Many people are professional landlords, but some of us happen upon it when we decide to rent out a home or condo. Help protect yourself and potential tenants by following these tips for being a landlord:

• Provide security: Make sure that windows, doors and all locks work properly. Ask tenants to alert you to any malfunctions in order to help protect them and your property. Consider installing a home alarm system if you don’t already have one at the location.

• Consult laws and procedures: Ask interested parties to fill out formal housing applications. Get tenants to sign a contract before moving in and make sure that you understand their and your responsibilities for keeping up the property.

• Check backgrounds: Conduct background and credit checks on anyone before you let them sign a lease and move in. It’s OK to collect a fee from applicants to cover this expense.

The home bathroom has many hidden hazards that aren’t always obvious to adults – at least until small children get into them. Let home alarm systems help secure your home’s exterior while you ensure your child’s safety in the bathroom with these tips.

* Water dangers: Never leave a child unattended in the tub and always be within an arm’s reach of them. Be sure to install toilet seat locks so wandering children can’t open the lid and fall in.

* Electrical items: Keep electrical appliances like hair dryers away from water. Unplug appliances immediately after use and make sure nearby smoke detectors or smoke and heat sensors available through home security systems are functioning. Also, be sure to cover electrical outlets with inexpensive plugs available at baby stores.

* Harmful substances: Keep all medicines and cleaning products in their original containers and childproof packaging, and out of your child’s reach. Know what substances are poisonous so you’ll be better prepared in case your child ingests it.

* Slippery surfaces: Wipe up any spills immediately after they happen to prevent falls. Put a non-slip mat or strips in your tub and shower. Also place a non-slip bath mat on the floor nearby.

* Discarded items: Bathroom trash cans are full of hazardous items if used improperly. Don’t leave items like razors, empty product containers, medicines and old cleaning supplies in trash cans. Take out the trash often to keep other tempting items out of your child’s reach.

The kitchen is one of the most used rooms in any home, but it also contains many hazards. Make sure to keep these items in your kitchen to promote home security and safety.

1. Oven mitts: Never move hot items from the oven, stove or microwave without oven mitts.
2. Fire extinguisher: In the case of a small fire, use an extinguisher rather than water. Water will only feed grease fires that are typical of kitchens.
3. Smoke detectors: Make sure any smoke, carbon monoxide or heat sensors that come with home alarm systems are up-to-date and have working batteries.
4. Antibacterial soap: Always wash your hands before you eat, and before and after handling germy food like raw meat and eggs.
5. Blade guards: These simple, inexpensive devices can help guard your hand from cuts while using a knife.

Nowadays, cell phones are more of a necessity than a luxury. In addition to the bells and whistles of smart phones, they offer the reassurance of being able to easily dial emergency services. But these helpful tools can also be distracting and compromise your safety if you aren’t careful. Follow these tips to help ensure your personal security while using your cell:

• No hands: Consider using hands-free technology like a Bluetooth device for times when you’re driving or can’t handle the distraction of a phone.

• Keep it close: Make your cell phone hard to get to by keeping it in an inside pocket jacket or hard-to-access area on your body.

• Lock  it down: Use the security lock so that in case someone else gets a hold of it, they won’t get any of your or your contacts’ personal information.

• Never loan it: Never let a stranger borrow your cell phone for an emergency call. If they need to call emergency services, call them for them to avoid having them run off with your phone.

• Be aware: Don’t get so caught up in a cell phone conversation that you’re completely unaware of what’s going on around you.

A deck can be the perfect place to experience the outdoors, but it can also become a hazard if not properly cared after. Keep loved ones safe this summer as you entertain on your home’s deck with these safety tips.

• Inspect regularly: Have a licensed and experienced deck contractor inspect it. If your deck is more than 10 years old, it’s best to schedule annual inspections. Also do visual inspections in between official ones for signs of wood rot, rusty hardware and movement.

• Protect against fire hazards: Place a non-flammable pad between your deck and anything that could start a fire like a fire pit, grill, chimney or candles. Make sure that your home alarm system and nearby smoke detectors are properly working so that enjoying your deck won’t compromise your home safety.

