There are many easy ways to protect your home, but they are often overlooked. 

Each summer, domestic burglaries increase 10% and outdoors burglaries increase 40%, due to the fact doors and windows are left open because of the heat. To ensure you don't find yourself in one of those statistics, keep all doors and windows locked even when you are at home! 33% of all home burglaries are a result of an unlocked window or door. In addition to this, if you have a sliding window or glass door, consider using a door stopper such as a pole or rod. 

If you are in an area where theft is a bit more common, a home security system may be your best option. Often times people stray away from them because of the costly installation and equipment, however we have listed the top 5 cheapest and well reviewed systems for you. 1. SimpliSafe from $14.99 a month, 2. Abode from $20.00 (or $200.00 a year!), 3. Ring from $10.00 a month, 4. Scout from $19.99 a month, and 5. Cove from $14.99 a month. 

Thieves are not the only threat to your home and family. It is important to check your carbon monoxide and smoke detector alarms regularly, and replace the batteries every 6 months. A working smoke alarm reduces the chance of a fatality by 50%. These are often overlooked, but can make all the difference in the event of a tragedy. 

Did you know 15,000 fires are sparked each year from faulty clothes dryers? All it takes to prevent this is making sure you thoroughly clean and maintain them! Ensure you clean out the lint trap after every use (yes this seems excessive but it is the only way to ensure this does not happen), in addition to cleaning lint out of the trap also make sure you check the vent pipe for any lint at least once a week. Make sure the dryer is installed correctly by a professional, reducing as many bends in the dryer vent pipe as possible as bends allow a larger build up of lint. Dust, sweep and remove combustibles around your dryer! Consider switching your foil or plastic ducts to a metal duct as this also allows for less lint buildup. If your clothes feel extra hot after a dry cycle or even still damp, that is a telltale sign something is wrong. Check the outdoor vent to make sure nothing is covering it such as snow or debris. Finally, do your best to not have laundry running when you are not home. (TIP: keep a fire extinguisher in your home)

Keep all your chemicals, soaps, and hazardous materials out of reach of your kids or pets, you can also install childproof locks or doorknobs. It is also a good idea to keep products in their original packaging as to not be mistaken for food. Any flammables or fertilizers should always be kept in a high cabinet or locked where children cannot get them. 

Lastly, electrical fires are becoming a leading cause of household fires. Make sure you so not run any extension cords under mats or rugs, cover any electrical outlets not in use, and finally discard or replace damaged electrical cords and appliances. 

We hope these tips help keep you, your home and your family a bit safer for years to come!