Keep your family safe by being prepared for whatever life throws your way. From deterring burglars and preventing fires to planning for emergencies, every step you take strengthens your protection. Safety isn’t only about security systems and locked doors – it’s about staying aware, making smart choices, and knowing how to act in critical moments. This guide will walk you through practical, everyday ways to protect the people you love most.
Home Safety
Protecting your family at home starts with being aware of the risks and taking steps to reduce them.
Relevant Statistics
- According to 2023 data, property crime happens every 4.9 seconds in the United States (source)
- Most burglars can gain entry into a house in under a minute (source)
- Around 34 percent of break-ins happen through the front door (source)
- Homes without a security system are 300% more likely to be targeted by burglars (source)
- Poisoning is the leading cause of unintentional death at home, followed by falls (source)
- In 2023, fires caused an estimated $23 billion in property damage (source)
- In 2023, a house fire was reported every 95 seconds, with deaths occurring every three hours and injuries every 52 minutes (source)
- Fire departments responded to over 82,000 carbon monoxide (CO) incidents in 2023 (source)
Safety Tips
Burglary Prevention
- Install a security system: A security system alerts you when a break-in occurs.
- Arm the system every time you leave: This small habit ensures that your home is protected in case of a break-in.
- Install security cameras around your home: Cameras help deter crime and provide valuable evidence if needed.
- Use smart home features for safety: Monitor doors, cameras, and alerts remotely to stay connected with your family.
- Lock your doors and windows: Always secure your home when leaving or heading to bed.
Fire and CO Safety
- Install smoke alarms in key locations: Place alarms in every sleeping room, on every level of your home, and in your basement. (Learn more).
- Install carbon monoxide alarms: Put CO alarms near sleeping areas and on every floor of your house. (Learn more).
- Test all smoke and CO alarms monthly: Regular testing ensures your alarms work when you need them.
- Keep heating equipment clear: Maintain at least three feet between heaters and flammable objects.
- Clean and inspect chimneys yearly: Annual maintenance helps prevent dangerous chimney fires.
- Charge devices on hard surfaces: Avoid placing phones on beds or under pillows while charging.
- Inspect gas appliances: Schedule regular checkups to detect gas leaks or other problems early.
- Replace damaged cords: Damaged wires can cause electrical fires.
- Avoid overloading outlets: Too many plugs in one socket can overheat and spark.
- Never leave cooking unattended: Even a few minutes away from the stove can start a fire.
- Turn off space heaters when unattended: Unplug them before you leave the room or go to sleep.
- Don’t run engines in closed garages: Carbon monoxide can build up quickly and become deadly.
Learn more about home fire hazards. Emergency Plan
- Practice emergency response plans: Review evacuation steps and meeting points with your family.
- Know how to handle severe weather: Understand alerts and prepare emergency kits ahead of time.
- Keep emergency numbers visible: Save fire, police, poison control, and medical contacts on the phone of each family member.
- If there’s a fire, leave immediately: Don’t try to fight the flames – get out and call 911.
Poison Prevention
- Prevent household poisoning: Keep meds, cleaners, and chemicals locked away from children.
- Never mix cleaning products: Combining products like bleach and ammonia can create toxic fumes.
- Store medications in original containers: Proper labeling prevents dangerous mix-ups.
Yard Safety
- Wear protective gear while mowing: Eye and foot protection reduces the chance of serious injuries.
Insurance
- Review your homeowners insurance: Make sure your policy fits your current needs and risks.
Expert Tip: Install a Monitored Home Security System for Complete Protection
An important addition to your home to keep your family safe is a locally-monitored security system.
One of the main benefits is that a security system will significantly decrease the likelihood of your home being targeted by burglars. Home invaders want to go for the easiest targets. When they see you have an alarm, they’ll typically steer clear. Even if they don’t, a monitored security system will allow professionals to identify a break-in and respond immediately.
In addition to that, when you have a monitored security system, you will be contacted in any alarm situation. This means you can relax and focus on what matters.
Learn more by visiting our blog post on: Is a Security System Worth It?
Elderly Safety
Creating a safer home environment helps older adults maintain their independence and lowers the risk of serious injury.
