Skip to main content

Home Security & Fire Safety Month

Proud supporters of National Home Security Month 2023 (NHSM), we recognise that feeling safe, secure and supported at home begins with peace of mind and investing in the right protection.

To celebrate NHSM this year, Yale are continuing to raise awareness on the importance of home security. As the UK’s specialists, they are pioneering the way for ‘smarter’ and accessible solutions with the latest, cutting-edge technology. With darker evenings drawing in, we’ll be helping Yale showcase the necessary precautions we should be taking to protect our homes and loved ones.

An award-winning campaign to raise awareness on the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning, we are also supporting Project Shout. See our recommendations below on the low-cost preventative measures you should be taking to protect from this silent killer.

National Home Security Month Banner

Your Home Security and Fire Safety checklist

Frequently reviewing and updating the preventative safety measures in your home is key to ensuring year-round, effective protection. To start, we’ve gathered some expert advice, tips and tricks to make your home as safe and secure as possible.
Outdoor security lights

Darker Nights

  • Install outdoor security lighting – an occupied home can act as a deterrent

  • PIR sensors offer automatic, protective illumination, whether you’re at home or away

  • Integrated LED bulbs provide a bright glow while saving on energy bills

  • Alternatively, opt for solar panelled lighting for efficient usage and cost-effective protection

Fire & Gas Safety

Fire & Gas Safety

  • FireAngel alarms provide the highest level of fire and carbon monoxide safety – using Thermoptek technology for faster reaction times, a stable, more reliable detector and longer battery life

  • We recommend testing smoke, heat and carbon monoxide detectors weekly, clean every 3 months and update battery once a year

  • Fit a carbon monoxide alarm (must comply with British Standard EN 50291) 1-3 metres from any fuel burning appliance, such as a gas cooker–good ventilation prevents a build-up of dangerous CO levels

  • The size of your home will determine the number of smoke alarms to install–one within the circulation area of each floor as well as within main habitable areas such as bedrooms

Door locks

Main entry & exit doors

  • Secure external timber doors with a mortice lock and/or night latch that meets the British Standard BS3621

  • Check your PVCu and composite doors are TS007 Kitemarked

  • A letterplate restrictor will prevent anyone from being able to reach and manipulate your locks

  • For total piece of mind, add additional bolts and locks on patio doors

Outbuildings and external boundaries

Outbuildings & external boundaries

  • While home security is becoming increasingly more advanced, simple measures like adding key-operated locks to windows and removing valuables out of sight are just as effective

  • Mark property in sheds, garages and outbuildings, such as power tools, with your surname and postcode

  • Trim hedges to limit hiding places and lay gravel on your driveway to create distracting noises

  • Avoid adding gates that could be used to climb and access other parts of your home

Safes and locks

Room Interiors

  • A safe is great for storing valuables - bolt it to the floor or a wall for added security

  • All windows should have at least one, key-operated window lock

Expert help & advice

Related categories

homebase