Safety checklist can be useful. Moving into a new home? Whether you’re renting or buying, safety should be on your mind! It’s not always at the top of our priority list when we’re moving. After all, there’s so much to think about! But you’ll thank yourself in the long run when you take these measures to ensure home security when you move in!
Change the locks
First and foremost, if you haven’t already: change the locks to your new home! This is a priority to your safety checklist. A lot of the time, if you’re renting, the landlord will have already done this for you. It doesn’t hurt to check, though. And if you’re buying, then this is an absolute MUST. You never know who has keys to the old locks.
Check the pipes
This won’t deter any intruders, but it’s nevertheless important for your safety checklist. If you see something wrong with your new homes pipes—be it rust stains, leakage, or water stains on the walls, you will want to contact a plumbing professional immediately. Faulty piping can leave your house in ruins should something go wrong. You should also familiarize yourself with how to turn the water off in your new place.
Find lead paint
ESPECIALLY if you’re in an older home (built before the 80’s) you should check for evidence of lead paint. Usually this kind of info needs to be disclosed at the time of sale (or rent) but it is not always the case. There are EPA-certified test kits that you can use to test your walls yourself. Lead paint can cause myriad health problems, so you’ll want to be certain there’s none in your home. If you find lead paint, here’s a guide to removing it safely.
Fire Safety
Making sure your home is fire-safe should be at the top of your list of priorities. Make sure to test any and all smoke detectors and make sure they are abundant throughout the home. While you’re at it, check to see that carbon monoxide detectors are working. Also make sure you set up your home so that flammable items are not positioned next to heat sources (don’t put long drapes next to the radiator, for instance).
Install an Alarm
One of the best ways to ensure the safety of your home is to install a security system. Security cameras, alarms, and signs can all help prevent intruders from breaking and entering. To learn more about how an alarm system could help keep your home safe, click here!
