HOMEWARD BOUND

Smoke Alarms

We’ll start with the obvious stuff. Most homes already have these. You just need to remember to change the batteries. When you start hearing that beeping sound, act on it. Or, just make it a habit to change them at regular intervals. The “National Check Your Batteries Day” (yes, there really is such a thing) is the 2nd Sunday of every March. But, of course, you can pick whatever day works for you, as long as you remember to do it.

Carbon Monoxide Alarms

These protect you from the ‘silent killer.’ Carbon monoxide is odorless, and it is deadly. It can emerge from burning natural gas, improperly functioning fireplaces, and other sources, usually combustion related. This is the reason to never, ever use your barbecue in your house.

Like smoke alarms, just remember to change the batteries regularly.

Interior Cameras

These can provide security from intruders, especially if you install them near windows and other entry points. But you can also use interior cameras to monitor the safety of small kids or pets, as well as other locations in your home that may be prone to damage or problems.

Water Leak Detectors

Leaks can be very destructive and costly – and invisible if they happen in a place that you don’t often go to or can’t see. Leak detectors alert you if water is showing up in places it shouldn’t.

The simplest versions of these cost around $12.50. They are a box or a disc that sits right on the floor, operated by batteries, with metal sensors that touch the floor. If even small amounts of water contact the sensor, the device will make a piercing, annoying sound that is sure to get your attention. More sophisticate versions will also alert you via text, email, or with an alert on your phone, depending on the type of leak detector you buy.

Some can also be equipped with extension cables to cover a larger surface area.

You can put these under sinks, near your water heater, behind toilets, near your washer, dishwashers, fridges and freezers. You can also put them behind walls if you have access to a good spot – but remember that you’ll need to be able to change the batteries.

The more robust leak detectors are called inline leak detection systems. These are much more expensive because they actually get installed into your plumbing system, usually by a professional. With these, you can protect against leaks behind walls and under the floor.

If a problem is detected, the inline detector will shut off your water automatically. If you’re away from home a lot, or have a second home, these offer a good way to protect your home from water damage.

Keypad Door Locks

There are pros and cons to these. The most obvious advantage is that you no longer need a key. You can also give different codes to different people, including cleaning or maintenance people. If you’re renting out your house or using Airbnb, keypad locks eliminate the risk of key copying.

Advanced locks can even do facial recognition and fingerprint biometric entry.

The drawbacks of keypad locks include having to remember yet another code. And you do have to change the code regularly. Otherwise, you will wear down the buttons you always use, and a thief will be able to rule out a bunch of options.

Plus, if the keypad lock relies on the internet or another power source, it won’t work when the power goes out. And, keyless locks can be hacked if you aren’t careful.

So while keypad locks do provide some benefits, they are often more about convenience than security.

Seismic Gas Automatic Shutoff

About one in four fires after an earthquake is related to natural gas leaks. While this item is not a very DIY project, installing one of these earthquake-actuated devices between your gas meter and your home can save you and your family’s life when a big one hits. They are not yet required in our state, but I wouldn’t be surprised if they will be soon, as they are in California.