Safety tips to be mindful of at home

by Ann Hayward 05/19/2025

Person at home with their dog

Homes are places often associated with safety and comfort. However, it’s still essential to remain vigilant and be aware of ways to keep your home secure and protected. With some best practices for home safety, you can feel more secure and confident in your own home.


Guarding against intruders

Thousands of cases of home invasions are recorded yearly. However, rest assured, there are ways to protect your home from unwanted guests. Consider installing a home alarm system. It can alert you of unusual activity on your premises. 

A home security system may come with cameras, motion sensors and smart locks. You can cater your package to your needs. 


Work-from-home safety tips

While working from home, it can be easy to get wrapped up in multitasking work duties with home duties. For example, you may be working from home and decide to cook. Installing smoke detectors is a great way to be alerted if something stars burning. 

Many smoke alarms will also alert you in carbon monoxide is present in the area. Also consider purchasing a fire extinguisher. This way, if a small fire breaks out, you can quickly and safely put it out before it spreads. 


Safety hazards to watch for around the house

If you have kids or pets, watch out for sharp objects. Cover sharp corners to reduce the risk of accidental injury. Make sure all electrical cords are stored away and unreachable. 

Home safety may seem tedious, but is well worth it. By adding extra security, prepping for potential dangers and planning ahead, you can keep your household safe. 

About the Author
Author

Ann Hayward

Born in Philadelphia and raised in the suburbs, Ann Hayward got her Pennsylvania real estate license at age 18 even before going to college. This second-generation real estate professional followed in the footsteps of her father and two uncles, inheriting their passion for the business. Licensed in DC, Maryland and Virginia, Ann is accomplished in her career, with numerous designations including SFR, SRES, PSA, WHC, and multiunit Housing Development Finance Professional (HDFP) from the National Development Council. She specializes in Prince Georges and Montgomery Counties, Northern Virginia and Washington, DC, all jurisdictions where Ann has lived and knows very well. In addition to her professional expertise, she owns and manages personal investment property, understands and has been involved in the renovation/remodeling process, and has great resources which she shares with clients. When you hire Ann to represent you, she will make your buying or selling experience an enjoyable, rewarding one. Her compassion, sensitivity to her clients’ needs, eye for detail, and ability to see the big picture when guiding you through a purchase or sale are unique assets that will ensure your success. A diverse and relevant background also gives Ann a distinct edge. For 30 years, she worked in fast-paced, high-pressure television and theatrical production, attaining the highest achievement – DGA membership as a Director, and as an award-winning staff and freelance writer. Her keen audio visual skills and design sense benefit sellers in marketing their properties, and are invaluable in helping buyers see the potential of space. A true renaissance woman, Ann was also an income tax professional and office manager for H&R Block, so she thoroughly understands the tax and financial implications of acquiring and selling real estate. Her superior organizational skills are further evidenced as owner of a downsizing/professional organizing business, Managed For You, which allows her to connect with everyone from millennials to boomers and seniors, whether for small space planning or assisting with major decluttering and transitioning. Ann holds an AB in American History from Simmons College, Boston, plus attended Robert Wagner Graduate School of Public Administration where she was a candidate for Doctorate. She additionally studied Film Direction at the American Film Institute in LA, and was a Stanford University post-graduate Professional Journalism Fellow. Personally, Ann is an avid if not very good golfer, and the co-founder of a nonprofit 501c3 organization offering educational guidance, tutoring and counseling for youngsters from elementary school through college admission. She sits on the board of trustees of a nonprofit educational film production corporation as well. (202) 494-6252 [email protected]