• Check vegetation: Visually inspect any landscaping near your deck you think may compromise the structure. Call a landscaper to deal with any that doesn’t meet your standards.

It’s easy to keep the party going  even after the sun sets with an outdoor fire pit. But take extra care in tending to the fire because indoor smoke detectors and ADT heat sensors won’t alert you to a fire outdoors. The interior of your home has the added protection of a home alarm system – keep the exterior of your home safe with these fire pit safety tips:

• Stake out a good spot: Place the pit on a level surface made of concrete, brick or stone that is at least 10 feet away from your house and other structures.

• Use proper fuel: Burn dry wood that was cut at least six months ago.

• Ignite safely: Don’t use gas, kerosene or lighter fluid to start the fire.

• Douse out: Keep a fire extinguisher (dry chemical extinguisher), or a bucket of water or sand to douse the fire in case of an emergency or when you’re ready to head inside.

Just because you’re an adult doesn’t mean that inter-generational care is no longer a concern. Prepare for the long-term care that many aging parents require by considering the following:

• Qualified caregivers: Whether it’s a nurse in a senior assisted living facility or a live-in caregiver, make sure that the person who cares for your parent is well-qualified and trustworthy.

• Home security: Install a home alarm system in your parent’s home and make sure they know how to use it. Two-way voice capability of systems like ADT can be especially helpful.

• Emergency funds: Set aside money for medical emergencies and other emergencies that happen more often among the elderly.

• Accessibility: Can your aging parent easily access common household items like the washer and dryer and refrigerator? Also, evaluate how they can overcome hard-to-navigate barriers to other parts of the house like stairs.

• Personal security: Look into personal monitoring receivers that can be worn on a necklace, so your parent has an easy way to get help in the case of a fall or emergency.

Sudden summer downpours and thunderstorms can momentarily ruin the fun of outdoor adventures. But most people don’t worry about the dangers of lightning until it begins raining. However, if you can hear thunder, you’re within striking distance, so be sure to follow these lightning safety tips while you’re enjoying the great outdoors this summer.

• Stop at first sound: Quit all outdoor activities at the first sound of thunder so everyone has time to find cover.

• Seek shelter: Find a fully enclosed building with a roof, walls, and plumbing or wiring, and stay there.

• Keep away from plumbing, electronics:  If lightning strikes the building it will travel through the wiring or plumbing, and therefore go through any water or electronics in the building. Don’t try to disarm your home alarm system. Some, including ADT, have back-up batteries in the event of a power outage.

Hoarding has received a lot of attention lately through TV shows like A&E’s “Hoarders,” and media awareness, giving people the urge to organize their homes. A well-organized home is easy to enjoy, but there are a few more reasons to get in on the trend.

• Aesthetics: Even the most severe hoarders will admit that their piles of belongings look horrible. Be proud of a home that you work hard to maintain. It will encourage you to invite others over to enjoy it with you.

• Hidden treasures: There are probably many items you’ve either forgotten about or gave up on finding years ago because of clutter. Sort it out and  reap the rewards of finding lost items.

• Emergency exits: Home alarm systems, smoke detectors and other home security devices alert you when there’s an emergency. But that’s only part of keeping yourself safe. Clutter can get in the way of emergency exits and can drastically increase the time it takes you to exit your home.

Going from renting to buying a home is a big milestone. Be sure that you’re making a sound investment and finding the right home for you by considering these three important things.

• Research school systems: Find out how the school district is ranked, even if you don’t have or don’t plan to have children. Being located near quality schools can increase a home’s selling price.

• Weigh neighborhood security: Are there signs posted for neighborhood watch groups? Check out homes in the area to see if they have window decals and yard signs for ADT security systems.  Criminals may be less likely attempt break-ins in neighborhoods protected by home alarm systems.

• Evaluate your commute: Time how far it will take you to get to work, grocery stores, schools and any other places that you’ll frequently visit. Then decide if your prospective home is worth the travel time.