A home is often a haven. It is a place for your family to grow, and many memories are made in its walls. It should also be a space that you and your family should consider safe. Yet, according to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, people have more accidents at home than anywhere else. So what can you do to make your home safer for yourself and your loved ones?

1. Inspect fire alarms regularly 
Only 19 percent of families regularly inspect their smoke detectors, according to This Old House. However, these devices are critical for keeping your family safe. In fact, they could be lifesaving in the event of a home fire. Most experts agree that monthly testing is sufficient to ensure that all detectors are in working order. If any smoke detector fails inspection, replace it immediately. Should a fire ever occur in your home, you and your family will be safer with a system of working fire alarms in place.

2. Safely store poisons and chemical
Where do you keep your cleaning supplies? If you're like most families, they are stored under the sink or in a cabinet. This can be problematic, however, if you have young children or pets. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that 38,851 fatalities occur each year in America because of accidental poisoning. To avoid becoming part of that statistic, consider storing all chemical-based solutions and poisons in a plastic storage tub, and placing this out of reach of kids and pets. 

Make sure there is proper ventilation 
Not only is fresh air good for you, it can also make your home safer. Without the proper ventilation, your home is more susceptible to moisture buildup. And moist environments are a breeding ground for mold, many types of which can make your family sick. Check the fans in your bathrooms to ensure they are working properly, open the windows as weather permits and be sure to clean moisture-prone areas regularly. Proper ventilation also reduces the levels of volatile organic compounds and allergens that can build up indoors.

Prevent pests 
Pests are more than just a nuisance. Many of them carry disease. To keep your family from catching one of these illnesses from unwanted critters, it is important to take pest prevention measures. This includes routinely cleaning areas where food is stored or consumed and making sure there is no garbage pileup. If you do spot a creepy crawly or furry fiend, know that it is probably not alone. You should hire a pest control professional to assess and treat the situation.

Accommodate for age 
Every family is different. Some families have older children, while others have younger kids around the house. Certain families may also have elderly loved ones living with them. A big factor in your home's safety is making sure that the space accommodates the age of the people inside. For example, older household members may benefit from grab bars and handrails in the bathrooms, or a power chair to help them with the stairs. Houses with young children should have gates across stairways, covers for electrical outlets and slam-proofing on the doors. All of these features are designed to prevent accidents, and will ultimately make your home much safer.

While accidents do occur, you can follow the above advice to avoid preventable safety issues in your home. To keep you and your family safer at home, invest in home insurance. It will keep you and your loved ones protected, even in the event of a disaster.