Regular home safety checks are an easy way to ensure your home is secure, functional, and ready for whatever comes your way. Here’s a more in-depth look at these essential tasks to help you maintain a safe and resilient home:
Why it matters: Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors save lives by alerting you to dangerous conditions. They are often the first line of defense against house fires and gas leaks. Regular testing ensures they’re always ready to work.
How to do it: Press the test button on your detectors to confirm they’re operational. Replace batteries if needed, and ensure the devices aren’t expired. Consider upgrading to smart detectors that send alerts directly to your phone for added safety.
Why it matters: Lint buildup in dryer vents is a leading cause of house fires, making this a critical task to reduce fire risks. Plus, a clean dryer vent improves your dryer's efficiency, saving energy and money.
How to do it: Disconnect your dryer from the wall, and use a vent brush or vacuum to clean out the lint from the hose and wall vent. Check the outside vent to ensure it’s free of debris and flaps are moving properly.
Why it matters: Overloaded outlets or frayed wires can pose significant fire hazards. Ensuring your electrical system is in good condition protects your home and family from potential disasters.
How to do it: Inspect outlets for discoloration, heat marks, or damage. Make sure power strips are not overloaded and replace any cords with visible wear or fraying. For older homes, consider having an electrician inspect the wiring.
Why it matters: Power outages and natural disasters can happen unexpectedly, and having a well-stocked emergency kit ensures you’re prepared to handle these situations.
How to do it: Check that your emergency kit includes essentials like flashlights, batteries, a first-aid kit, bottled water, non-perishable food, and a multi-tool. Replace expired items and consider adding items like portable phone chargers or blankets for extra preparedness.
Why it matters: A fire extinguisher can mean the difference between a small incident and a major disaster. Regular maintenance ensures it’s ready to use when needed.
How to do it: Ensure your extinguishers are easy to access, fully charged, and within their expiration date. Review the instructions and train household members on how to use them correctly.
Practice makes perfect. Take time to review your family’s emergency plan, including evacuation routes and meeting points. This ensures everyone knows what to do in case of an emergency.
Unexpected repairs can be costly and stressful, but a home warranty can provide peace of mind. Through our partnership with Sure, Henge users have access to comprehensive home warranty options that cover critical systems and appliances. It’s an easy way to keep your home safe and your wallet protected from surprise expenses. Learn more when you start your free risk assessment.
Let Henge Help You Go Further A safe home starts with regular maintenance, but every home faces unique risks. With Henge’s free AI-powered risk assessment, you can uncover potential issues and get expert recommendations tailored to your home. Stay safe, prepared, and confident in your home!