SPRING SAFETY: A GOOD TIME TO PROTECT YOUR HOME AND FAMILY

Spring is here and Summer is just around the corner. The days are getting longer, temperatures are rising, birds are singing in the morning, and lawns are beginning to turn green. As we spend more time outdoors and begin spring cleaning projects, it’s also a great time to review a few important safety items around your home.

Smoke Alarms Save Lives

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), working smoke alarms cut the risk of dying in a home fire by more than half. Unfortunately, many fire-related deaths still occur in homes where smoke alarms are missing, disabled, or not functioning properly.

Midwest Integrated Solutions recommends:

Test smoke alarms monthly.
Replace batteries at least annually unless equipped with sealed 10-year batteries.
Replace smoke alarms every 10 years or according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. (Check your State and Local laws as well)
Install smoke alarms inside every bedroom, outside sleeping areas, and on every level of the home.
Consider interconnected smoke alarms so that when one alarm activates, all alarms sound throughout the home.

Many modern smoke alarms now offer smart notifications that can alert your smartphone when an alarm is activated, even when you’re away from home.

Carbon Monoxide Detection

Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless gas that can be deadly. Every home with fuel-burning appliances, fireplaces, generators, or an attached garage should have properly functioning carbon monoxide detectors.

Common sources of carbon monoxide include:

Furnaces and boilers
Water heaters
Gas stoves and ovens
Fireplaces and wood-burning stoves
Clothes dryers
Portable generators
Vehicles running in attached garages
Grills and outdoor heating equipment
Power tools and lawn equipment

Install carbon monoxide detectors outside sleeping areas and on every level of the home. Test them regularly and replace them according to manufacturer recommendations.

A common misconception is that backup batteries produce carbon monoxide. Standard sealed lead-acid batteries used in sump pump backup systems do not generate carbon monoxide during normal operation. However, battery charging systems should always be installed and maintained according to manufacturer specifications and in well-ventilated areas.

Home Security Matters

Spring is also a great time to evaluate your home’s physical security.

Consider the following:

Verify all exterior doors and windows lock properly.
Replace worn or damaged deadbolts.
Install motion-activated exterior lighting.
Trim landscaping around doors and windows that could provide concealment.
Ensure garage doors close and lock properly.
Keep valuables out of sight from windows.

Modern security systems can provide additional protection through:

Smart intrusion alarms
Video doorbells
Outdoor security cameras
Mobile app monitoring
Smart locks
Professional monitoring services

A properly designed security system not only helps deter crime but can also provide valuable evidence should an incident occur.

Prepare for Severe Weather

Spring often brings severe weather, including thunderstorms, flooding, hail, and tornadoes.

Take time to:

Review your family emergency plan.
Identify a safe shelter location.
Verify weather alerts are enabled on your smartphone.
Consider a NOAA weather radio as a backup source of emergency information.
Review insurance coverage for storm-related damage.

Build or Update Your Emergency Kit

Every home and vehicle should have an emergency preparedness kit.