Home is where the heart is, as the old saying goes.
It is so much more, however.
It is shelter and refuge.
It is where the kids grow up, where families and friends get together for holiday celebrations.
It is where we go to relax.
It is where the car is, where the bikes are, where the jewelry is.
It is, principally, a place where we should feel, and actually be, safe.
Safety does not come with the purchase of a home, however.
It must be thought about and planned for.
To that end, we have compiled a list of home safety and security tips to consider.
Some are simple, some more complicated, but all are important.
While many are common sense, hopefully the list will get you thinking and spawn some new ideas that you can implement to make the family safer.
Install not only smoke alarms, but carbon monoxide detectors as well.
If you have a complete home alarm system, check with the home security company about linking smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to the company's central monitoring system.
Have a talk about fire safety with the family.
Especially if you have young children, outline a plan of escape with as many alternatives as possible, then practice them.
Having a clear idea of how to react will make everyone safer in the event of a home crisis.
Consider placing safety ladders in upstairs rooms for added escape routes in the event of fire or other emergencies.
Areas where someone might be prone to slipping, or where dangerous objects may be left around, should have good visibility at night in order to avoid accidents.
Install night-lights on stairwells, in bathrooms, dark hallways, and the kitchen.
Attend to any sort of electrical problems promptly, and consult with a professional for any continued problems.
Faulty wiring can be a potential electrocution or fire hazard.
Keep a basic assortment of first-aid supplies in a predetermined place and make sure everyone in the family knows how to find and use it.
This can prevent small accidents like cuts and falls from turning into big disasters.
Check hot water heaters to see if they have safety guards to prevent scalding.
At the very least make sure young children, or visiting guests, are aware of any special attention that must be given with sink and shower taps.
Install non-stick pads in showers and bathtubs.
Bathroom falls are a common cause of injuries and can even be fatal.
With simple precaution, however, they are easily, and almost completely, avoidable.
Make sure the family is in agreement on basic principles of home security.
A complete home security system includes not only "things," such as locks and alarms, but "policies" as well.
For example, it may be a good idea to establish a policy of not giving out the family address unless absolutely necessary (children should never do so without asking parents).
Simple policies such as keeping the bikes inside and locking the doors before leaving are also effective in creating an appearance conducive to home security and the safety of the family.