Home is where the heart is, as they say, and it is supposed to be a safe haven for those who live there.  But a variety of safety issues can be concealed within a home, and considering that September is REALTORS® Safety Month, it seemed timely to write about how to be proactive about home safety issues before they occur.

Aside from building awareness and working to empower and educate our members about best practices for ensuring safety, we are always focused on helping our clients, whether they are buying, selling or electing to remain in their homes.  As REALTORS® we have a vested interest in protecting our friends, clients and community:  this extends to helping identify safety issues.

REALTORS® are a good resource for people to turn to for safety tips and recommendations, as many have a wealth of experience helping seller clients prepare their homes for sale, troubleshooting issues and helping to identify which items should be repaired, as well as helping buyer clients review home inspection reports.  One of the most commonly asked questions our members have received recently is centered on Ring doorbells.  Our members have assisted many local homeowners with the selection and installation of these systems, and there is a lot of evidence that suggests these systems can be a viable security measure. 

Of course, those with an interest in protecting their homes are likely familiar with the advantages and disadvantages of the various security systems that are available these days.  Though the sheer amount of choices can be overwhelming, chances are good that one of our members has already helped someone sift through their options and pick the one that is the best fit for their needs.

Finding some worthwhile advice on the subject may be as simple as picking up the phone and reaching out to one of our REALTOR® members.  Chances are also high that one of our members has a thorough knowledge of carbon monoxide.  This is known as the silent killer and many of us unfortunately know someone who has passed away as a result of an elevated carbon monoxide level in the home.  Since it has no smell, the presence of carbon monoxide can be difficult to identify.  To decrease the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, make sure to:

• Have your heating system checked.
• Never use a gas-powered generator inside a garage or in a basement.
• Consider replacing your smoke detector, as many of the newer ones also include a carbon monoxide detector.

Our members are also knowledgeable about fire safety issues.  Fires take the lives of around 3,000 people each year in the US.  Sadly, many of these tragedies could be averted by a few easy steps:

• Test the smoke alarm and change the batteries.
• Upgrade to a home alarm system that will automatically contact the fire department if smoke is detected.
• Pay attention to safety measures when cooking.  If a grease fire occurs, smother it with a damp towel; never try to put out a grease fire with water.

Of course, REALTORS® are not home inspectors, safety experts or contractors; however they are adept at identifying many common safety issues.  This is due to the fact that REALTORS® work with local buyers and sellers on a daily basis.  As a major portion of their job responsibilities are centered on nearly every aspect of home ownership, REALTORS® can be trusted advisors to those with an interest in keeping their homes safe and protected for all who visit or live there.   There are many other issues that can affect the safety of our homes, and many practical strategies for heading off major problems before they occur.  To learn more, visit capefear.realtor.

Tom Gale is the 2021 president of Cape Fear REALTORS®, an organization with nearly 3,300 members who serve as the region’s Voice of Real Estate. Cape Fear REALTORS®, through advocacy, education, and community involvement, support efforts to protect the rights of property owners, promote the availability of housing, and provide resources to guarantee every individual has the right to share in the “American Dream.”  For further information on this topic and the association, please visit www.capefear.realtor or contact the Cape Fear REALTORS® at 910-762-7400.