Whether you live alone or have kids, taking your security for granted is never wise. While Sheffield makes a wonderful place to live and build a home, career, and family, there are problems that we need to prepare for. Making sure that you have put in place suitable security protection is not easy, especially if you have a busy personal and professional life. So, what can you do?
Home security is one of the first and foremost issues that we need to deal with as homeowners. That said, not all home security issues come down to protecting ourselves from criminal acts. Yes, you want to stop people from breaking into your home. But what can you do to make sure that, if you have kids, they stay safe? How can you childproof your home so their curiosity does not lead to a trip to A&E?
From making the kitchen safer to dealing with potential problems around the perimeter of your home, the list of things you need to contend with feels endless, right?
If you want to practice better home security, then read on. We will give you some valuable insights into how to prepare for these potential eventualities. Often, we learn through our mistakes, but our goal here is to help you avoid these mistakes. What is worse for a parent than seeing their child get hurt? With these tips, you should be able to prevent many avoidable incidents from taking place. Put the following tips into practice, and you should find that accidents become far less likely.
Putting The Basics In Place
Home security becomes all-important, especially when you have other people to worry about. So, you should take the time to have your property reviewed by a security professional. For example, have an expert Sheffield locksmith, carry out a review of your lock systems. They might find flaws with your locks, meaning that a criminal with enough savvy could pierce through your security setup and enter your home. They can also check for security upgrades you need, i.e. CCTV.
While you get these avenues checked out by a Sheffield locksmith, you can take the time to look into ways to childproof your home. As a parent, you know how much time is taken up each day just watching your kids and supervising their learning of the world. Things that we take for granted as obvious are new experiences for kids, which can lead to disaster in the wrong circumstances.
It can be easy to overlook little dangers. Risks we would never assume. Problems that we only realise after the damage is done. While this is by no means exhaustive (we will go room-by-room in a moment), you should at least ensure that:
- You buy quality baby monitors that give you a heads-up on any potential problems
- Beds and cots are checked carefully, ensuring all barriers are kept rigid and in place
- Windows remain locked at all times, with window guards around second-storey windows
- Entry sensors fitted to all windows and doors, so you know where your kids are exploring
- Blind openers and cords in all rooms are tied upward to reduce the risk of strangulation
- Barriers are fitted around your stairs, balconies, and access points that elevate your kids
- First aid kits are kept upstairs and downstairs, so you always have rapid access if needed
- You take a first aid course so you know how to use everything in your first aid kit.
- You develop CPR skills; you can learn these through many first aid courses
These are the very basics of home safety and security, and should be the bare minimum for any parent looking to make their home more protected. Having these basic features and skills in your locker will help. Not only will you feel more prepared, but you can also prevent many preventable incidents from taking place.
General Tips For Home Safety & Security
With the above, you now have some basic credentials put in place that should limit the risk of obvious situations. You want your children to be able to safely explore your home and develop their skills and awareness of life, right? Yet, you also need to be vigilant about potential risks. Children are, by their very nature, naïve; they often do not see the problem in their actions until it happens!
We mentioned above the risk factors that exist regarding home security. A failure to invest in modern home security features can bring many life-changing problems. From the risk of a break-in to children being abducted from your garden due to lax security, it is better to be pre-emptive. Do not wait until after the fact to make the changes – make them now. Prevention is better than reparation.
Investing In Comprehensive Security
First off, you should be investing in a series of home security devices. This includes alarms for your external doors, sensors around your property’s perimeter, and camera systems. Video doorbells, too, are a good idea. With the advent of so many technological solutions, though, it can be hard to know where to start. Our advice? Contact a local locksmith in Sheffield, like Lock & Key. They, and others, can offer a bespoke home security review to give you a breakdown of where you need help.
Perimeter Protection
Interior and exterior cameras are a must for parents. Not only can it help you to spot an intruder, but it also gives you constant access to your kids. Say you go out for the night, and your children get upset with the babysitter because they miss you. With camera systems, you can easily pop on the phone and give them a reassuring chat, calming the mood and restoring a positive, happy atmosphere.
