New Year Safety Resolutions

As 2013 comes to a close, it’s that time of year where people begin making New Year’s resolutions.  From losing weight to quitting smoking to doing more for their community, everyone is looking to have a fresh start to the New Year.  This year, in addition to your own New Year’s resolution, why not make one for your home too?  Don’t know where to get started? Let us help you.  This 2014, let PROTECTION PLUS ® help make your home a safer place for you and your family with New Year Safety Resolutions.

Install an alarm system

Was you home broken into this year? Did you have an alarm system to protect it? If not, then that should be your top priority this year.  There are several benefits to a home alarm system, starting with the fact that burglars are less likely to break into your home if they see a security alarm system sign on your lawn.  Also, some insurance companies may cut your premiums by 15-20% just by installing a home alarm system.  Another major benefit comes from the changes in technology.  Nowadays with smartphone technology, you can easily check in on your home, even on the go, giving you complete control and peace of mind.  You couldn’t do that 20 years ago.

Prepare for an Emergency

Everyone home should have an emergency home kit ready just in case of well, an emergency.  This year, the city of Toronto encountered two massive storms where an emergency home kit would have been beneficial: the massive summer rainstorm that flooded basements and knocked out power for several communities and the devastating ice storm that blacked out parts of the city, leaving people in the cold during the holidays for over a week.  The magnitude of both storms was unexpected and no one was prepared for it.  This year, make sure that you and your family are ready for any unexpected emergency.  First, plan an escape route in case of a house fire and make sure that everyone knows what to do.  Also, make cure to create an emergency home kit and store it in a safe and easily accessible place in your home.  Within that kit, include flashlights, candles, non-perishable food items, first aid kit, spare set of clothes, blankets, water bottles and medications.  Also, look to get a portable stove.  Alternative cooking methods can be very useful especially in the summer, allowing for you to continue to cook your own meals when the power is out.  The weather of 2013 has showed us that mother nature can be very unforgiving and just about anything can happen.

De-clutter

With the new year rolling in, it’s time to de-clutter.  Excessive stuff in the house can pose a fire or health hazard to the inhabitants.  Start by sorting through your stuff to see what is useful and what needs to be thrown away. If appliances are no longer working, drop them off at a disposal center.  Donate old clothes to shelters or charities and properly dispose of flammable materials.  De-cluttering a home gives you the opportunity to start the year off fresh and a fresh start to the new year is always a good sign.

 Update/Upgrade

Speaking of de-cluttering your home, this is the perfect opportunity for you to update your house.  By “update” we mean, replacing electronics, appliances, systems, etc in the home.  Replace your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors if they’re not working correctly or if you haven’t done so in a while.  Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colourless gas that can be deadly if not detected at the right time.  Also, make sure that your furnace is working and your water heater does not need replacing.  Repair pipe leaks in the home to prevent water damage and seal cracks in the exterior of the home.  Lastly, if you have an old alarm system, consider updating it this year to provide your family with the best protection.  Making sure that your home is in top condition helps to make the new year great.

 Care and Maintenance

This year, make it a priority to take care of your home.  You can start by creating a list of things that will require a bit more care and maintenance this year. Change the batteries in your monitoring system when they’re low and be sure to keep the cameras clean to allow for perfect sight. Try not to clutter up appliance areas and remember to test equipment on a recurring basis.  When drastic climate changes occur, check to see if your water pipes have cracked and keep an eye out for foundation cracks.  Continuous care and maintenance of your home will allow for the safety and wellbeing of you and your family.

This year as you make New Year’s resolutions for yourself, don’t forget about your home.  If making your home a safer place is on top of your New Year’s resolution list, call us, PROTECTION PLUS ®, and we can help in making that goal a reality.

Happy 2014!!