Keep Your Family Safe Even When You're Just Renting a Place

They say that home is where the heart is. Essentially, home is a place where one should feel comfortable, safe, and at peace, whether it’s their own or rented. But especially since living in a rented place often involves sharing space, certain facilities, and amenities, the homeowner needs to put in place several measures to ensure they and their family stay safe and well. From improving hygiene and sanitation to enhancing security and minimizing safety hazards, here are a few tips renters can use to keep their families safe.

Invest In a Water Purifier

Water is essential for a wide range of uses around the household, including cooking, cleaning, bathing, and most importantly, drinking. In most rental housing units, however, the water coming from the faucets comes directly from the city’s supply channel. Even though this water goes through the treatment process, there’s always a chance that it gets contaminated somewhere along the waterways and plumbing before it reaches your home. Considering the many waterborne ailments known to science, it’s only prudent to have the water pass through a purifier or water filter before you and your family can drink it.

The slight challenge, however, is that most landlords will not allow you to install a complex water filter such as an under-sink or whole house water filter. In this case, a counter reverse osmosis filter can be a more appropriate alternative. The best thing about these filters is that they don’t require installation, plumbing or electricity. They are also a great way to ensure your family is getting safe, filtered drinking water, even in cases of emergency where you don’t have running water.

Install an Air Purifier

Another way to keep your family safe is to ensure they’re breathing clean air. Indoor air quality is a major concern in homes, especially in rented units where space can be a major concern. By installing an air purification system, you can ensure that the air circulating in your home is free from dust, pet dander, kitchen fumes, mold spores, allergens, and other contaminants that may pose a health risk to you and your family.

Research Local Crime before Moving In

Especially in highly urbanized areas, apartment search is unarguably one of the most demanding tasks you can encounter. There are many things to consider, check, and recheck, but as far as safety is concerned, it’s always important to ensure you’re moving into a neighborhood your family will feel and be safe in. There’s no point in moving into a lavish or cheap apartment in a location where burglary is the order of the day. By so doing, you’ll only be putting your family’s safety on the line. Therefore, be sure to do your homework on the location’s crime rate before you decide to sign on the dotted line.

Entrances and Windows

Doors and windows are the most common entry points for burglars. They are your first line of defense as far as home security is concerned. For doors and other entrances, the locks should be secure, and the door jambs burglar-proof. Doors with a deadbolt are considered more secure. It’s also advisable to ask your landlord about changing the locks or access codes before or as soon as you move in. Also, check the windows to ensure that an ill-thinker may not gain access to your house by smashing the windows and accessing the lock.

Install a Security System

A common challenge with living in a rented unit is that the lease may not allow you to drill holes in the walls, which makes it limiting when it comes to installing a security system. However, wireless security systems are available these days. Most of them use a special type of adhesive so you can fix them on your doors and windows. In addition to sensors that can be fixed on doors and windows, most options come along with freestanding or wall-mounted sirens that are triggered by sensors to send you an alert or scare intruders off in case something is going down. A security system is a plus as far as renters insurance premiums are concerned.

Install a Surveillance Camera

Another way you can keep your family safe even when you’re not home is by installing a streaming camera. Most of today’s cameras allow you to view a live feed of what’s taking place in or outside your home upon demand right on your phone. They also record video footage so you can always trace back an incident by simply accessing the recording on your phone. You can monitor how the nanny is treating your kids, keep an eye on how they’re behaving at home, and monitor their safety even when you’re miles away. It also doubles up as a security-enhancing tool.

Avoid These Home Safety Hazards

All homes face various safety hazards. However, rented spaces can put your family at a greater safety risk, considering that space is a major concern in most of them. Some of the most common hazards you’ll want to keep an eye on may include fire hazards, falling hazards, bathroom hazards, and detergent hazards. Some tips you can use to avoid or minimize each of these hazards include:

• Fire Hazards: Stay in the kitchen when cooking, Declutter microwave vents, keep a fire extinguisher at arm’s length, place the cooker away from the curtains, and store flammable products appropriately.

• Bathroom Hazards: Install handrails, place non-slip mats, keep the toilet clean and sanitized, and always keep the toilet seat covered.

• Detergent Hazards: Store detergents safely in high cabinets, ensure proper labeling, dispose of empty bottles properly, and close the detergent bottle tightly after every use.

• Falling Hazards: Avoid clutter in your house, keep electrical cords out of the way, and work on slippery floors.

We can go on and on about ensuring your family’s safety in rented space. For instance, installing outdoor lights can also help enhance your family’s safety at night. Additionally, knowing your neighbors will go a long way in doing the same as they can keep an eye on your home when you’re away or asleep. The above are just a few tips that can help make your rented space more homely, safe, and comfortable for your family.