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.