If you have children, your number one priority should be to ensure the home you live in is as safe for them as it can possibly be.
Here are seven things that every house should have.
1. Put smoke alarms in every room
One of the first things you should do to make your home safer, not just for your children but also for yourself, is to get smoke alarms fitted in every room.
Smoke alarms can be a lifesaver, particularly when you are sleeping, as they can detect and warn you of dangerous fire and toxic smoke in your home.
It is worth getting them professionally installed to get them up to code and checked on an annual basis to ensure they are still in good working order. You should also consider having a fire extinguisher or two at home in case of an emergency.
2. Lock away dangerous chemicals and substances
As well as a fire extinguisher, you should consider investing in Safe Chemical Cabinets.
In most homes, there are liquids like paint thinner, linseed oil, petrol for the lawnmower, aerosols and polishes lying about, all of which can be very flammable if there is a fire.
By putting all these items in a locked cabinet, you not only reduce the risk of the house setting ablaze if fire comes into contact with them, but you also will ensure your children aren’t harmed in any way, should their inquisitive nature get the better of them.
3. Store medicines and household poisons in high cupboards
Aside from the dangerous chemicals and substances, you should also store medicines and other household poisons like cleaning products, detergents and toiletries well out of your children’s reach.
Try to put them in a high cupboard they can’t get to. It might be a good idea to padlock the cupboard as well.
4. Install CCTV Cameras and other security devices
Making your home safe for children comes in many different forms and you should not forget about the exterior of your home.
To reduce the risk of burglary or home invasion, you should take steps to safeguard yourself and your family from intruders. Two of the best ways to do this include installing CCTV cameras and motion sense detectors.
It is also worth having an intercom system that enables you to converse with people you don’t know without having to open your front door. Security alarms and lockable screen doors are also great ways to further protect your home.
5. Put a fence around your property
If you live in a property that currently does not have a fence around it, you should consider having one put up as soon as possible. Doing this will provide several benefits.
Firstly, it makes your home more secure for your family because nobody would be able to come onto your property. It also reduces your risk of children wandering off.
Fencing is also a good way to define your property and can even keep wildlife and animals like snakes and aggressive dogs out too.
6. Erect a barrier around your pool and dams
If you have a swimming pool that has a depth of more than 30 cm, you are required by law in Australia to have a safety barrier of at least 1.2 metres in height around it. This includes inflatable swimming pools as well.
However, there is no such legislation for those with a dam or a pool with a depth of less than 30cm. However, it’s worth investing in the extra peace of mind you will get to protect the children in your house.
7. Pack away your tools
If you love to do DIY and reno work, the chances are you will have plenty of power tools at home including saws, drills, angle grinders, nailers and impact wrenches.
While these will help you do the work you need to do very efficiently, they can also be a real danger to children who could cut or injure themselves.
Make sure you keep these items safely packed away in a lockable toolbox or a cabinet so your children are not able to access them.