It’s one of the biggest concerns that we’ve got as homeowners. Rising crime that never seems to take a break has everyone worried and not just about their property but about the safety of their loved ones as well. Still, the experts tell us that perhaps we needn’t be so worried; that in fact there are several things that the average homeowner can do to alleviate the problem and that a few simple steps can make the home a lot safer, and they also suggest that it’s not always the criminals that we need to look out for.
One of the first things that’s suggested has to do with fire safety. For this is one of the hazards that every homeowner knows that they must protect against. There are six fundamental things that every homeowner should know about that will protect their homes and their families as well. These standard safety measures are:
* The ability to identify and correct current hazards
* The ability to know how to store flammable liquids safely and correctly
* The need for smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms on every floor
* Planned escape routes that have been tested
* A fire extinguisher and carbon monoxide detectors on every level
* The installation of a lightening protection system
Of course everyone agrees that the best way to prevent a tragic fire loss is to prevent fires from starting. To that end, of the most important things that you can do is select the right smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors for every level of your home. There are generally two types available, and although ionization and photoelectric sensors can both detect fires, one may be better than the other in certain areas.
For example because the photoelectric sensor is better at detecting even the slightest trace of smoke, it’s recommended that this kind be used in or near the bedrooms in your home. On the other hand, it will also react to the steam from a hot shower, dust from woodworking or cooking smoke, so it would not be well suited for installation near a kitchen, bathroom, or woodshop.
Some of the smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors that you can buy have features that go beyond the sound of the alarm. You can test some of the newer models just by shining the beam of a flashlight at them which saves you from having to climb up and use the test button. As well, if you find that false alarms might be a problem, some models come with an over ride button that will ensure that the alarm will not go off in the middle of cooking.
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