General Safety Guide 2017

Your Ultimate Room-By-Room Guide To Home Safety

If you’re familiar with the SafeWise site, you’ve probably clicked around to find security tips about practically everything under the sun. But too many clicks might cause you to miss something vital to your personal safety. To make it easier to find what you need—and stay safe—we’ve put everything that’s important to know about household safety in one place. Here, you can use our room-by-room guides to get tips about common home hazards, shop for the best products, and learn how you can fortify your home. “Better safe than sorry” couldn’t be more of our mantra, so we hope you use this guide to find everything you need to live a safer life—and enhance your home’s security. If you’re preparing to welcome a baby into your home, head on over to our baby-proofing guide that’s designed specifically for new parents.

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General Things to Watch Out for at Home

Houseplants purify the air, but can become deadly when ingested by kids or

pets. Keep them out of reach to prevent a disaster, or choose plants that aren’t

harmful to people or animals:

Houseplants

- Christmas Cactus

- Coleus

- Boston Fern

- Spider Plant

- Jade Plant

- African Violets

- Miniature rose

Unless you have little kids, houseplants pose the greatest risk to curious cats

and dogs. Read more about safe houseplants for pets (not necessarily humans)

on the ASPCA website.

This heavy metal is a dangerous one. It can cause

developmental delays and even death when touched

and ingested, which is why lead poisoning is most

dangerous for children under six years old.

If your home was built before 1978, the paint on your

walls could contain lead. While this is scary, getting

your home tested and reading the Environmental

Protection Agency’s guide to lead poisoning prevention

is a way to avoid tragedy. When lead is properly sealed

and remediated, there’s nothing to worry about.

Lead Paint

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If you have firearms, tasers, or other weapons, keep them under lock

and key. The best way to do this is by storing all weapons in a safe.

Prevent kids and intruders from gaining access to your guns by

bringing one of these top safes home.

Outlets are especially dangerous for babies and toddlers, but can endanger your entire

household. When left uncovered, kids can stick fingers and objects into them—resulting in

electric shock—and if outlets rub up against furniture, they could start a fire.

Reduce the risk of any of the above by using smart outlets and outlet covers whenever

possible. Smart outlets are our favorite because they let you control your appliances and

electronics remotely, so if you forget to turn off the curling iron or coffee pot, you can shut it

off from an app on your phone.

Firearms

Outlets

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Garages are home to our cars, lawn mowers, and—usually—lots of chemicals.

Here’s what to watch out for and protect in your garage:

Hazardous & Flammable Materials

Every year, your town should offer one—if not multiple—

HazMat disposal days. It’s a time for you to safely and

responsibly get rid of old paint cans, chemicals, and

household products.

If you do have to keep hazardous materials on-hand, store

them high up on shelves away from children and direct

heat sources. Read more about what constitutes a

hazardous material to determine the best way to store

and dispose of items.

Garage Door Locks

Garage doors are often overlooked when it

comes to home security. However, thieves can

break into automatic garage doors in under six

minutes if given the chance. Prevent intruders

from getting into your garage with a few

tweaks. Or, set yourself up for success by

purchasing a better garage door opener.

Garage

Ready to take a virtual walk through your home to see where you can improve safety? Let’s get to it.

Room-by-Room Guideto a Safer Home

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Car Security

Protect your car while it’s parked in the garage or

driveway with the help of steering wheel locks and car

alarms. Follow these tips about car safety to safeguard

your car in parking garages, too.

Carbon Monoxide

Carbon monoxide is an odorless, poisonous

gas that’s produced when you burn coal,

wood, charcoal, oil, kerosene, propane, and

natural gas. While it occurs naturally in our

environment, carbon monoxide becomes

deadly when confined. That’s why you should

never leave a car running inside of the garage.

Without proper ventilation, toxic levels of

carbon monoxide build up, seep into your

home, and cause illness or worse. Read more

about the dangers of carbon monoxide and

how to protect yourself and family from its

effects.

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According to Cleanenergy.com,

the average American household

does more than five loads of

laundry per week. Since we

spend so much time in the

laundry room, make it a safe

environment by paying close

attention to the following

possible hazards:

Gas Hook-ups

If you have a gas dryer, check and double check the hook-

ups. Gas leaks cause explosions and fires in your home if

left to accumulate to highly concentrated levels.

