When doing my routine cleaning or maintenance around the house, I always make sure that home security is my main priority. It is really important to consider safety around the home at all times whether there are children, pets or no one around. We, as adults, may think that we are accident proof only to find out the hard way that we are not. Practicing safety in the home extends to everyone who lives there, everyone who visits and also for those who trespass. Here are some general home security and safety tips and reminders for you to consider practicing around your home at all times. Some are very common and some you may not have even thought of.

Here is an excerpt from http://www.homesecurityblog.com

"Unfortunately, most people don't think or do anything about home security until they or someone they know has had a break-in. Burglars look at homes they think are easy targets. There's many things you can do to make your home less likely to be burglarized."

* smoke alarms - for every bedroom and hallway; make sure batteries are always fresh. Install a battery operated alarm in addition to any electric alarms you may have.

* fire extinguishers - you should have at least one or two in the house and one in the garage. It is important to make sure that they are full at all times.

* carbon monoxide alarms - always important in order to detect high carbon monoxide levels especially in winter months when we are heating our homes.

* windows - in addition to latches on windows, there should be locks on each window. These are easily installed and removed to open the window. You can even open the window a few inches and reinstall the lock so that the window cannot be opened further.

* doors- all entry doors should have a deadbolt lock. In some cases, you may also want to install a chain lock. Installing a peephole in each door, especially the front entrance door, is another very good idea. It is advisable to have a lock on screen doors. Some even come with dead bolt locks nowadays. Sliding glass doors have locks but an additional safety measure is to put a rod or piece of wood inside the track.

* garage doors - this is a common place for burglars to enter a home. Make sure that the garage door locks when closed. If you use an electronic garage door opener, make sure that you have programmed it; never leave it with a factory programming.

* motion detector lights - another home safety measure to deter intruders is to install lights that go on when motion is detected outside at night.

* security camera - you can now purchase security cameras and security systems in any large department store or home improvement store. They can be easily hooked up to a television set.

* fence - yard fences should always be locked especially if you have a pool. It is important to prevent wandering children who can fall into the pool or get hurt on backyard toys.

* shrubs - keep all greenery trimmed and away from the house. Do not block windows. This not only will eliminate a hideout for intruders but will also protect the house in case of fire.

* first aid kit - always keep one handy in the home, garage and also in the car.

It is up to us to be proactive to create a safe environment in our homes.