Protect Your Home from Fire, Theft, and More

If you own a home, you know that fire, theft, and other natural disasters, such as hurricanes, tornados, and earthquakes, can cause serious damage and can leave your home in a state of disarray.

There are several things that you can do to help protect you and your family including the following tips:

• In the case of fires, many safeguards should be in place. The first of these should be the placement of smoke detectors strategically throughout the home.
  
  One should also teach each family member (i.e. kids) the best route of escape, and how to feel for hot doors that should not be opened. In addition, be sure to educate your family members about the placement of fire extinguishers, and how to use them properly.
  
  Mock fire drills should also be done, at least quarterly, so that the family...as a unit... can practice on quickly leaving the burning home, and reinforce why no one should ever go back inside for any belongings.
  
  Once outside and away from any immediate danger, the fire department and proper authorities should be notified. Never to try to call from inside the home unless you are trapped and cannot get out.
  
  
  
• In the case of home theft, one should always lock their doors and windows, and never allow them to remain open overnight or during the day when someone is not at home.
  
  These can provide an easy entrance into the home, and basement windows should be give the same attention, even going as far as adding iron bars over the windows themselves.
  
  In addition, never place extra keys to your doors in obvious areas as knowledgable thieves will look for these. Also, when leaving town, always try to have a trusted neighbor look after your home while you are gone and pick up your mail for you.
  
  Finally, one of the most important things that you can possibly do for your family's safety is to install a wireless home security alarm, home video surveillance, or even a fake surveillance camera system.
  
  
• In the case of natural disasters, these are impossible to predict, but there are definately things that you can do to be prepared as possible. Preparation in advance can buy you the precious minutes you need in a natural disaster.
  
  
  If you have a basement or re-inforced "safe area" in your home, be sure to stock these with plenty of drinking water and nonperishable foods. In addition, stock up on batteries and flashlights, as well as having a battery operated radio that can be utilized to keep updated on what has happened and if rescue crews are in your area working yet. Its also a very good idea to keep blankets and pillows in that area, just in case the stay is more extended than was initially planned.
  
  At the end of the day, the most important thing is to be prepared with the proper plan & supplies, and you'll be much better off than others in your area.