Parents should invest in professional solutions for home monitoring. They might be expensive at the outset, but is there a price you can put on peace of mind?
24/7 Protection Is Essential
24/7 alarms and security systems are a commonplace discovery on the home security marketplace. You can also, as your children age, show them the importance of being secure and giving them peace of mind when they are at home. You can use these security systems to make your children aware of the risks of naivety. For example, opening the door to strangers is a no-no; you can show them why. Leaving the door unlocked and knowing what to do in the event of a security breach are all valuable lessons.
With the right security measures in place, your children can explore in peace without you having to worry about every little incident that could occur. Put the boundaries in place, educate your kids, and secure your home with the right investments. It really is that simple to lay good, secure foundations!
General Tips For Electrical Safety At Home
Electronics play an increasingly obvious part in our lives, and it is easy to see why. Without electricity, everything becomes harder. We cannot use our appliances, the internet stops working, and everything that we rely upon in day-to-day life becomes harder to access. Nightmare, right?
However, while electricity is a vital part of running our homes and giving our kids a quality life, there are always risks with electricity. Children are exploratory by their very nature. While an adult might know not to touch an exposed wire, does a child? As such, educating your kids on electrical safety is vital. So, too, is being pre-emptive and dealing with any potential issues that emerge as time goes on. While every home has its challenges, we recommend that you take action on:
- Making a habit of turning off appliances at night; make your home safer and more efficient!
- Covering up plug sockets and making sure any wires not in use are stored away safely
- Installing safety caps on plug sockets so children cannot experiment with them further
- Reducing the number of extension cords you use; they can be a trip hazard for children
- Replacing any broken appliances or appliances that have cords/wires that have worn out
- Storing away all appliances not in use, ideally in secure, key-locked storage containers
- Investing in safety switches installed by a local locksmith for surge protection
- Managing power consumption so you never overload any power outlets, risking a fire
- Creating clear boundaries for where liquids are allowed, i.e. never near any electronics
You should also take the time to review all of your electrically powered security appliances regularly. This includes cameras, monitors, and alarms, including your smoke and fire alarms. These tips should give you a heads-up on how to protect your kids and prevent potential exposure to electrical risks and harmful situations caused by technology.
Use your initiative and, where possible, err on the side of caution. It is better to be safe than sorry. It takes just a minute to plug something in or unplug it; sitting in A&E can be an hours-long process!
Going Room By Room For Improved Home Security
With the basics covered above, we hope you feel a little more comfortable about how to protect yourself and your kids at home. However, now it is time to review your rooms so you can prepare for any risk factors in each room. In each room of your home, you should pay attention to:
The Living Room
As arguably the most commonly used room in the house, your living room is very important to your social time together. Your kids might spend their time in the living room playing with toys, watching TV, or playing games with you and other family members. While these are great experiences, living rooms also tend to have various obstacles that could put your kids at risk. You should start by:
Storing Away Risky Objects
First off, make sure you take the time to scan for potential objects lying around regularly. Not only could your children hurt themselves on these, but it also stops you from standing on that left-out toy in the dark. Also, review your furniture; don’t wait until a table collapses on top of your child when they are exploring to review your furniture. Be sure to carry out the same electrical reviews mentioned above. This includes checking that all appliances are unplugged when not in use and that all wires/cables are safe.
Securing Appliances & Storage
If possible, get any appliances wall-mounted. We have heard of one too many horror stories of kids pulling down TVs on top of themselves. Not only does your child become seriously injured in such a scenario, but you also need to get a new TV. Disaster on all parts!
Reducing Safety Risks
Fit edge protectors to every surface that could be a risk factor for your kids, too. Think about coffee tables, cabinets, storage facilities, shelves, and TV stands. It helps to be presumptuous of danger in this case; why wait until your kid hurts themselves before taking action?
The Bedroom
Bedrooms are obviously where we spend most of our solitary time, and your kids will likely be the same. They might retreat to their bedroom to watch TV, play video games, use their tablet/phone, or just read a book and listen to some music. Or, of course, play with their armada of toys!
