Home Renovation Update: More Than Cosmetic

This post was sponsored by Kidde Fire Safety as part of an Influencer Activation for Influence Central and all opinions expressed in my post are my own.

The past few months have been a whirlwind. A simple room update that my husband and I started discussing in January turned into a summer long mini multi-room renovation project. Isn’t is funny how that happens? I’ve shared a bit on social media, and I shared my exciting built-in modernization. For us, our renovation began out of a desire to make our home more aesthetically pleasing. Yet during the process, we realized that there were many safety features of the selected rooms that needed updating, as well.

Any time a homeowner undertakes a room or home renovation, cosmetic features are often the reasons why the process begins. As a DIY’er and mom, I always want to emphasize that while I may begin a project with beautification aspirations, overall room safety should be a part of the process, too. In my earlier DIY years, this often came into the project too late. It would be an after thought rather than a part of the initial planning. As my husband and I have gained experience, we have realized the importance of including home safety at every renovation planning stage.

October is National Fire Prevention Month, and, home renovation or not, it is an excellent time to review home fire safety.

#1 Are there smoke alarms in each main room? In our living room, we have a fireplace. A smoke alarm is definitely needed there. We also remodeled our hallway, a place right outside our bedroom. The hallway is another great location for a smoke alarm. Kidde Fire Safety smoke alarms are conveniently available for purchase at The Home Depot or Walmart, leaving us with no excuse to not have a smoke alarm in each location where one is needed.

#2 Are the smoke alarms in working order? According to the National Fire Protection Association, approximately 3 out of 5 fire fatalities occur in homes with either no smoke alarms or alarms that no longer work. Test smoke alarms to ensure that they work and have fresh batteries.

#3 Does our family have a fire escape plan? My husband and I have explained our fire escape plan to our kids, but I am not sure that we have ever practiced it. Only 47% of those with a fire escape plan have practiced their plan (National Fire Protection Association). Once the final few steps in our home renovation are complete, we will practice our fire escape plan to make sure that all the kids know how crucial it is.

#4 What other fire safety items do we need? Our home has a gas fireplace, making a carbon monoxide alarm a must on our list. We also have Kidde fire extinguishers for our kitchen and general living areas. Again, I must make sure that these items are not only present but also in working condition.

I encourage all my readers to utilize National Fire Safety Month to re-evaluate fire safety in the home. From smoke alarms to carbon monoxide alarms to fire extinguishers, Kidde Fire Safety products provide ways to make families feel safer. Find them at Home Depot or Walmart and explore them all here.