Dryer Lint

The National Fire Protection Association stated that

washers and dryers caused over 16,000 fires and nearly

$240 million in property claims in 2010—and dryers were

the culprit in 92 percent of those fires. That’s because

dryers collect lint, and lots of it. To avoid a dryer and

house fire, clean your dryer lint from the trap after every

use. Also, inspect the dryer vent for excess lint once a

month. The cleaner your dryer is, the less likely it is to

become kindling for a larger blaze.

Water Hook-ups

Most homeowners don’t shut off the water

supply to the washer in between cycles. But if

a pipe bursts, a Roto Rooter says that up to

500 gallons of water per hour can flood your

home. The drainage pipe from your washer

should also be monitored, so you don’t soak

your floor during wash cycles.

Get in the habit of checking your water hook-

ups monthly, so you can avoid a flood worthy

of an ark. Also look into smart washers and

dryers that you can monitor from your phone,

so you’ll know right away if there’s a problem.

Laundry Room

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Whether your basement is a livable space or

rough around the edges, keep the following in

mind for overall household safety.

Flood Zones

Basements are a magnet for moisture and flooding. If

you’re moving into a new neighborhood, check flood

zones. That way, you’ll know if you need to take extra

steps to prevent your basement from turning into an

indoor swimming pool, or if you need to buy flood

insurance.

Radon Detection Kits

Radon is a radioactive gas that comes from the soil. The

scary part about radon? It’s the second leading cause of

lung cancer after smoking, and it’s impossible to detect

without equipment since it’s odorless and invisible.

You should absolutely research the area to gauge radon

levels if you’re buying a home; same goes for if you’re

building because you can have your developer

incorporate proper ventilation and sealants to keep radon

out of your house.

Already own? Don’t fret. Buy a radon detector to test for

radon and hire a radon remediator if levels are higher

than what’s deemed safe.

Carbon Monoxide

Anything that burns emits carbon monoxide—

that includes your furnace and hot water

heater. It’s important to install carbon

monoxide detectors in your basement,

otherwise this odorless, invisible, and

poisonous gas accumulates undetected.

Storage Areas

Basements are a stockpiling station for our

excess belongings. If you have shelving for

storage, double check weight limits, so your

stuff doesn’t come crashing down onto your

kids, pets, or yourself

Flood Prevention and Remediation

Whether a pipe bursts, a storm rolls through,

or a sump pump fails, your basement can

become pretty soggy, pretty quick. However,

there are some great preventative measures

you can use to stop flooding from happening

in the first place, and products and procedures

to bail you out when your house floods.

Basement

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Baby and Pet Gates

Keep kids and pets out of harm’s way—and

out of rooms that are off-limits—by installing

gates. Depending on your needs, choose

gates that span large spaces, protect kids and

animals from falling down stairs, or that are

aesthetically pleasing. Shop for the safest

baby gates[3] based on style, function, and

size to make your hallways safer and more

functional for your family.

CO Detectors

Carbon monoxide detectors can save your life. Install one

on every floor in your home—including the basement and

garage. Cars, gas stoves, and other appliances emit

poisonous, odorless carbon monoxide gas that can knock

you unconscious and kill you. To shop for some of the

best carbon monoxide alarms—including smart

technology and home automation devices—check out our

carbon monoxide buyer’s guide.

Smoke detectors

Fires are scary—and deadly. In 2014, The

National Fire Protection Association reported

that nearly 3,000 people died in structure

fires, and 60 percent of them didn’t have

smoke alarms. Smoke alarms are essential for

detecting smoldering and blazing fires, and

mean the difference between life and death.

Your hallways are an ideal place to install

smoke detectors, and it’s recommended you

place one outside of every bedroom and on

every floor of your home. There are many

models to choose from, but we found the best

smoke detectors—some that even have home

automation—to keep you, your family, your

pets, and your home safe.

Hallways get us from Point A to Point B, but they can do much more

for home security and household safety. Here are some safety

measures to consider in your hallways:

Hallways

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Fire Escape Ladders

We spend one third of the day asleep in our

bedrooms, so you have a 33 percent chance

of being there when a fire breaks out. If

you’re on the ground floor, you can escape

through a window, but if you need to climb

down from a second or third-story bedroom, a

fire escape ladder can save the day. Make a

fire plan and evacuation route to increase

your preparedness for emergencies like

these.

