Home safety equipment that should be top of your list

Your home is your castle, keeping it safe and everyone in it is important. There are lots of home safety items and equipment that are easy to purchase but what should you look at first? Creating a safe and secure environment within your home is top of every mum and dad’s list, so by incorporating a range of friendly home safety items and essential equipment into your home, you can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and mishaps. In this article, we’ll explore the top home safety products that can help you and your family feel safe and secure. From fire safety equipment to home security devices and childproofing products, we've got you covered.

Fire Safety

You can’t be too careful when comes to fire safety. Smoke is particularly dangerous because it can quickly overwhelm people if they are not warned early, that’s why the fire service recommends installing smoke detectors throughout your home.

Smoke Detectors:

Install smoke detectors on every level of your home, especially near bedrooms, to provide early detection of fires and protect your loved ones.
A smoke protector that doesn’t work is not much use, so test the detectors regularly and replace batteries twice a year to ensure they are in proper working condition.
Consider interconnected smoke detectors for maximum efficiency, ensuring that all detectors sound an alarm simultaneously.

Fire Extinguishers:

Keep at least one fire extinguisher on each floor, particularly in the kitchen and garage, to swiftly tackle small fires.
Learn how to use the extinguisher properly and involve family members in the process. The fire brigade has made a useful video about that.
Inspect and maintain them annually to ensure they are always ready to safeguard your home.

Fire Escape Plan:

According to the fire service, a house fire can kill you in less than three minutes. The smoke and sounds can make everyone disoriented. What you need is a plan that will get you out of danger quickly.

Create a detailed fire escape plan with designated meeting points, and make sure everyone knows what the plan is.
Fire blankets are also an excellent tool that can be either used to smother out a flame like a stovetop fire or be used as a shield to help you escape.
Conduct regular fire drills to ensure everyone, even the little ones, know what to do in case of an emergency.
Display the plan prominently in your home and periodically review it together to keep everyone informed and prepared.

Home Security

Whether it is just to make you feel safer at night or give you peace of mind when you’re out of the house, there are a lot of top security products you can turn to. There had been a lot of innovation in this area, so you have lots of fantastic options.

Deadbolt Locks:

Simple but very effective. Install high-quality deadbolt locks on all exterior doors to enhance the security of your home and padlocks on outdoor cupboards.
Opt for locks that are resistant to picking and tampering. Deadbolts are rated for their strength from Grade 1 to Grade 3 – with Grade 1 being the highest.

Security Cameras:

Install security cameras around the perimeter of your home, focusing on entry points, to deter potential intruders and keep an eye on your property.
Go for cameras with night vision and remote access for convenient monitoring, even when you're away. You can get doorbells with cameras, so you know exactly who’s coming to call, even when you’re not at home.
Putting ups signs or stickers indicating the presence of surveillance cameras is also a good idea, it lets every visitor know that your home is protected.

Motion-Activated Lights:

Install motion-activated lights near entrances, driveways, and other dark areas to enhance safety and create a welcoming environment. Rather than fumbling around in the dark, you are welcomed home with a nice bright light.
These lights make great safety devices for the home because they automatically turn on when motion is detected, providing added security as well as visibility for you and your visitors.

Childproofing

Plunket suggests a great way to babyproof your home and keep the kids safe is to get down on your hands and knees, so you are at their level and then see what mischief you can get into. What cupboards can you reach, and what stairs need to be blocked?

Outlet Covers:

Install outlet covers or plug protectors to prevent accidental electrical shocks and keep curious little fingers safe.
Consider covers that automatically slide back into place after use for hassle-free convenience.

Cabinet Locks:

Use cabinet locks or latches to secure hazardous substances and sharp objects, ensuring your child's safety.
Install them in kitchen cabinets, bathroom cabinets, and any other storage areas within reach of children.

Stair Gates:

Install sturdy stair gates at the top and bottom of staircases to prevent falls and create a safe environment for your little adventurers.
Choose gates that can be securely attached without creating a tripping hazard for grown-ups.

First Aid Kit

Hopefully, your home first aid kit will just gather dust but you will be definitely glad it’s there if any emergency crops up. St. John offers great first-aid courses if you really want to be fully prepared.

Basic Supplies:

To take care of minor injuries, keep a well-equipped first aid kit stocked with bandages, adhesive tape, antiseptic ointment, and gauze pads.
Include instant cold packs, disposable gloves, and scissors for handling emergencies effectively.

Medications:

Include essential medications for family members with known allergies or medical conditions, ensuring quick access when needed.
Regularly check the expiration dates and replenish supplies as required, prioritizing your family's well-being.

First Aid Manual:

Include a comprehensive first aid manual in your kit to provide guidance during emergencies.
Familiarise yourself and other household members with basic first aid techniques, empowering everyone to respond confidently in critical situations.

The Garage

Lurking in the garage is a lot of home improvement and gardening tools that pose their own problems and that require their own home safety products.

Eye protection – Drills, line trimmers, mowers, and saws are power tools that throw debris into the air with a lot of force, it just takes a small piece to ruin your day. Every tradie wears eye protection for good reason.
Gloves, whether you are messing about with tools or you just want to protect your hands against the roses.
Hearing protection – your ears don’t like loud noises and drills and mowers are prime candidates for ear protection.
Spill kits – changing the oil or topping the fuel on the leaf blower can easily lead to dangerous spills. A spill kit will take care of that for you.

Ensuring the safety of your home is crucial, and investing in good quality and effective home safety items is going to make you feel much safer around your home. Lots of these safety items for home can easily be bought online, so with a few clicks you can sort out your home safety. Remember, a safe home is a happy home!