Make Access Easy
Bedrooms can become quickly chaotic, though, putting your kids at risk in the wrong circumstances. One piece of conventional wisdom we recommend going against is the fitting of locks on your kid’s bedroom doors. Your children could get locked in the room when they need help. Once your child reaches the age of maturity, by all means, but young children and toddlers do not need door locks.
Securing Appliances
Make sure that you carry out the same electrical safety suggestions we mentioned above. Get all plug sockets covered, make sure you unplug appliances not in use, and remove any electrical wires lying around after an appliance has been used. If any wires are exposed, have them repaired/replaced.
Safe Storage
Your kids have plenty of toys, right? That’s great. Stimulus for children through toys is great for their development and coordination. However, toys should be kept in a safe place until they reach an age where they can be trusted to play with their toys and store them away safely afterwards. At younger ages, keep a close eye on play time, and you can make sure your children are not at risk of choking or self-harm through broken toys, etc.
Secure Furniture
In terms of furniture, we recommend that you get all children’s furniture secured to the walls. This means not only televisions and the like, but cabinets, containers, clothes storage, and bookcases. Beds, too, should be secured. This stops things from toppling over when your child’s inner explorer comes out. Thus, your children are less exposed to potential crushing risks and/or things falling atop them.
Safe Sleeping Practices
Speaking of beds, make sure that you take the time to watch how your children sleep. Make sure their sleeping space is hazard-free, and watch how your children sleep. If your child seems to adopt unsafe sleeping positions and methods, get a paediatrician involved. They might be able to help you resolve this situation before it results in a nightmare scenario unfolding.
The Kitchen
The kitchen is one of the most important rooms in our house, but it is also one of the riskiest places for kids to be. Sharp knives, hot appliances, rigid edges on worktops, etc. – the list of potential problems is endless!
Remove Risk Factors When Cooking
Our kids can find themselves in a sensory overload of potential risk factors in the kitchen. Generally, if your kids are in the kitchen, you should try to remove them, especially when cooking. There are simply too many obstacles and potential for worrisome injuries in a kitchen. While being vigilant of your kid’s presence in the kitchen is a must, you should also focus on certain changes.
Keep Danger Out Of Reach
First off, make sure you put anything dangerous or risky out of reach. This does not only mean knives and other sharp objects, but electrical appliances as well. If you have medicine cabinets or the like in the kitchen, store these away with key-locked cupboards. A locksmith can help you childproof these.
Use the wall space and height of your kitchen to keep the risky stuff – glass, metal objects, knives, etc. – out of their reach. Also, fit childproofing to drawers and cabinets, and, if possible, get smooth edge protections fitted to the sharper edge objects in your kitchen, such as cabinets and worktop edges.
Cooking Together Correctly
For example, it’s nice to have the kids helping out when cooking. It helps them to learn the importance of food preparation, and it’s also a fun activity to enjoy together. However, make sure that you monitor their actions and, if they are using child steps to reach the sink and counters, etc., make sure they are secured and not in use when you are not present.
Sensible Recycling
Make sure that you store away everything that is being thrown out or recycled in protected bins. OK, it adds a few seconds on each time you need to unlock the bin, but it stops your kids from letting their curiosity get the better of them.
Prioritising Hygiene & Safety
Lastly, make sure your kids focus on kitchen hygiene. Get them used to washing their hands, and if your kids start doing more of the dishes while you manage the prep, keep an eye on what they are washing. Remove any potentially sharp or risky objects; you can wash them later!
Oh, and when it comes to feeding time in the kitchen, make sure that young children and toddlers are kept in securely strapped high-chairs. Make sure you watch them when eating, too; they might choke, especially if they are eating a larger portion or food they would not have eaten before.
The Bathroom
Outside of our kitchen, the bathroom is probably the next most commonly used shared living space. We all need to go, right? So, the bathroom is one of the rooms used by all residents at home. The bathroom is also where many of us store things like our self-care products, like perfumes, deodorants, cleaning products, shower gels, etc. – all things that contain chemicals that could hurt our children!