Valuables

Jewelry, heirlooms, and other valuables are often kept

in the bedroom. Instead of stashing cash and expensive

baubles under the mattress, bring home a safe to keep

your prized possessions secure.

Window and Door Locks

As of 2011, about 14 kids in America are

hospitalized every day for falls out of

windows —that’s over 5,000 per year

according to SafeKids.org. Unintentional falls

are the number one cause of non-fatal

injuries for kids. Even if you have screens in

your windows, they’re not meant to bear the

weight of children—or even pets. To prevent

your child from falling out of an open window,

shop for window locks with our

comprehensive buyer’s guide.

The average American spends almost eight hours sleeping every

day. Since most people slumber in their bedrooms, make sure it’s

safe and sound.

Bedroom

Flood sensors

Catching a leaky pipe or massive burst before

it becomes catastrophic will save you time,

money, and a major headache. That’s where

flood sensors come into play. Most are

equipped with smart technology, so you get

an alert on your phone if it detects water.

Bathrooms are the number one source of

flooding because of toilets, sinks, and

showers. Here are some more tips about how

you can prevent a flood in your home.

Scald Guard

Child bathtime is for splashing, playing, and getting

squeaky clean, but it should never be done without

supervision. Children can drown in a matter of minutes in

as little as two inches of standing water. So if you’re

filling up the tub or letting it drain, stay in the bathroom

until it’s empty.

Bath Mats

Anyone is susceptible to slipping on wet

surfaces, but the elderly are most at risk for

serious injury based on CDC findings. The fix?

A good old bathmat. Choose one that lays

completely flat to avoid tripping over an

upturned edge. Also lay a slip-resistant pad

on the shower floor to prevent falls. The more

traction you can get in the bathroom, the

better.

The place where we clean ourselves up can be a danger zone. The CDC reports that over

230,000 people (15 years and older) visit emergency rooms every year due to injuries that

happen in bathrooms—and 14 percent are admitted for prolonged hospital stays. Injuries

include burns, falls, and near drowning. In order to stay safe, here’s what to look out for in

the bathroom:

Bathroom

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Toilet Safety

If you have little ones, always keep the toilet seat down

and secured with a toilet seat lock. They can fall in and

drown if they’re small enough. Plus, a toilet is full of icky

germs you definitely don’t want them touching.

Tub Safety

If you have little ones, always keep the toilet seat down

and secured with a toilet seat lock. They can fall in and

drown if they’re small enough. Plus, a toilet is full of icky

germs you definitely don’t want them touching.

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The kitchen is the heart of the home, but

when you break it down, it’s full of sharp

knives, hot surfaces, heavy appliances, and

breakables. Take a look at what everyone

should consider to make their kitchens safer:

Kitchen

Fire extinguishers

Even the best cook can have flare-ups; the

U.S. Fire Administration says that cooking

accounts for 50 percent of all house fires.

Whether you leave something on the stove

too long, a curtain comes too close to toaster,

or a grease fire spirals out of control, it’s

smart to have a fire extinguisher on-hand.

Not all fire extinguishers should be used for

cooking (only some have dry components to

combat grease), so use our Top Fire

Extinguisher Buyer’s Guide to find the best

option for your home.

Kitchen Safety

Keeping pot handles turned in toward the stove, sharp

knives stored properly, and flammable objects away from

hot surfaces are all good places to start with kitchen

safety. You can take it further by following these tips. If

you’re cooking with kids, learn even more about food

safety and how to maintain the wellbeing of your tiny

sous chefs.

Baby Proofing

Kitchen cabinets are full of chemicals that can poison,

and hinges that can pinch. To prevent kids from getting

hurt in the kitchen, use a gate to keep them out, or install

door and drawer locks, so kids can’t get into anything

harmful.

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Black Mold

Black mold is made up of lethal mycotoxin

spores that can cause neurological

breakdown, pulmonary decay, immune

system degradation, skin irritation, and even

death. Like all molds, black mold likes to grow

in wet, warm places like the bathroom and

basement. It’s not an option to live with black

mold because of its serious side effects, so

use our guide to learn more about black

mold, including how to prevent, detect, and

remediate it if necessary.

