You must be proactive in keeping your home safe and powered all year round. Maintaining a safe and continuously powered home year-round means combining security technology, emergency preparedness for power outages, and being proactive with maintenance.
There are several essential steps, therefore, to ensure your home is functioning effectively. From securing entry points to having backup power sources like solar generators in place, here are some of the ways you can keep your home safe and powered all year round.
Tips for year-round home safety and security
To help improve your year-round home safety and security, these useful tips will ensure you can rest at home with peace of mind that it’s protected whether you’re in it or away from it.
Secure entry points
You want to ensure all windows and doors are locked with the help of high-security locks or multi-point locking systems, especially on your exterior doors in and out of the home.
Avoid hiding any keys outside and instead, give a spare key to a trusted neighbor or a family member/friend that lives nearby.
External deterrants
Installing motion-activated floodlights around the exterior of your home is helpful in providing an external deterrent. It’s good to approach an electrician for advice and installation of the best lighting options inside and out for deterring anyone on the outside from coming in.
It’s worthwhile trimming down all shrubs and trees, especially near windows, to help remove hiding places for potential intruders to take advantage of.
Security systems
Security systems are helpful to have in place, especially visible alarm systems, CCTV, and smart doorbells that are helpful for remote monitoring.
Safety checks
Testing smoke and carbon monoxide detectors monthly is key to ensuring they’re working as they should. Any that don’t sound quite right or aren’t sounding at all should have their batteries replaced. Batteries should ideally be replaced annually, too.
Vacation security
When on vacation, it’s worthwhile to use light timers in order to simulate occupancy. You could also ask a neighbor or family member to collect your mail and avoid posting any travel plans on social media until you’ve returned home. Otherwise, you’re letting everyone know that your home is vacant.
Powering your home during outages
During power outages, it’s good to have processes in place that help power your home for the time being.
For example, backup power solutions are worth implementing, like a portable power station, for example. Generators are good, but if using a gas one, keep it at least 20 feet away from the home.
Any sensitive electronics should be plugged into surge protectors to prevent any damage when power is eventually restored.
You should also stock up on emergency lighting like battery-powered torches or lanterns to see around your home when the power is out, and there’s no backup generator in place.
Seasonal maintenance checklist
A checklist for seasonal maintenance is a good way to keep up with your efforts in securing your home and keeping it in good condition.
During the winter, make sure your heating is all serviced properly and check roof tiles for storm damage. Summer is all about keeping your air conditioning filters clean and ensuring gutters are clear. Inspect all electrical systems too for worn wires and overloaded sockets.
These are the best ways of keeping your home safe and powered throughout the year.