Keeping on top of the myriad number of risks in the bathroom is not easy, but it is essential. While the bathroom is often where we enjoy those bubble baths with toy ships and rubber duckies, it is also where potential danger lies. From electrocution and drowning to the number of glass objects and chemical products lying around, vigilance is vital. What can you do to make your bathroom safer?
Bath Time Safety
First off, make sure that you pay close attention to your children when bathing. OK, this gets awkward once they reach a certain age, but small children and toddlers require support and supervision in the bathroom.
Keep Risks Out Of Reach
Be sure to practice safety and security when it comes to product placement, too. Get all of your bath products and cleaning reagents like shower gels, shampoos, etc., stored high up away from where your kids can reach. Sharp objects like cosmetic trimmers, razors, nail clippers, etc., should be kept in lock-secured storage cabinets far out of the reach of your children, too.
If you keep any cleaning products in the bathroom, again, keep them in a lock-secured container that can stop your kids from playing with bottles of bleach and the like. If you have child steps, so your kids can reach the bathroom sink when brushing their teeth, etc., make sure they are kept away and only brought out with your permission and supervision. That stops kids from falling from a risky position.
Temperature Regulation
Scalding, too, is a potential problem in the bathroom. Make sure you keep hot water at a maximum temperature of 50 °C, and make sure that all baths and sink water mixtures have a healthy blend of hot and cold. You can always top up lukewarm water, but you cannot prevent a burn or scalding once it happens!
The Garden
Lastly, if your home has a garden, you need to make sure it is properly secured. The garden is a great place for creative fun, playing sports, and even enjoying some pottery and learning in terms of gardening, landscaping, etc.
However, the garden is also a haven for potential risk factors that could put you and your children at risk!
Perimeter Protection
Start off by making sure that you check the perimeter of your garden. Look for wood splinters and sharp edges on fences, gates, pottery pieces, flower pots and the like. These are easily missed but could be the source of a cut or a painful experience for your child.
Secure Storage & Appliances
Make sure that if you have any sheds or storage facilities in your garden, they remain locked and shut from access for your kids. The same goes for playhouses and the like; your kids can open these, but only with your permission and supervision, at least until they reach a certain age.
Have you been doing some landscaping or some DIY? Make sure that all tools and electrical sources used are put away properly at the end of the task. Never leave your kids unsupervised when you have any landscaping equipment or workbench tools lying around. Unplug everything and make sure you store everything away in places where your children cannot reach, no matter how hard they try.
Foliage & Shrubbery
Also, be sure to inspect the foliage and trees of your garden regularly. You never know what might be growing that is unwanted, from jaggy bushes to potentially poisonous plants. Kids love nature and have no qualms about eating that berry off a tree, until it makes them feel sick. Also, be sure to look out for any signs of potential pests or rodents that could hurt your children or cause them fear.
Security Assessments
Now, you need to go back to the security metrics we spoke about earlier. Review your fences. Make sure they are tall enough that you have complete privacy; if possible, double-slat your fences so nobody can see into your garden. Regularly review your fences and your gates for any signs of wear and tear. Make sure that your children cannot get out of the garden without your supervision, nor can anyone climb into your garden or interact with your children.
Check your locks on a regular basis, too. Hire a professional locksmith, and they can review your locks and make sure they are in suitable condition. If not, they can offer suitable replacements. They can also help you with installing things like perimeter security systems and security cameras.
Complete The Checklist For Better Home Safety
Peace of mind is invaluable. The trauma of knowing you could have prevented your child from hurting themselves or having an accident is impossible to forget. Why take the risk?
As a parent, protecting your children is your duty. Your obligation. With the above security tips, you should now feel much more comfortable that your home is a safe, secure place for your kids. Take the time to review the above ideas, go through each section carefully, and make sure you have ticked every box and dealt with every potential issue. With the above practicalities in place, we guarantee that your home is now a much safer space for you and your children for years to come!
Never take any needless risks. If you need any support or assistance in making changes to your home, call security professionals such as locksmiths, to make the changes you require. Good luck, and stay safe!
