How to Keep Your Home Safe in the Summer

Summertime means both the sun and school are out. It’s a time when you want to breathe in the fresh air, soak up the sunshine, vacation with your family, and play to your heart’s content—which means the last thing you want to worry about is home security. Here are a few safety tips to keep your home and loved ones safe this summer, while you can kick back and relax in the sun.

Air Conditioners

It’s certainly hard to beat the blistering heat in the summer. While there are plenty of electronic devices available to keep you cool, you want to make sure you’re conscious of your energy consumption. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends keeping your thermostat at 78 degrees or higher during this time. Before it gets too hot outside, keep your A/C in tiptop shape by getting it serviced to make sure it’s running correctly. Also, it greatly helps to keep your equipment clean. Regularly clear your A/C unit from dust and debris so it doesn’t clog and potentially cause overheating.

Smoke Detectors

Summer is perfect season for backyard barbecues and fireworks galore. You don’t want to put a damper on your celebrations by having a smoke alarm go off. It’s important to ensure your smoke alarms are in peak working condition so that if there is a fire, you and your family are promptly warned and able to get outside safely. The National Fire Protection Association recommends testing your smoke alarms and batteries at least once a month, and replacing the units when they are 10 years old for optimal performance.

Carbon Monoxide Detectors

A carbon monoxide detector is crucial for alerting you of dangerous levels of this deadly gas. Considered a “silent killer”, carbon monoxide is odorless, invisible, and incredibly dangerous. Whether using a portable generator in an RV, a gas-powered engine on a boat, or using a compact stove at a campsite, it’s important to have proper ventilation in whatever space you’re in. Above all, protection should start at home. Make sure that your never idle a car in the garage, burn charcoal indoors, or use a gas range for heating. Carbon monoxide detectors should be replaced every five to seven years, and should be placed on each floor and outside each sleeping area.

Flood Sensors

Flood sensors can help you detect water leaks and potential flooding, which can save you from costly home repairs. Water leaks can happen anywhere—from under sinks, behind water heaters, and around washers. Water leaks can cause lasting damage like foundation cracking, electrical problems, and mold, so it’s important to stop it before the difficulties begin. Connect your wireless flood sensor to your smart security system to receive notifications of a water leak as it happens, so you can take the appropriate action to keep your home safe.

Home Security Systems

Home security systems are the first line of defense for you and your family. Installed and maintained correctly, a proper security system can give you the peace of mind needed whether at home or away. Depending on the needs of your family, you can mix and match which equipment and features best work for both within and outside your home, from doorbell and outdoor cameras, to exterior lighting and motion sensors. You can even take your home security to another level if you connect your alarm system to your mobile device, like with the Brinks HomeTM Mobile App, you can keep an eye on your home no matter where you are.

Want to build your own personalized home security system, contact us today to get started.