HOME SAFETY TIPS NOT TO BE IGNORED

Ensuring your home is a safe environment for you and your household is crucial. In the UK, there are approximately 2.7 million hospital visits every year due to unintentional injuries in the home. By taking some simple precautions, you can help prevent accidents and injuries and make your home safer. Sticking to routine maintenance schedules can also enhance safety. Here are three easy-to-follow home safety tips that can make a big difference for you and your household.

Electrical Safety

The risk of electrical fires is a significant concern in homes, and overloaded sockets are one of the primary causes of these fires. Overloading a socket by plugging in too many devices at once can cause it to overheat, resulting in a potential fire hazard. It's essential to ensure you're not overloading sockets and are only plugging in devices with the correct wattage. That is especially important for high-wattage appliances such as heaters or hair dryers. Another risk to electrical safety is damaged or frayed cords, which can also pose a fire hazard. It's essential to regularly check your appliances and cords for any signs of wear and tear and replace them if necessary. When it comes to log effect electric fires, it's important to avoid placing flammable materials such as curtains or paper too close to them. Additionally, remember to follow the manufacturer's instructions when using such electric fire, including proper use of their extension cords and power sockets. Although they are great additions to your home's interior decor, it is vital to be aware of the hazards if you fail to follow the manufacturer's instructions.

Secure Your Home

The rates of break-ins and burglaries have been rising in the UK, making it more important than ever to secure your home. According to a report by the Office for National Statistics, there were 356,017 reported cases of burglary in the year ending March 2021, an increase of 9% from the previous year. It's essential to secure your home to reduce the risk of becoming a victim of burglary. That includes ensuring all entry points, such as doors and windows, are locked and secured. It is also important to install a security system, such as alarms or cameras, which can deter burglars and give you a warning during a break-in. Additionally, installing motion-activated lighting outside your home can help deter intruders and provide visibility when entering and leaving your property at night. Social media usage is also a significant factor in home security. Posting pictures or updates about being away on holiday can alert potential burglars that your home is empty and an easy target.

Install Smoke Alarms

Smoke alarms are a crucial safety feature in any home. A smoke alarm can provide early warning in a fire, giving occupants valuable time to safely evacuate the property. To be effective, smoke alarms must be installed in the correct locations and maintained correctly. It's recommended to install at least one smoke alarm on every level of your home, including the hallway and landing. You may need to install additional alarms to ensure complete coverage if you have a larger property. It's also important to test your smoke alarms regularly to ensure they are in good working order. Another important safety feature to consider is the installation of carbon monoxide alarms.

Carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless gas that can be deadly if inhaled in high concentrations. Gas boilers, heaters, and stoves produce it, which can be particularly dangerous in poorly ventilated spaces. A carbon monoxide alarm can alert you to the presence of this gas, allowing you to take action to ventilate the area and seek professional assistance if necessary. By installing smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, you can significantly reduce the risk of injury or fatality in the event of a fire or gas leak in your home. Thankfully, since 1st October 2022, the UK government has made it compulsory for all households to install smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.

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