Mary Kane, a member of the Cranberry Township Volunteer Fire Department, shows how to replace batteries in a smoke detector. Eagle File Photo

You can keep your home safe from burglars or fires in a few simple, stress-free ways, according to officials.

Butler County Sheriff Mike Slupe suggested homeowners keep their exteriors well-lit to prevent break-ins. He suggested motion detector lighting as an additional resource.

“You can also plant shrubbery under your windows to prevent burglars. If they were going to go in, they can’t open the window without someone seeing them,” he said.

Doorbells with integrated security cameras are another way to help ensure safety, he added.

“There’s so many (devices) out there that will alert you on your phone,” he said.

To prevent house fires, Justin O’Hara, chief of the West Sunbury Volunteer Fire Department, said smoke detectors should be installed in every room of a home, and should be tested twice a year.

“When you change your clocks, change your batteries,” he said. “Ideally, you have them all linked together. Even if they’re not, it’s beneficial to have them in every room.

Other safety measures O’Hara suggested were ensuring you have up-to-date fire extinguishers in kitchens and garages, double checking candles, and having chimneys inspected before lighting your first winter fire.

“You should have it cleaned and inspected by professionals,” he said.

Lastly, O’Hara said it’s important to instill the habit of closing your bedroom door when you go to sleep.

“A closed door in the event of a fire can mean life or death. It mitigates the spread of fire,” he said.