Follow this home safety checklist to make sure your new home is ready to keep your family as secure as possible.
Home Safety Checklist
Check electrical wiring
Loose or frayed wires can be a big safety hazard if they aren’t replaced, so make sure there are none around the home. The same goes for overloaded outlets. It’s easy to think our electrical outlets can handle anything we throw at them, but the truth is, they can get overloaded and cause dangerous sparks.
Make sure major appliances are plugged directly into the outlet, not through an extension cord, and if you ever see any sparks, the lights flicker, or you feel heat when using any devices, redistribute your power sources.
Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
Every home should have plenty of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors distributed throughout it. It’s imperative that you test them at least once a month and replace the batteries when they alert you. When you move into a new home, we suggest switching out the batteries with new ones just to be safe.
Examine indoor and outdoor vents
Clean out all the vents in and around your home, because dirt, dust, and other grime can easily get trapped in them. Switch out the filters indoors and make sure your outdoor vents are clean, as well – check to make sure they are properly sealed and clear of any obstruction that could cause a dangerous carbon monoxide build-up inside.
Clean the chimney
Flues and chimneys should be cleaned by a professional annually, so when you move into a new place, hire someone to come out and make sure they have been properly maintained.
Put out fire extinguishers
Every home should have fire extinguishers placed strategically throughout it. In the case of an emergency, anyone in the home should be able to access one quickly.
Create an escape plan
It’s important to have a plan of action should an emergency arise and everyone needs to evacuate the home. Even once you know the layout like the back of your hand, it’s smart to have a clear plan so you don’t even have to think about it once you need it. Check all the windows to make sure they are easy to open and unobstructed and have a designated meeting place outside.
Child-proof
Your kids will be as eager to explore the new home as you are, so take some time to go around the house before you move in and take note of everything that needs to be child-proofed. Then, purchase and install the items before moving day. Look out for sharp edges and other hazards, and teach your kids their new address in case they ever need to dial 9-1-1.
Burglar-proof
It’s not a scenario anyone likes to think about, but it’s important to be prepared against potential threats like burglars. Install and activate a security system before you move in, place motion-sensor-controlled lights in your front and backyard, and switch out all the locks with new, high-quality ones. (After your new home has been on the market and seen a lot of strangers, it’s important to switch them out anyway, so you might as well invest in ones that will keep your home extra safe.)