Home safety includes a variety of considerations, from choosing a safe neighborhood to outfitting your house with the right security features. Home safety is a primary concern for many people, especially young children.

Some things are less known, like testing your home for radon or keeping an eye out for lead paint. Here are fifteen tips to help improve the safety of your new home.

1. Test for radon

Radon is a naturally occurring gas that can be found in homes across the world. It's estimated that 1 in 15 homes has elevated radon levels, which can cause lung cancer. Testing your home for radon is simple and easy, and it's essential to do if you're concerned about the safety of your home.

Radon test kits are available at most hardware stores. You can also hire a professional to test your home for radon.

2. Inspect the electrical system

The electrical system in your home should be up to code and in good working condition. Have a professional inspect the electrical system in your home before you move in to ensure that it's safe.

Old or outdated electrical systems can pose a severe fire hazard, so it's essential to ensure that your home is up to date.

3. Install carbon monoxide detectors

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can be deadly if inhaled. Carbon monoxide poisoning is responsible for hundreds of deaths yearly, so installing carbon monoxide detectors in your home is essential.

Place carbon monoxide detectors near all potential sources of carbon monoxide, such as furnaces, water heaters, and fireplaces.

4. Keep trees and shrubs trimmed

Trees and shrubs can provide hiding places for criminals, so it's essential to keep them trimmed. Trimming trees and shrubs also helps to keep your home safe from wildfires. By keeping your yard nice and trimmed, you can help deter criminals and improve the safety of your home.

5. Install a security system

Installing a security system is one of the best ways to protect your home from burglary and other crimes. A security system will alert the authorities if someone tries to break into your home, and it can also deter criminals from even attempting to break in.

Many different types of security systems are available on the market, so be sure to do your research before choosing one.

6. Get to know your neighbors

One of the best ways to improve home safety is to get to know your neighbors. Knowing your neighbors can help you keep an eye out for suspicious activity, and it can also help you feel more connected to your community.

Introduce yourself to your neighbors and get to know them, so you can all work together to keep your neighborhood safe.

7. Join or start a neighborhood watch program

Neighborhood watch programs are a great way to improve home safety. These programs involve neighbors working together to deter crime and keep an eye out for suspicious activity.

You can always start one if there isn't a neighborhood watch program in your area.

8. Keep your doors and windows locked

One of the simplest ways to improve home safety is to keep your doors and windows locked at all times. Burglars are often looking for easy targets, so keeping your doors and windows shut can make your home less inviting to criminals.

In addition to keeping your doors and windows locked, you should consider installing deadbolts on all exterior doors.

9. Install motion-sensor lights

Motion-sensor lights are a great way to improve home safety, as they can help deter criminals. These lights turn on automatically when someone walks by, making it more difficult for burglars to break into your home unnoticed.

You can find motion-sensor lights at most hardware stores, and they're relatively easy to install.

10. Don't advertise your absence

When you're going on vacation, it's important not to advertise your absence. If burglars know you're not home, they're more likely to target your home.

You can do a few simple things to avoid advertising your absence, such as having a friend collect your mail and keeping your social media accounts private.

11. Check the quality of building materials

If you're planning on doing any home renovations, it's essential to check the quality of the building materials. Some building materials, such as drywall, can contain harmful chemicals that can be released into the air.

In addition to checking the quality of building materials, you should also ensure that they're installed correctly. Improperly installed building materials can pose a severe fire hazard.

12. Be prepared for natural disasters

Natural disasters like earthquakes, tornadoes, and hurricanes can strike without warning. It's essential to prepare for these events by having a plan and stocking up on supplies. By being prepared for natural disasters, you can help keep your family safe in an emergency.

13. Inspect your home regularly

It's essential to inspect your home regularly for potential safety hazards. Check for things like loose railings, cracked sidewalks, and tripping hazards.

By taking the time to inspect your home, you can help to prevent accidents and injuries.

14. Teach your kids about safety

One of the best ways to improve home safety is to teach your kids about it. Show them how to use fire extinguishers and smoke detectors properly, and teach them what to do in an emergency.

You can also teach your kids about Stranger Danger and how to stay safe when they're home alone.

15. Have a plan in place for emergencies

Emergencies can happen at any time, so it's essential to have a plan in place for how to respond. Make sure everyone in your family knows what to do in the event of a fire, flood, or another emergency.

By having a plan in place, you can help to keep your family safe in the event of an emergency.

There are several things you can do to improve home safety. By taking some simple precautions, you can help to keep your family safe from harm!