Relevant Statistics
- Falls are the leading cause of injury among adults aged 65 and older (source)
- One in four older adults reports experiencing a fall each year (source)
- Older adults are 3.5 times more likely to die in home fires than the general population (source)
- Around 300 older adults die from unintentional drownings each year (source)
- Adult portable bed rails are associated with approximately 16 deaths annually among seniors (source)
Safety Tips
Fall Prevention
- Install handrails on both sides of the stairs: This provides better support when going up or down.
- Keep stairs well-lit and clear: Good lighting and clutter-free steps reduce the risk of trips and falls.
- Keep floors cleared and slip resistant: Use non-slip mats and tidy up frequently to prevent accidents.
- Remove loose rugs and cords: These are common tripping hazards and should be secured or removed.
- Install grab bars in the bathroom: Help reduce the risk of slipping in high-risk areas like tubs and showers.
Emergency Readiness
- Use a medical alert device: These devices help ensure fast emergency response, especially when someone is alone.
Water Safety
- Never let elderly family members swim alone: Supervision is key, even in familiar environments like home pools or bathtubs.
Product Safety
- Check portable adult bed rails for recalls: Only use bed rails that meet current safety standards to avoid injury.
Children Safety
Protecting your children starts with understanding the risks they face and making smart changes at home and on the go.
Relevant Statistics
- Accidents or unintentional injuries are one of the top causes of death for children ages 1 to 14 (source)
- Falls were the most common cause of injury-related emergency visits for children ages 1-14 in 2019 and 2020 (source)
- Car seats reduce fatal injury risk by 71 percent for infants and 54 percent for toddlers in passenger cars (source)
Safety Tips
Car Safety
- Use child safety seats: Proper car seats significantly lower the risk of fatal injuries in crashes.
- Install child safety seats correctly: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for a proper installation.
Fall Prevention
- Keep your home free of tripping hazards: Pick up toys, secure cords, and use non-slip rugs.
- Install safety gates at stairs and balconies: Prevent dangerous falls in high-risk areas.
- Check stair railings for safety: Make sure stair spindles are no more than four inches apart to prevent inserting their head through them.
- Install window guards that release easily: Prevent falls without trapping your family in an emergency.
Supervision
- Never leave babies alone on high surfaces: Always use safety straps on changing tables and strollers.
- Supervise children near water at all times: Pools, bathtubs, and beaches are never safe without constant adult supervision.
- Create a safe sleep space: Lay babies on their backs on a firm mattress without pillows, blankets, or stuffed animals.
Choking Hazards
- Keep cords and strings out of reach: Avoid strangulation risks by securing toy and window blind cords.
- Introduce foods safely: Avoid feeding small, hard foods to children under four to reduce choking hazards.
- Store small objects safely: Keep items like coins, jewelry, and magnets out of reach of curious hands.
Fire Safety
- Keep children and pets away from space heaters: Maintain a safe distance from all heat sources.
- Create a no-go zone around fireplaces: Use a barrier to prevent burns and accidental contact with flames.
Learn more about Important Home Safety Tips to Teach Your Children.
Personal Safety
Staying alert and making informed choices can help you avoid dangerous situations at home and on the go.
Relevant Statistics
- In 2023, 3,275 people died in crashes involving distracted driving (source)
- Drunk-driving crashes claimed 12,429 lives in 2023 (source)
- Every minute, 118 people experience a preventable injury (source)
- Most robberies in 2023 happened on streets, sidewalks, highways, or alleys (source)
- In 2023, most homicides occurred at residences, with roads and sidewalks being the second most common locations (source)
Safety Tips
On the Road
- Always wear a seat belt: Buckling up is one of the simplest ways to prevent serious injury.
- Never drink and drive: Alcohol impairs judgment and reaction time, putting everyone at risk.
- Wear a helmet when biking or playing sports: Protect your head from life-altering injuries.
- Lock your car doors: Always secure your vehicle after getting in or out.
- Park in well-lit areas: Lighting deters crime and increases visibility.
- Have your keys ready before reaching your car: Avoid lingering in unsafe spots.
- Check your vehicle before getting in: Look inside and around for anything unusual.
- Drive to safety if followed: Head to a public space or law enforcement station.
- If your car breaks down, stay inside: Signal for help and wait with doors locked.
- Avoid helping stranded motorists directly: Call for professional assistance instead.
