Keeping a home safe is the prime responsibility of homeowners after they purchase their home. When adding safety features to your home, there are many factors to consider, including smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers, security cameras or systems, deadbolts for all the exterior doors, and even sprinkler systems.
Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Smoke detectors need to be installed on each floor of the house, and there should be multiple smoke detectors in every home. They are the first line of defense against fire damage and help people evacuate safely when needed. Additionally, carbon monoxide detectors should be installed near garages, furnace rooms, and bedrooms to alert to any potential leaks. It is a tasteless and odorless gas; it can quickly build up within the home and cause illness before it is noticed. Combination detectors can be purchased that function as both smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors.
Fire Extinguishers
Small kitchen fires can be stopped before they spread to the rest of the home if a charged and prepared fire extinguisher is nearby and easily accessible. They must be adequately maintained and inspected every few years to ensure peak working conditions, and all family members should be aware of their location and how to use it. There should be a smoke detector on each level of the house.
Deadbolts
Each outer door to the home should have deadbolts installed. This will slow down anyone attempting to break into the house as they are not easily opened. Having a doorknob that locks can be a deterrent, but experienced thieves will be able to quickly get past that lock and gain access to the home. A deadbolt is more challenging to open and will slow them down enough they are more likely to be spotted by neighbors or homeowners and reported before they access the home. Companies like ClearShield also carry steel security screens, that when paired with a heavy-duty front door and deadbolt, can make it near impossible to break-in.
Security Cameras and Security Systems
Security cameras are becoming more affordable as the technology evolves, and they can be found inside a home, outside a home, and even on the doorbell. Several versions will allow for communication with whoever appears at the door, and they can easily be mounted to the side of the house. Activated by motion detection, they take images of those who approach the door and alert the homeowner to their presence. Footage can be downloaded and saved as needed, and they are a deterrent to those who would break into homes or take packages off the front steps.
A security system can be installed if a security camera or set of cameras is not enough to encourage you to feel safe. This will monitor which doors or windows open and alert both the homeowner and the security company of a breach. In addition, many will notify the police immediately of any break-in attempts.
Sprinkler Systems
Adding sprinkler systems to the home offers an additional layer of protection against home fires. Activated by the smoke detectors, they will spray water from the ceiling in the area where smoke and fire are detected or throughout the entire home to slow the spread.