Every parent’s number one priority is keeping their children safe and healthy. And while you can’t always be there to protect them, you can create a safe and healthy home environment that will minimize the risks they face daily.
You should design your living space with your family’s safety and health in mind. Here’s what to consider when creating a safe and healthy home for your kids.
Inspect Your Home Regularly for Safety Hazards
Regular home inspection is essential in identifying and fixing potential safety hazards. Even if you don’t have a budget for an inspector, you can do a thorough check of your home yourself. Start by looking for any trip hazards like loose carpeting or rugs, electrical cords that are not adequately secured, and slippery flooring.
In the kitchen, ensure all appliances are in good working order. Check if there are loose handles on cabinets or drawers. If there is, make sure to fix them right away. There should also be no knives within reach of small children.
In the bathroom, look for any loose tiles or slippery surfaces. Check the water temperature in your shower or bathtub to make sure it’s not too hot. Also, make sure to properly store all medicines out of reach of kids.
Regular inspection lets you quickly identify and fix any potential safety hazards in your home. Do this inspection at least once a month to ensure your home is always safe for your family.
Hire The Pros For Home Maintenance and Repair
There are indeed tasks you can safely and quickly do on your own. This can include changing lightbulbs, fixing a dripping faucet, or unclogging a sink. But it is always best to hire professionals when it comes to more complex home maintenance and repair tasks.
Trying to fix something alone can often do more harm than good. Not only will you likely not fix the problem correctly, but you might also injure yourself in the process. So instead of risking it, hire a professional to do the job right the first time.
Always check their credentials and reviews when hiring someone for home maintenance or repair. This will give you a good idea of their skill level and whether or not they’re trustworthy. Let’s say you found that your roof is now in need of repair. You’ll need to find a reputable roofing company that can do the job quickly and efficiently.
If you’re unsure where to start, you can always ask for recommendations from friends or family. Or, you can search online for reviews of local home service providers. Just make sure you are putting your home repairs in the hands of professionals with years of experience and lots of great reviews to enjoy the best results.
Keep Your Home Clean and Well-Ventilated
Another way to create a safe and healthy environment for your family is to always keep your home clean. Dust, dirt, and other allergens can trigger respiratory problems. If your kids suffer from asthma or allergies, keeping your living space as clean as possible is even more critical.
Vacuum your floors and upholstery regularly using a HEPA filter vacuum cleaner. This will help remove dust mites, pet dander, and other allergens lurking in your home. You should also wash your bedding in hot water at least once a week to kill any dust mites that might be present.
You should also regularly clean all surfaces in your home. This includes countertops, tabletops, doorknobs, light switches, and other areas where dust and dirt can accumulate. Use a mild soap and water solution or a commercial cleaning product designed for the specific surface you’re cleaning.
Don’t forget to make sure your home has enough ventilation. This means opening windows and doors regularly to let fresh air in. You might also want to consider investing in an air purifier to help remove any airborne contaminants from your living space.
Install Safety Devices Throughout Your Home
Safety devices come in different forms, but they all serve the same purpose: to help keep your family safe. Some common safety devices you can install in your home include smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and home security systems.
Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors on every level of your home, including the basement. Test them regularly and replace the batteries at least once a year.
Home security systems are another great way to help keep your family safe. These systems can alert you and the authorities if someone breaks into your home. You can also set them to monitor activities inside your home for greater peace of mind.
You can also consider smart home devices like a programmable thermostat or a doorbell camera. A programmable thermostat automatically adjusts the temperature when you’re not home. A doorbell camera can give you a clear view of who is at your doorstep before you even open the door. These devices can help you save money on your energy bills and keep an eye on activities around your home.
Teach Your Child About Stranger Danger
Stranger danger is something that every parent needs to talk to their child about at an early age. This is even if your kids usually spend their days at home. Remember that even the bad guys can look like nice, friendly people.
Teach your kids what to do if a stranger ever knocks on the door, claiming to be a family friend, a repairman, or someone else. The best thing for your child to do is to not open the door and to immediately tell you about the situation.
If your kids are old enough, you can teach them how to use the home security system to keep strangers out. Show them how to arm the system when they’re alone and disarm it when you or another family member comes home.
You should also have a code word or phrase you can use with your kids if there’s ever an emergency. This will let them know that they need to call 911 right away.
Taking some simple steps to improve the safety and health of your home will go a long way in keeping your family happy and healthy for years to come. By being proactive and staying vigilant, you can create a safe haven for your loved ones that will give you peace of mind no matter what life throws your way.