Personal Awareness and Crime Prevention
- Stay alert and aware of your surroundings: Awareness helps you react quickly to danger.
- Avoid dark or isolated areas: Stick to busy, well-lit spaces when walking alone.
- Avoid distractions like headphones: Keep your senses clear to detect threats.
- Travel with a friend: Traveling alone can be dangerous if you don’t know the destination beforehand.
- Hold your purse securely: Keep it between your arm and body, not dangling freely.
- Avoid strangers: Minimize risks by avoiding strangers on the street.
Public Transit Safety
- Stay near the driver when buses are empty: Being closer to help adds security.
- Keep valuables hidden: Tuck away jewelry and carry wallets in front pockets.
- Change seats: Don’t hesitate to change seats if someone makes you uncomfortable.
- Be alert to pickpockets: Guard your belongings in crowded spaces.
Office and Elevator Safety
- Don’t leave valuables visible: Keep wallets, phones, and cash out of reach.
- Secure your office when working late: Lock doors and find someone to walk out with.
- Know emergency exits: Have a plan and keep emergency numbers posted near phones.
- Stay alert in elevators: Watch for suspicious behavior and know where the alarm button is.
Firearms and Sensitive Information
- Practice safe gun storage: Lock firearms away, especially when kids are present.
- Protect your identity: Keep sensitive documents safe and never share personal information.
- Secure your important papers: Use a fireproof safe or bank deposit box for extra protection.
Online Safety
Protecting your family also involves taking measures to protect their online privacy and safety.
Relevant Statistics
- In 2022, there were 1,774 reported data breaches (source)
- Nearly half of data breaches expose customer names, email addresses, and passwords (source)
- Data breaches increased by 20 percent from 2022 to 2023 (source)
Safety Tips
Social Media and Privacy
- Don’t overshare online: Avoid posting details that could be used by burglars, like travel plans or personal schedules.
- Adjust your privacy settings: Limit who can see your posts and personal information on social media.
Passwords and Account Protection
- Create strong, unique passwords: Avoid using names, pets, addresses, or other easily guessed information.
- Use two-factor authentication: Add an extra layer of security to accounts like banking and email.
- Answer security questions wisely: Choose answers that are hard to guess but easy for you to remember.
Network and Device Security
- Keep your software up to date: Regular updates help protect against viruses and cyberattacks.
- Secure your home Wi-Fi network: Use a strong password and update your router regularly.
- Avoid using public Wi-Fi for sensitive tasks: Ask staff if the network is secure and avoid logging into important accounts.
Email and Online Scams
- Watch out for phishing messages: Don’t click on unexpected links or attachments – verify with the sender first.
- Be cautious of fake websites: Check URLs carefully – scammers often mimic legitimate sites with slight differences.
- Only download from trusted sources: Free apps and games from unknown places can carry hidden risks.
Data Backup and Recovery
- Back up important files regularly: Use an external drive or secure cloud storage to protect photos and documents.
- Act fast if you suspect a hack: Change your passwords, alert your contacts, and secure your accounts immediately.
Contact Us Today to Protect Your Property!
Habitec Security has proudly protected homes and businesses for over 50 years with trusted, state-of-the-art security solutions. From burglary and fire protection to cameras and smart home features, our experts can design a custom system tailored to your needs, backed by our award-winning, 24-hour local monitoring in Ohio and Michigan.
Contact us today to start building a safer future for your family.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Learn more about how to keep your family safe.
Why Is It Important to Keep Your Family Safe?
Keeping your family safe means protecting the people you love from avoidable harm. Whether it’s preventing break-ins, reducing injury risks, or preparing for emergencies, taking action gives your loved ones peace of mind and a greater sense of security in their daily lives.
How to Use a Family Safe Word?
A family safe word is a simple phrase that everyone agrees to use in emergency situations. It should be easy to remember but hard for strangers to guess. Practice using it so everyone knows what to do if the time comes.
How to Keep Your Family Safe at Home
Start by securing your home with quality locks, alarms, and security cameras. Keep entry points well-lit, test smoke and CO alarms monthly, and create a clear emergency plan. Simple habits like locking doors and eliminating hazards can make a big difference in your family’s safety. In addition to that, you can install a monitored security system to ensure that your home and loved ones are fully protected at all times, even when you are not home.