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Safety Checklist: 6 items New Homeowners Should Check Prior to Moving In

Safety Checklist: 6 items New Homeowners Should Check Prior to Moving In

Moving into a new home? If you want to make it a safer and more comfortable place to live, learn where your potential hazards are located and how you can reduce them. Below are several home safety items you should check off your list.

1. Change the Locks

As soon as you get the keys to your new home, change all of the door locks. If this was a home owned by someone else (versus purchasing a newly built home), you have no idea how many relatives and friends have spare keys.

You may want to install a smart lock. A smart lock is incredibly convenient and typically features remote access and voice control. For example, if you forgot to lock the door as you are leaving the house in the morning, a smart lock will alert you.

2. Inspect Appliances

Your kitchen has many safety hazards, such as appliances. Check each appliance carefully and inspect it for any potential hazards as a result of damage, improper installation, or age.

3. Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

The kitchen should have a smoke alarm and a carbon monoxide detector. If it doesn’t, purchase them immediately! Test both (along with any others throughout the house) and make sure the sensors are free of dust which may interfere with proper detection. Change batteries if you need to. If they are old and faulty, purchase new ones.

4. Clean Out Bathroom and Kitchen Vent Fans

Check that vent fans are working properly to help avoid mold. Vent fans in the bathroom and kitchen should ideally vent outside the home. Modern vent fans that turn on and off automatically when they sense moisture in the room are ideal. If they are not working right, install new ones.

5. Check for Drafts

Drafts around your windows and doors are signs for a potential security risk. The main reason is that any loose weather-stripping or poor installation will make it easier for a thief to break in. Carefully inspect all of your outside access points, and be sure every entrance is sealed tight!

6. Purchase a First Aid Kit

It doesn’t matter how careful we are, accidents will still occur. It’s best to be prepared and have a fully-stocked first aid kit. The kit should include bandages, medical tape, gauze, and antiseptic. Keep it located in a central place that is easy to access when someone gets injured.

Protect Your Home With Homeowners Insurance

Spending some time on inspecting and improving your home’s safety prior to moving in may help make your home ownership a happy and healthy experience. What can also make you happy is if you protect yourself with affordable home insurance. Contact us today to learn how Bock Agency can help with your homeowner's policy. We offer home insurance tailored to your needs in North Huntingdon, Pennsylvania including the Greensburg, Irwin, N. Huntingdon, Pittsburgh, and Trafford areas. Request a homeowners insurance quote today.