Pet Cams

People love their furry children! Keep an eye

on yours when you’re away or at work with a

smart pet cam. Some allow you to speak to

your pet, release treats, and ensure the dog

or cat sitter is doing a good job. Here are

some of the best pet cams we’ve found that

you can use to keep a better eye on Fluffy.

Pet Feeders

If you work long hours or are away for the

weekend, you can still make sure your pets

get breakfast, lunch, and dinner. These smart

pet feeders are our favorite of all models out

there, and come with technology that ranges

from video streaming to large and small food

storage.

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Once the inside of your home is optimized

for safety, incorporate these outdoor tips—for

a seriously secure house.

Outside

Security Cameras

If someone is creeping around your property,

you’ll want to know about it. That’s why

security cameras are an awesome addition to

any home. Install one on the porch to monitor

packages and mail deliveries, and several

around the perimeter to keep an eye out for

criminal activity. We’ve compared top home

security cameras and found the best options

out there for you to bring home. So if you’re

in the market for better security, take a look.

Pool Gates and Alarms

People with pools have a big responsibility to make them

safe. To abide by most laws, that includes installing a

fence. If you have little kids, you might also want a pool

alarm and wearable bracelets to tell you if someone is

swimming or has fallen into the pool. Shop for the latest

pool safety technology to keep everyone—including pets

and wildlife—out of danger.

Smart locks

Ever leave the house and forget to lock the door or can’t

remember if you did? Smart locks let you lock up from an

app on your smart device. If you have kids who come

home from school before you do, or frequent pet or baby

sitters, look into smart locks to make your life easier.

Smart locks also keep a log of when doors were opened,

so you can see if anything out-of-the-norm is happening

at your house.

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Septic Tank

Septic tanks can cause thousands of dollars in damage if

they overflow—not to mention they can become a major

health hazard. To maintain your septic tank properly, only

use septic-approved materials, never flush any non-

biodegradable objects, and conserve water. If you need

more tips to proper septic tank maintenance, learn more

from the EPA.

Pest Control

Keep rats, ants, bats, and raccoons out of

your home by properly sealing your exterior.

It’s much easier to deal with a problem on the

outside of your home—before a pest has

infiltrated your house—so read up on DIY

ways you can keep creepy crawlies out.

Motion Sensor Lights

Whether you’re letting a pet outside and

want to look out for skunks, or prefer to know

if someone is creeping around your home at

night, you can install motion sensing lights.

Smart doorbells

Smart doorbells are an awesome

complement to your smart locks. They

function as a live streaming video with two-

way communication and a surveillance

camera. If someone can’t get in, you can

physically see them at your house and

decide whether or not to let them in. And if

any criminal activity ever does happen, you’ll

have it on tape. Use our product guide to

choose from the best smart doorbells on

today’s market.

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Professional vs DIY

Depending on how handy you are, you can

save money by installing your home security

system yourself. This is free of charge, but

can be time-consuming. Some home security

companies allow this, but others require

professional installation to get you up and

running. If budget is a concern, look for a

company that lets you do it yourself.

Monitoring

Some home security companies require you to buy 24/7

monitoring packages with your home security system.

While this costs more, you do get the benefit of having

someone keep an eye on your home around the clock.

Home Automation

Being able to let someone in, see who’s at

the door, and get a fire detector alert on your

phone gives you peace of mind and power.

Home security systems run the gamut with

products and services, but opting for high-

tech home automation is the way of the

future—and the way to safer living.

Your Guide to Home Security Systems

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Cellular Uplink vs Phone Connection

If you choose a monitored home security

system, the way it connects to the service

station is important. The most advanced

systems use cell towers to stay in touch with

response centers, while others communicate

through your phone or internet connection.

The most secure option is the cellular uplink

because it cannot be tampered with.

Landline and internet connections on the

other hand, can be disrupted by power

outages, meddling, and weather.

Cost

Home security systems can range from bare

bones to supremely sophisticated. As you

may have guessed, the more advanced a

system, the higher the cost.

Brands

There are hundreds of home security

companies out there, but not all hit the mark.

SafeWise has reviewed these companies and

boiled them down to the top five. You can

start by reading our reviews of the top five

home security companies, or narrow it down

yourself by comparing other great home

security companies.

When you come home at the end of the day,

you just want to relax. We hope this room-by-

room home safety guide will help you do that

and increase your peace of mind.

Your Guide to Home Security Systems