Moving into your first home is an exciting experience, and while your checklist of things to do is probably quite lengthy, safety should be a top priority. A safe home will give you peace of mind and provide you with the best living experience possible. Here are four important safety precautions you should take before moving into your new home.

1. Conduct a Home Inspection

Scheduling a home inspection is perhaps the most important way to ensure your home doesn't have any major safety concerns. A home inspector will run through a checklist of important tests to ensure your home is up to par. There are a number of helpful tests your inspector can perform, but perhaps the most important is a radon test. Conducting this specific test is the only way to know what level of radon your home has. Radon is a colorless and odorless gas. Breathing it in at high levels can increase your risk of lung cancer, so you definitely want to take steps to correct high radon levels if they are detected. Thankfully, a radon mitigation system can be installed in your home to solve this problem and make your home safer for you and your family.

2. Install A Security System and Proper Lighting

Statistics indicate that homes with security systems are 60 percent less likely to be burglarized. The easiest and most effective way to keep your home safer. There are a number of different systems on the market, some that will even give you a live view of what's at your front door at any moment and send important notifications right to your smartphone. It's crucial that you do some research before purchasing your home security system so that you find one that's right for you and purchase from a reliable company. Depending on the type of system you choose, you may be able to install it yourself or you can consult with a professional if you're not sure you're able to install your system properly. It's important that it works as it should, so don't hesitate to hire assistance.

Good exterior lighting is another important way to keep intruders at bay. Criminals trying to break into your home would obviously prefer to do so in the dark so they can't be seen. You can leave your home's windows on overnight or invest in a lighting system that turns on automatically when movement is detected. These are often an easy way to deter intruders. You may even wish to leave a couple of small lamps on when you're away to make it appear as if someone is home. This is another effective way to deter burglars.

3. Secure Doors and Windows 

Many times, the home you are purchasing is new to you, but it isn't brand new. In this case, you probably don't know the property's full history. A number of different people could have lived there over the years and handed out keys to friends and relatives, so you never know who might have access to your home. Purchase a good lock for your door and install it yourself or with the help of a locksmith to ensure that you keep unwanted intruders at bay. Try to do this as quickly as possible after moving in.

Windows are another vulnerable area of your home. Along with doors, criminals frequently enter homes through windows. Be sure to reinforce your windows and ensure they have effective locks when you move into your new home so it's not easy for someone to gain access.

4. Make Sure Your Heating System Is Safe

A heating system that is efficient ensures that your home is comfortable all year long, but it's important that you take steps to make sure that this system is as safe as possible before you take possession of your new home. Take steps to test the existing heating system and ensure it uses fuel that won't lead to potential health issues. You should check for any leaking oil or gas and test the fuel used to ensure it doesn't produce harmful fumes. If you discover significant issues with the heating system, you should consider getting them fixed if possible or installing a new system altogether.

Moving into a new home can be an incredibly stressful experience. There are so many items to check off your list, but safety checks should be a top priority. If you follow these important tips, you should be able to make your home as safe as possible for you and your family before you ever live in it.

Written by Taylor McKnight, Author for DuPage Radon Contractors