Once you have kids, your wood-burning fireplace and heavy décor pieces become less appealing. Suddenly, you’re worried about the safety of your kids. If you’re not sure your home is up to scratch, there are a few things you can do.

1. Buy Fire Extinguishers

Every state has different suggestions for the number of fire extinguishers to keep in your home. Generally, the recommendation is one fire extinguisher for every 2,000 square feet of space. Usually, it’s stored in the kitchen because that’s where a fire is most likely to happen.

However, you might feel more comfortable having one fire extinguisher on every level. That way, you or your kids don’t have to go far for help if a fire breaks out.

2. Convert Your Wood Fireplace to Gas

There’s a reason that insurance companies raise your rates if you have a wood fireplace: they’re a fire hazard. This might make you nervous when you have kids, but you shouldn’t refrain from lighting a fire.

Instead, convert your wood fireplace to gas. There are a variety of state-of-the-art styles and tech available for a modern look that’s a lot safer for your kids.

3. Block Staircases

Did you know that staircases are the leading cause of unintentional injury for kids 14 and under? Your toddlers are still learning to walk, and stairs are particularly difficult for them. A good baby gate goes a long way.

When your kids are older, you’ll ditch the baby gates, but make your stairs a little easier for them to manage. For example, carpet on stairs can cushion the fall. If your kids are really accident prone, consider buffers on sharp corners.

4. Get an Alarm System

Most burglars avoid houses they know have alarm systems. If they break in and encounter an alarm, most burglars will abandon their plight empty-handed.

Alarm systems are one of the best ways to keep your family safe, and they’re more accessible than ever. You can easily install an affordable system including cameras and remote access via mobile device. Make sure you advertise it with a security sign or stickers. (This is a good deterrent even if you don’t have a system to back it up.)

Look for a security system with window and door sensors. This will tell you the exact location of the point of entry, so you know if someone is trying to break into your kids’ bedrooms.

5. Be Mindful When You Leave the House

You might think your neighborhood is safe, but you never know. Every time you go somewhere, whether it’s on vacation or to the grocery store, make sure your home is safe. Teach your kids the importance of locking up when you leave the house. You’re not likely to forget, but they just might if you don’t drill it into their heads.

Additionally, try not to make it look like no one is home when you go on vacation. Pause your mail and newspaper delivery, leave a light on in the house, and have your neighbor check in every once in a while. If you are going to be leaving the house for a period of time, be aware that it may not be empty of guests. Pests may wreak havoc while you are away if you have not dealt with them in advance. Maybe consider using pest control services, like this, to make sure that they do not become a problem for you – https://www.pestcontrolexperts.com/local/california/.

6. Install Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Most homeowners have smoke detectors throughout their house, and you might even check them regularly. But a lot of homeowners don’t think about carbon monoxide detectors.Carbon monoxide is a silent killer. It’s lethal if you breathe in too much, but you don’t know it’s there until it’s too late. Having carbon monoxide detectors on hand will protect you and your family from this deadly gas.

7. Use Cupboard Door and Drawer Blocks

Toddlers and young children are curious kids who don’t know the dangers that lurk in your kitchen storage. They might see the pretty colors of Pine Sol or your bleach container and think it’s a fruit juice.

Don’t take any chances. Keep all your chemicals locked away in a cupboard that they can’t access. Until they’re old enough to understand that these chemicals are dangerous, learn to deal with these child-proof locks.

8. Repair Hazards

Homeowners often procrastinate their home improvement projects. This isn’t a big problem unless those needed repairs pose certain hazards. For example, a nail sticking out of a baseboard, a broken stair rail, or splinters on a wood floor can be a recipe for disaster.

Don’t let these hazards put your kids in danger. Call a local repairman or, better yet, learn how to do the repairs yourself. This knowledge will arm you with the power required to keep your home and family safe at all times.