How to Conduct a Home Safety Audit

By the Mercury Team

Your home is where you should feel the safest, but it can be easy to overlook potential hazards that may put your loved ones at risk. That’s why you should consider conducting a home safety audit, which is when you inspect your home to identify and address issues before they become bigger problems. In this blog, we’ll show you how to conduct this audit so you keep every corner of your home safe.

Preparing for Your Home Safety Audit

Before you begin, gather all the materials you’ll need to conduct a thorough audit, including:

• Home safety checklist: You can find templates online or create your own based on the specific needs of your home.
• Flashlight: A reliable flashlight will help you inspect dark or hard-to-reach areas like basements, attics, and crawl spaces.
• Notebook: Keep a notebook handy to jot down any notes or areas that need attention.
• Smartphone or camera: Use your smartphone or a camera to document any issues.

You should also set aside a specific time to complete your home safety assessment without interruptions. Depending on the size of your home, this could take a few hours. Choose a day when you can focus entirely on the task at hand — maybe a weekend morning or an afternoon when you won’t be distracted.

General Home Safety Tips

Your home should feel like the safest place in the world, and with a few simple checks, you can make sure it stays that way. Whether you have a new or old home, here’s an easy-to-follow checklist to help you keep everything in tip-top shape.

Your Home Safety Checklist

• Inspecting entrances and exits: First, make sure your doors are sturdy, secure, and have functioning locks. It’s also important to check that emergency exits, like windows or back doors, are clear and easy to access, just in case you ever need them.
• Tripping hazards: Loose rugs, cluttered walkways, and uneven flooring can all pose a risk, especially in high-traffic areas. To reduce the risk of accidents, secure rugs with non-slip pads, keep walkways clear of clutter, and address any uneven flooring.
• Lighting: Ensure all areas, especially stairways and entryways, are well-lit. If you notice any dim spots, consider adding a few extra lights or replacing old bulbs.

Avoiding Home Safety Hazards

A home safety inspection covers several key areas of your home. Here’s what you’ll need to assess:

Fire Safety Tips

First, make sure you have smoke alarms installed in all the right places - like bedrooms, hallways, and the kitchen. Take a moment to test each alarm to ensure they’re working properly, and don’t forget to replace the batteries if needed. It’s a good idea to check them regularly, just to be on the safe side.

A fire extinguisher is a must-have in any home, so if you don’t have one, get one. Check that yours are easily accessible and fully charged. Also, be sure everyone in the household knows how to use them. 

Lastly, have a fire escape plan in place. If you don’t have one yet, now’s the time to create it. Map out clear escape routes from each room and designate a meeting point outside the home where everyone can gather safely. Once your plan is set, practice it with your family so everyone knows exactly what to do if the unthinkable happens.

Electrical Safety Tips

Start by taking a good look at all the electrical outlets around your home. If you notice any signs of wear, damage, or loose connections, it’s time to get them fixed. Also, make sure that all your cords are in good shape — e.g., no frays or cracks — and avoid overloading outlets with too many plugs.

When it comes to your appliances, inspect them for any exposed wires or faulty parts, and if something seems off, it might be time for a repair or replacement.

Lastly, take a moment to check your circuit breaker panel. Make sure it’s easy to access and that all the switches are clearly labeled so you know what controls what. While you’re at it, look for any signs of overheating, like scorch marks or unusual smells. If anything seems out of the ordinary, don’t hesitate to call a professional.

Kitchen Safety Tips

When inspecting the kitchen, start with the stove and oven. Ensure they’re both clean and free from grease buildup, which can be a fire hazard. And when you’re cooking, always turn the pot handles inward to prevent accidental spills, especially if there are little ones around.

A little organization goes a long way in keeping your kitchen safe, so keep hazardous materials like cleaning supplies and sharp objects out of reach for children. If you have young kids, childproofing your kitchen is a must. Install childproof locks on cabinets where dangerous items are stored, and consider guards for appliances like the stove or refrigerator.

Bathroom Safety Tips

To start, make sure all bathroom floors, bathtubs, and showers have non-slip mats or surfaces to prevent slips and falls.

You also want to check that your water heater is set to a safe temperature, typically below 120°F, to prevent scalding. It’s an easy adjustment that adds a layer of protection for everyone in the house, especially kids and older adults.

Whether it’s a window or an exhaust fan, make sure your bathroom has proper ventilation to prevent mold growth and keep the air fresh. If you notice any lingering moisture or musty smells, it might be time to improve the airflow to maintain a healthy environment.

Child and Pet Safety Tips

Assess your home for any potential hazards that could pose a risk to children. Look for accessible sharp objects, open electrical outlets, and unguarded stairs. Installing childproofing devices like outlet covers, baby gates, and cabinet locks can help keep curious hands away from danger.

Pets are part of the family, too. Make sure your home is free of toxic plants, accessible chemicals, and small objects that could become choking hazards. Also, keep things like cleaning supplies, medications, and certain foods out of reach.

Outdoor Safety Tips

First, inspect your yard and outdoor walkways for any tripping hazards. Look out for uneven pavement, exposed tree roots, or any debris that could cause someone to stumble.

If you have young children or pets, secure fencing and gates are a must. Check that all fences are in good condition, with no loose or broken parts, and that gates latch securely.

Finally, make sure your outdoor lights are working properly and provide adequate coverage for walkways, entrances, and other key areas. Bright, well-placed lighting can help deter intruders and prevent nighttime accidents, giving you extra peace of mind.

Documenting and Reviewing the Home Safety Evaluation

As you inspect each area of your home, take detailed notes about any issues you discover. Whether it’s a loose railing or a tripping hazard, jot it down. Taking photos can also be incredibly helpful, especially when you’re prioritizing repairs or home improvements later.

Once you’ve got your notes and photos, it’s time to put together a plan. Start by listing out what needs fixing and when you’d like to get it done. Tackle the most urgent items first, but aim to address everything on your list.

Safety is an ongoing process, so don’t forget to schedule regular check-ins. Doing a quick safety audit every six months or so can help you catch new issues before they become bigger problems.

Conclusion

Conducting a home safety audit is a simple yet powerful way to protect your home and loved ones. Plus, a safer home usually leads to more affordable homeowners insurance premiums. If you’re looking for cheap homeowners insurance, consider Mercury. We offer comprehensive coverage that fits your budget, and you can save even more when you bundle home and auto insurance.

Contact us today for a fast, free quote!