Listed below are some basic but crucial in making a home safer and heighten security:

1. Change and upgrade locks. Change locks when moving in a new place and upgrade existing locks with deadbolts instead of spring-latch locks. Deadbolts are more secure. About an inch long of metal sticks goes through the door frame compared to the spring-latch doors that have a short rounded finger that only goes through the door casing. Opt for double dead bolt lock that needs a key to be unlocked from the inside to add security.
2. Secure windows. The simple task of locking windows from the inside may be simple but sometimes neglected. When leaving home check the locks in all windows this can be an easy entrance point for burglars. For added security
3. Keep garage doors locked. Always lock garage door locked even if there is no car in it. The garage can be an easy access for burglars to come in unnoticed.
4. Set a timer for the lighting system. Set the lights on during the night, so the house can look occupied making it uninviting for possible burglars.
5. Ask the neighbors. Neighbors can be reliable to help out in safeguarding the house, but make sure they can be trusted. Ask them to pick up newspapers and mail. Piling up of these things can draw attract and draw attention to potential burglars.
6. Get a dog. Aside from the fact that dogs can be a great companion, they are well known to bark and chase off any potential burglars at home.
7. Install alarm systems. Having an alarm or security system installed at home can give tight security at home. Make sure to hide any wires for these systems so burglars may not cut off the wires. To make these alarms systems more discrete it may be best to hire a professional to do the installation. This type of securing a home might be more expensive but in the long run can be more reliable and makes more occupants at ease.

Basic home safety tips:

Smoke detectors or alarms. Install smoke detectors in each room but see to it that each smoke detector installed has specific features that are made for each room. A bedroom for example has a different type of detector compared to that of the kitchen area’s smoke detector. A smoke detector that comes with an emergency lighting may be the best choice. Also opt for smoke detectors that can be hard-wired into the electric system in order for smoke detectors to all go off at once. Regularly clean and dust these smoke detectors and always check if they are working properly.

Fire egress. Escape routes are very important to any type of building. It is required to have at least two exit points in a room that has high occupant rate. Make sure to have easy access and safe exit routes for rooms at home that are most frequently used. Fire exits and routes are actually required for any type of building as stated to any building code regardless of the state or country. To add access, consider having a durable ladder that may be kept near windows.

Fire drills. Fire drills are important and are a good foundation to get coordinated during an actual fire. This is needed most especially by kids. Smoke and power failure can occur during the actual fire. To simulate this it is best to be blindfolded during the drill. It will help family members get around and eventually find their way out of the house. Set the time and try to beat the best score on every drill. A fire drill is a good way to get prepared when things gets worse during an actual fire.

Use electricity safely. One of the main causes of fire in many households is associated to electrical devices. Circuit overloading, frayed wires and overheating are usual sources of fire. Regularly check outlets and light sockets. It is best to unplug appliances especially before leaving the house. When there are signs of any tampering or overheating contact a licensed electrician to check on it. Never use sub-standard electrical devices or appliances. Check if the purchased electrical appliances or devices have met the UL standards for safety. Avoid placing cords under rugs or against walls where heat might build up or in contact with liquid.

Precautionary measures on flammable materials. Candles and matches should not be left unsupervised most specially with children. Store these items on a safe area where it cannot be reached.  Gas, oil and other flammable materials should be safely stored as well.

Invest in fire extinguishers. A fire extinguisher is a reliable source of first aid against any combustion that might occur. A fire extinguisher should be readily available and easily accessed especially on kitchens and garages. There are different types of extinguishers specifically made for different types of fire. For example an extinguisher that can put away oil fires should be placed in the kitchen.

In an event that an actual fire occurs, listed below are some useful tips on how to handle the situation:

Handle small fires. The first thing is to calm down. When the fire has started in a wastebasket or on top of a stove, put it out with a fire extinguisher. If there are no accessible fire extinguishers, place a lid over the flame. A large damp towel or cloth can also be placed over the flame. But don’t do this for more than 30 seconds or so, small fires can actually grow into bigger fires within seconds.

Quickly get out of the house. When worse comes to worse it is better to go out of the house quickly. Fire can spread and grow quickly. Don’t attempt to go back and salvage anything, fire can spread and grow fast in just a matter of seconds.

Call for help. Immediately call for help from a neighbor’s home or from any other available phone. The fire department should be notified at once, as to prevent further spreading of the fire.

Radon gas itself is not dangerous to humans unless this gas decays and produces the radioactive particles polonium and lead. These chemicals are extremely radioactive. In fact, radon is the single contributor of background radiation dose to an individual.

Radon has been found to be one of the lead causes in lung cancer in the United States which is only second to smoking. What cause the cancer are the radioactive particles. When polonium and lead is inhaled, these particles become stuck in the bronchi, lungs and trachea. Cells in this area then are disrupted by the radioactive polonium and lead particles then cell mutation starts and in which eventually leads to lung cancer.

The level of health risk depends of the extent of exposure and that of the amount of radon present. Radon gas can be found in people’s homes and can also accumulate in other buildings. Places like attics and basements are the usual areas where there are high concentrations of radon gases. The movement of these gases may also depend on the air pressure differences between the soil under homes and basements. From soil and rock cracks and spaces found in the soil, these gases can seep through homes’ basement floors, cracks and dirt floors, foundation walls’ hollow core block, floor drains and sump pits.

The indoor air quality is significantly affected by radon worldwide. The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) has advised to take action when a level for 4 picoCuries of radon per liter of air (4 pCi/L) is present. It is equivalent to about 70,000 atoms of radon per liter of air. It is about 2 million radon atoms per cubic foot of air. Though extremely low in radon concentration, a normal human can breathe in about 10,000 radioactive atoms in a minute. These radioactive particles can be lodged in the trachea, lungs and bronchi which is means even with the low level of 4 picoCuries it can still pose health threat.

EPA has given approved methods in testing radon concentrations. There are two main methods offered by EPA, the short-term and the long-terms test. For the short-terms it lasts 2-7 days using charcoal accumulators while for the long-terms it can last as long as 3-12 months which uses electrets or alpha tracks. The short-term test is preferred by EPA especially when testing for the first time. The cost will usually include the expense for the analysis of the sample to be sent in the laboratory and then sending back the results. Radon test kits are actually commercially available in the market but be sure that these testers are approved by EPA.

The sub-slab depressurization which is also called active soil depressurization or soil suction is one of the methods to reduce radon concentration. This EPA approved method is most common and effective solutions in reducing the radioactive chemical in homes and in other buildings. It uses primarily a vent pipe system and fan. When these are installed they can block the movement of radon underneath the foundation or concrete floor from escaping to the basement. Installation costs for radon reduction may run between $500 and $1000. There is also operation costs added to the installation costs. For more detailed information on how to reduce radon contact the state radon office to get the EPA’s Consumer Guide to Radon Reduction.