2. Check that safety devices work MOVING TO A NEW HOME?

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Don’t forget about a few important safety precautions

There are so many things to do as soon as you move into a new home: scrub every room, unpack boxes, figure out where to get the best local Chinese takeout.

While they’re important, don’t overlook a few safety matters that should be on your to-do list as well (some of them can be done ahead of time):

1. Change all the locks

Since you won’t know who had access to your home and mailbox before you moved in, get the locks changed immediately, said Sarah Darrow, a real estate agent with Realty One Group Clarity in Stanwood,

Washington. “The sellers could have given a neighbor the keys, or previous owners could have used the home for a rental and those renters still have keys.”

Besides getting new door and mailbox locks, be sure to reconfigure the garage door code too.

If the home already has smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, test that they’re all in good working order. Change the batteries in non-electrical units; check that any hard-wired devices are connected to your home’s power source.

3. Figure out a family emergency plan

If everyone had to leave the house quickly in case of a fire, would they know what to do? Have escape ladders, a plan on how to leave the house and a designated family meeting spot that’s a safe distance away, such as in front of a neighbor’s house down the street.

4. Get to know your neighbors

getting to know them, they’re more likely to call you or the police if they see suspicious activity around your house. They’ll also be more willing to take packages off your front steps when you’re away, so intruders won’t know no one’s home.

5. Inspect exterior spaces

Spend time after dark locating areas around the outside of your home that may need lighting. “The exterior of the house should be well lit, including steps and doorways,” Darrow said. “Have motion lights that could startle intruders.” Install landscape lights around approaches to the home and in areas where you might pause to open gates or unlock doors. “Also, the better the lighting, the better exterior security cameras will work” she said. Trim overgrown bushes or shrubs close to windows that could create hiding spots for burglars.

6. Locate all local emergency services

Find out the locations of the nearest ER, hospital and urgent care, Darrowsaid. “Call the fire department to ask if they need gate codes or other special instructions during an emergency.”

7. Identify all shutoffs for the water and gas lines

You should know where gas and water shutoffs are located in case of an emergency. Also, make sure your water heater is set to a safe temperature, especially if young children live in the home.

GETTY IMAGES One of the first things new homeowners should do is change all the locks since former residents and neighbors could have keys.