New Orleans is a wonderful place to live, but it’s important that you stay safe in your home whether you own or rent your property. Potential hazards include natural disasters like hurricanes, and everyday issues like power failures and gas leaks. In this article, we will share tips on how to keep your home safe from fire, carbon monoxide, and power failures, and what you can do in case of an emergency.

5 Home Threats You Must Be prepared for

When it comes to owning a home in New Orleans, safety should always be a top priority. From natural disasters to common household accidents, it’s essential to be prepared for any potential threats. While most of us have security alarms installed in our homes, it’s important to also consider life safety measures such as fire and carbon monoxide detectors. All New Orleans home security systems should take into account these threats.

1. Fire Safety

The first step to fire safety is prevention.

  • Make sure that you have smoke alarms installed throughout your home, especially near sleeping areas.
  • Test your smoke alarms regularly to ensure they are working correctly.
  • Be mindful of what you cook, and never leave the stove or oven unattended.
  • Keep combustibles like curtains, carpets, and furniture away from sources of heat.
  • Have a plan in place in case of a fire, and practice evacuation with your family.

Smoke detectors are crucial in case of a fire. Every bedroom, hallway, and living room in your home should have a smoke detector installed. It’s important to test your smoke detectors regularly, and replace them every 10 years. If a fire does occur in your home, make sure everyone is safe and evacuate immediately. Don’t try to put out the fire on your own.

Learn more about Fire Protection by APS here.

2. Carbon Monoxide Safety

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless gas that is deadly in high concentrations.

“Every year, at least 420 people die in the U.S. from accidental CO poisoning. More than 100,000 people in the U.S. visit the emergency department each year due to accidental CO poisoning.” (source)

  • Install carbon monoxide detectors on every level of your home, especially near bedrooms.
  • Make sure to inspect and maintain all fuel-burning appliances annually.
  • Never leave a car or generator running in a garage or enclosed space, and don’t use charcoal or gas grills indoors.

3. Power Failures

In New Orleans, power failures are a common occurrence, especially during hurricane season.

  • Make sure you have a backup power source, such as a generator or battery-powered lights, to keep you and your family safe during an outage.
  • Install surge protectors on all sensitive electrical equipment, like computers and televisions.
  • Unplug appliances and turn off lights when a storm is approaching to protect against power surges.

4. Heating Safety

New Orleans doesn’t usually get very cold during the winter, but when temperatures do drop, it’s important to have safe heating practices.

  • Keep flammable materials away from space heaters and never leave heaters unattended.
  • If you’re using a fireplace, make sure the flue is open and the fire is attended at all times.
  • Insulate your pipes to prevent freezing during cold snaps.
  • If you’re using a space heater, keep it at least three feet away from anything that can catch fire.

In the winter months, it’s common for people to use heaters to warm their homes. While this is a great way to save on energy costs, it’s important to use heaters safely.

Above all – Keep heaters away from flammable objects such as curtains or furniture, and always turn them off when leaving the room or going to sleep.

5. Plumbing Safety

When temperatures dip below freezing, pipes can burst, causing serious damage to your home. Insulate pipes with foam sleeves, keep the heat running, and open cabinet doors to allow warm air to circulate around pipes.  To avoid frozen pipes, keep your home at a constant temperature and let the faucets drip slightly during extremely cold weather. If you suspect a pipe has frozen, turn off the main water valve and call a plumber immediately.

New Orleans Home Security Systems

Keeping your New Orleans home safe is about more than just having a security alarm. It’s essential to be prepared for a range of potential threats, including fire, carbon monoxide, power failures, and weather-related emergencies. By following these tips, you can help protect yourself and your loved ones from harm. Remember, prevention is always the best approach, so take steps today to ensure your home is safe and secure for years to come. Contact APS for your FREE IN HOME QUOTE.