When I first moved into our house, I had a smoke detector, a deadbolt, and a false sense of security. It took one close call — my toddler getting into a cabinet I’d forgotten to latch — to make me sit down and actually audit our home top to bottom.
This checklist is what came out of that process. It’s not a sales pitch. It’s what I genuinely use, updated for 2026, covering every room and every threat most families actually face.
✅ Section 1: Entry Points & Locks
- All exterior doors have a deadbolt with at least a 1-inch throw bolt
- Door frames are reinforced (a deadbolt is only as strong as the frame around it)
- Sliding doors have a secondary bar or pin lock
- Garage door code is unique — not 1234 or your birth year
- You’ve re-keyed or updated locks since moving in
- No spare key hidden outside (get a smart lock with a code instead)
Recommended upgrade: A smart lock lets you give temporary codes to dog walkers, family, or contractors — and revoke them instantly. See my top smart lock picks →
✅ Section 2: Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detectors
- Smoke detector on every floor, including the basement
- Detector inside each bedroom and in the hallway outside sleeping areas
- CO detector within 10 feet of every sleeping area
- Batteries tested in the last 6 months (or use 10-year sealed battery models)
- Detectors are less than 10 years old — they expire
- Everyone in the house knows what the alarm sounds like and what to do
💡 Charlie’s note: The NFPA reports that nearly two-thirds of home fire deaths occur in properties with no working smoke alarm. This is the cheapest, highest-impact safety item on this entire list.
Recommended: Best Smoke & CO Detectors →
✅ Section 3: Security Cameras
- Front door covered (doorbell camera or porch cam)
- Back door and/or garage covered
- Camera footage is stored somewhere — cloud or local SD card
- Camera app notifications are turned on and tested
- Cameras are weatherproofed if outdoors
Recommended: Best Security Cameras for 2026 →
✅ Section 4: Childproofing
- Safety latches on all cabinets containing cleaning products, medications, or sharp objects
- Outlet covers on all unused electrical outlets
- Stair gates installed top AND bottom for children under 3
- Furniture anchored to walls (dressers, bookshelves, TVs)
- Window stops or guards installed — windows shouldn’t open more than 4 inches
- Pool or water feature is fenced with a self-latching gate
- Medications stored in a locked cabinet, not just a high shelf
✅ Section 5: Fire Escape Plan
- Every bedroom has two exit routes identified
- Family has practiced the escape plan at least once
- A designated meeting point outside is agreed on
- Kids know not to hide during a fire alarm
- Fire extinguisher in the kitchen (ABC-rated, inspected)
- Dryer lint trap cleaned after every use
✅ Section 6: General Home Security
- Motion-sensor lights at all entry points and dark corners of the yard
- Timers on interior lights when you travel
- Valuables not visible through windows
- Mailbox checked daily (or mail held when away)
- Social media posts about vacations — posted after you return, not before
- First aid kit stocked and accessible
- Emergency numbers posted somewhere physical — not just in your phone
✅ Section 7: Seniors & Accessibility Safety
- Grab bars in the shower and near the toilet
- Non-slip mat in tub/shower
- Night lights in bedroom, hallway, and bathroom
- Throw rugs secured or removed
- Stairway handrails on both sides and fully secure
- Medical alert device considered for anyone living alone
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I check my smoke detectors?
Test monthly, replace batteries annually (or use 10-year sealed models), and replace the unit entirely every 10 years.
What’s the most overlooked home safety issue?
Furniture tip-overs. The CPSC reports that a child is sent to the ER every 17 minutes from furniture or TV tip-overs. Anchor everything tall.
Do I need both a smoke detector and a CO detector?
Yes. Carbon monoxide is odorless and invisible — a smoke detector won’t catch it. Combo units exist and are a cost-effective option.
Charlie is a homeowner and parent. All product recommendations are independently researched. This post contains affiliate links — if you buy through them, I may earn a small commission at no cost to you. See full disclosure →