Home Safety The Energy Efficient Way #PowerWhatsNext

You may call me a helicopter parent because I hover around my children to keep them safe. I’ve been working on stepping back, especially now that our kids are getting older. But trust me, having four children in five years, I spent a lot of helicopter moments in and around the house keeping them out of harm’s way. Home safety is important to all of us parents.

Many hidden risks surround each of our homes we may not be aware of. At least by knowing the risks around our house, we can step back with confidence and allow our children some growing space, right? I read this story recently about a handyman and the dangers he faced working in his garage, many of which I wouldn’t have even been aware of. By making a few simple changes he was able to both save energy and make his garage a much safer place to work, which really got me thinking about my own home and the risks I may not have considered and how I can eliminate them.

Shine a Light on the Situation

Add motion sensor light switches in your home, which automatically turn your lights on/off. Not only are you keeping everyone safe on re-entry into the room, but you are also efficiently reducing energy costs in your home.

Be Alerted

We’ve always used motion sensors around the outside of our home. Firstly, to see our way safely to and from point A and B. Secondly, security lights can help detect unwanted visitors – keeping our family safe, giving me a piece of mind.

Hello Natural Light

We all love the sun shining through the windows in our home. It brightens our day and sparks happiness in our bodies. Let sunlight brighten your room whenever possible, but never place a crib or playpen near a window blind with dangling cords. Avoid these strangulation hazards by using cordless blinds or by installing safety devices in all your windows. Remember, keep blinds closed to block out heat in summer, and open in winter to help warm your home.

Prep Work = Protection

By using programmable power bars with auto-on/off timers, not only will they help save energy, they come equipped with surge protection. Another way to put home safety first. Don’t forget to grab a $4 off coupon from Save on Energy.

Routine Is Guaranteed

Walking into a dark home not only creeps me out, but it is also dangerous. If your kids are anything like mine, you have mini pieces hiding on just about every corner of your home. Who knows were those Hot Wheels cars are laying around?

By setting your lights on a timer that comes on at the end of the day when your family arrives home, you are avoiding tumbles when your family walks in the door.

Bright Idea

LEDs do not run as hot as traditional bulbs meaning they won’t scorch your skin when touched. Plus, by switching your home to LED lights you reduce the number of times you have to change bulbs in hard-to-reach areas. Save $5 on ENERGY STAR certified specialty LEDs.

Visit powerwhatsnext.ca for more information and incentives for your family. 

 Save on Energy Ontario on Twitter | Save on Energy Ontario on Facebook | Hashtag: #PowerWhatsNext

Energy-efficiency programs, like Save on Energy, empower consumers by helping us understand how our actions can help lower our bills, strengthen our communities and support the sustainability of the power system. I personally have room in our home to increase of energy-efficiency and home safety inside and outside our home.

Thank you for reading In R Dream!