Chip Poli Explains How to Improve the Safety of Your Home

NORWOOD, Mass. - Nov. 5, 2014 - PRLog -- Your home is your sanctuary. Naturally, we all want to make our homes are as safe and secure as possible against threats ranging from theft to natural disaster.  How prepared is your home?

Here are some simple tips that can make your home a safer place for you and your family.

1)      Make your home deterrent to burglaries.

There are several measures that you can take against home invasion and robbery. The first is to make sure your home is well-lit, both inside and out. Motion-sensitive lights at all points of access to your home can deter thieves from approaching doors and windows. If you install these lights, check periodically to make certain they are functional.

Home security companies can give any homeowner a sense of security. There are various levels of home security, from alarms to cameras. If you decide to hire a security company, make sure to look into its reputation and success rate at deterring theft and home incursion. And if this sort of service is too expensive for you, merely putting a security service sticker on your doors and windows (“This home is protected by …”) can deter miscreants.

2)      Protect your home against fire and fumes.

Just a few decades ago, smoke detectors were the wave of the future. At this point, they are commonplace and in many places, required by law. Make sure your smoke detectors are functional and regularly check their batteries. Keep extra batteries on hand in case you run out (this is a good tip for all of your battery-powered electronics in case of power failure). Make sure that your fire extinguishers are all up-to-date.

Test your carbon monoxide detectors often to make sure they are working properly; if you have any questions about detection systems, your local fire department will be happy to check things out.

3)      Prepare for natural disasters.

New England weather can be unpredictable at best. At worst, winter storms and hurricanes can bring about power outages that last for days. Are you prepared?

Every home should have an emergency kit on hand with candles, matches, bottled water, non-perishable food, and first aid supplies. Extra blankets and warm clothes are a must, and if you have a wood-burning stove or fireplace, a stockpile of firewood or pellets can come in handy when the power fails and temperatures plummet. Flashlights and radios need plenty of batteries, so, as mentioned before, make sure to have extras on hand in all necessary types.

It’s not a bad idea to buy a generator and keep it primed in case you need to run a sump pump, refrigerator, or other appliances when the power fails. Check it periodically and make sure you have extra gasoline on hand to run it.  Most importantly use it only in a well-ventilated area; outdoors is best, so have an extension cord at the ready.

New Englanders are pretty savvy when it comes to home safety. We’ve weathered plenty of bad weather and we know how to protect our homes. Following the few steps outlined above can improve home security and keep us ready for whatever circumstances may come our way.

Would you like to find out more? Visit www.polimortgage.com for more information.