Our house is a sanctuary where we can unwind and feel safe. Your home will be vulnerable to burglars, natural disasters, and fires without the proper safety features. They protect you and your family and help you avoid expensive medical, maintenance, and legal bills. You can ensure your house is safe by purchasing a house with the following systems, or installing them later.
1. Security System
A home security system is vital for keeping you, your family, and your possessions safe. It includes CCTVs within and outside your house. The outdoor ones also have night vision to provide security 24/7. All the cameras send live coverage to your mobile phone and notify you of unwelcome visitors approaching your front door and suspicious vehicles parked nearby. Advanced security systems also include motion detectors. If anyone trespasses on your property, alarms will blare, alerting you to a possible intrusion. Some also notify the local law enforcement agencies so the intruder is swiftly caught, and if they manage to get away, the footage from the security is utilized to bring them to justice.
You can always install a home security system, but purchasing a house with a pre-installed system can be cheaper and allow you to move in quickly. This way, you can also have the previous owner’s guarantee of the system’s effectiveness.
2. Secure Doors and Windows
Damaged or weak doors and windows are not safe against burglars and intruders, so your home’s doors should be sturdy and well-constructed. Ensure the windows have tempered glass, which is more robust than standard glass and will not crumble easily. If your house is in a high-crime neighborhood, install iron grills on the windows. The house’s doors must have deadbolts, so intruders can not enter after pricking the first lock. You can also upgrade your lock to make it resistant to lock-picking. To ensure your locks stay operational, check all your door and window locks regularly for signs of damage. If you find a damaged lock, have it fixed by a locksmith immediately. You can also repair the damaged lock yourself, as long as you have the right locksmith tools and equipment.
Your home’s door and window frames must be sturdy so they do not break easily against the pressure of strong winds and floods. Stainless steel and aluminum doors and window frames are solid and durable and can help keep your home safe from outside elements.
3. Proper Electrical Equipment
Damaged wiring, plugs, transformers, and light fixtures cause 69% of electrical home fires. If you’re buying a new house, ensure the house’s wiring is properly insulated for your family’s safety. We recommend using thicker wires as they have more insulation and can withstand high voltages.
If you have toddlers or plan on having kids, you must ensure your house’s sockets are babyproof. A 13A socket is one of the safest options as its holes are too small for kids to put their fingers in, and it has internal shutters.
Your home must also have multiple outlets, or you’ll end up plugging numerous appliances into one socket, creating a safety hazard. Also, ensure that you have a functional circuit breaker. It is necessary to control the voltage passing in your sockets, and it protects your appliances.
If the home you want to move into does not have a safe electrical system, then negotiate with the seller to make repairs. You can learn more about these electrical components at baypower.com.
4. Fire Alarm System
Unfortunately, your house can still catch fire even after following the proper precautions. A fire alarm system ensures your loved ones and property face minimum damage. This system comes with smoke detectors that sound an alarm when it picks up smoke, notifying you of a possible fire so you can take quick measures to contain it. It may automatically start the sprinklers on the house’s roof, too, preventing the fire from escalating.
You can control the alarm system with a fire alarm panel to quickly stop the sprinkler in false alarm cases before it drenches your furniture. Drywall can also help you to stay safe against fires. They are flame resistant, prevent fires from spreading out of the property, and help prevent outside fires from entering. The controlled fire allows firefighters to gain control over the flame quickly.
5. Carbon Monoxide Detectors
In winter, closed doors, windows, and a burning furnace or fireplace can create poisonous carbon monoxide gas. The gas is colorless and odorless. It often goes unnoticed, especially at night when everyone is asleep. Your house should have a carbon monoxide detector. This device sounds an alarm when it detects high gas concentrations, notifying you of the situation so you can ventilate your home swiftly.
Endnote
Your home should match your preferences and lifestyle and be a haven. Consider installing safety features, such as a security system, sturdy doors and windows, electrical equipment, fire alarms, and carbon monoxide detectors. These features will guarantee the safety of you and your family.
If you’re looking for a new house, such features can make the house’s price significantly high. However, they also allow you to have reduced insurance premiums and let you avoid facing expensive medical bills, maintenance costs, and repurchasing of stolen items.