. Seeking them, don’t try to catch them yourself because they can bite hard if mishandled. Check out this page to know more about the iguana removal process.

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Preventing house fires

House fires do not occur frequently, but there is always a risk. As a homeowner, it’s critical to be aware of the causes of fires and to take steps to protect your home and family. When you’re cooking, don’t leave the stove unattended, and be particularly careful if you have young children or pets. Always smoke outside, and make sure you turn electrical appliances off at the socket. One of the most common causes of house fires is leaving appliances like hair straighteners on rugs and other soft furnishings. Invest in a small fire extinguisher and a fire blanket, and ensure you have working smoke detectors on each floor. Smoke detectors are inexpensive, and they save lives. If you already have alarms in place, check them at least once a year and change the batteries if they start making a beeping noise. Another essential job for homeowners is checking heating systems. If you haven’t had your boiler checked in the last 12 months, arrange for a routine test. If you use portable heaters, don’t leave them unattended and always ensure you have turned them off before you go out or head up to bed. Keep heaters away from curtains, rugs and blankets. It’s also vital to take care when lighting candles. If you have candles burning in your living room or bedroom, place them on a flat surface and blow them out if you leave the room. Finally, it’s wise to have any electrical appliances safety tested on a regular basis. Seek expert help if you notice signs, including sparks flying when you put a plug in the socket, abnormal burning smells or exposed wires. 

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Every property owner wants their home to be a safe haven. While it’s not always possible to weather every storm or avoid every accident, there are things you can do to protect your home and family. Invest in a comprehensive insurance policy, shield your home from the elements and take steps to keep unwanted visitors at bay. Keep on top of maintenance jobs, and seek advice if you spot any warning signs of electrical problems, storm damage or pest infestations.