Protecting your new homestead from loss is one of the most important things you can do upon moving into a new home. It’s a good idea to check off these safety and security items as soon as possible by working them into your moving schedule or carving out a chunk of time to get them done. Your family’s safety is paramount, so don’t let these tasks fall to the wayside!

SECURITY: PROTECT YOUR HOME FROM INTRUDERS

  • Change locks/keys immediately.
  • Change the garage code.
  • Make sure every lock works properly and that deadbolts extend all the way. Then, replace the short deadbolt screws with longer, 3” wood screws (to make it harder to kick in the door).
  • Walk around and make sure all windows are locked.
  • Walk around the perimeter and make sure people can’t see in.
  • Check your outdoor lighting at nighttime. If your home isn’t well lit, consider adding more. Motion-sensor floodlights are a great option.
  • Set up a security system or make sure you are the only user that has access to it. 

Your home should be your safe haven. It should be a place where you are confident that you and all your belongings are secure. It would certainly feel like a major violation if someone you have not authorized to be on your property does something ill-intentioned. Avoid this by taking these few precautions as soon as you can.

SAFETY: PROTECT YOUR HOME FROM DISASTER

While home security is important, it’s also good to do everything you can to protect your home from catastrophes, as well as plan for emergencies that could take place while you’re home. Consider these safety measures when you move in.

  • Locate all smoke detectors. Make sure you have enough of them, they are operating, and the batteries are fresh. Keep in mind that the detectors themselves expire after 10 years!
  • Make sure there’s at least one fire extinguisher in the house, and that you know how to use it. 
  • Inspect the attic and garage to make sure there aren’t any unsafe materials leftover in storage from previous owners. Look out for paint, aerosols, fuels and flammable liquids.
  • Check the wax rings around the commodes to ensure there’s no potential for gas leaks from the sewer.
  • Find the closest hospital to your home and the fastest route to it.
  • Print out local emergency phone numbers or save them as contacts in your phone.

Complete these simple tasks and rest assured knowing you’ve done what you need to do to protect your home.