An unexpected situation can quickly turn into an emergency if the necessary steps are not taken to adjust course. As a homeowner, you cannot anticipate every situation that arises, but you can be prepared for certain common situations that could quickly become more severe. Here are a few safety essentials every homeowner should have on hand.
1. Fire extinguisher
Although you hope a fire will never occur in your home, having a fire extinguisher on hand is important just in case. In 2018, there were nearly 400,000 residential fires in the United States alone. Kitchen fires are some common culprits for house fires, so it’s recommended you keep the extinguisher nearby the kitchen.
Fire extinguishers are not the most exciting or attractive home addition, but this safety essential could save your life.
2. Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
On a similar vein, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors can help alert you to less visible threats. Either way, you need to make sure that you have a detector monitoring the air in your home for both smoke and carbon monoxide at all time.
You should have at least one smoke and carbon monoxide detector on each level of your home, and they should be tested regularly. You’ll need to replace the batteries frequently as well to ensure they keep working properly. Even if a detector is wired into your home’s electricity grid, it’s important that the backup batteries are fresh in case the electricity is out in your home.
3. Flashlights and candles
If the power does go out, having flashlights and candles on hand are also necessary safety tools for keeping your family safe. Injuries can happen in the dark, so it’s important to be able to safety navigate through your home and perform any maintenance during this time period.
Many experts recommend keeping a flashlight in each room of your home so you can easily access it in the event of an emergency. Check these regularly to make sure they still work and keep some fresh batteries on hand.
Candles can be a good replacement for flashlights during an emergency as well, especially if you need to supply light to a room for a longer period of time. Just remember that for candles you’ll also need to have matches or a lighter on hand.
4. Portable phone charger
Your phone is just as much a safety essential as other items on this list. You’ll need it for phone calls and staying in touch and even as a research tool if you need to quickly find answers and information. Keeping a portable charger in the house makes sure your phone can be used even if your battery is running low and your electricity is out.
5. Portable space heater
For Maine homeowners, winter power outages can be downright dangerous. If your home does not have a working fireplace and relies on electricity for its heating system, an option like a portable heater can a lifesaver.
6. First-aid kit
Minor home accidents are just inevitable. Your children might scrape their knees, or you could cut your finger while preparing dinner. Having a well-stocked first-aid kit readily available will help keep minor injuries from escalating. Your first-aid kit should include:
Bandages
Gauze
Antibiotic ointment
Rubbing alcohol or alcohol pads
Pain relievers (such as ibuprofen and aspirin)
Medical tape
Ice pack
Gloves
Burn cream
7. Disaster kit
Even if you don’t live in a part of the country that typically experiences weather issues like earthquakes or hurricanes, you could be hit by an unforeseen disaster and will need a few supplies to help you survive the unexpected. Although the list for this could be extensive, here are some basics to have on hand just in case.
Non-perishable food
A can opener
Water (approximately one gallon per person per day)
Extra batteries
Safety matches
Whistle
Battery-powered radio
Personal hygiene products
Pet food and extra water for pets
Cash
Most of these items can be stored in a bin in your closet or garage, and the water, the biggest storage issue, is good to have on hand for even a short power outage.
Although it's tempting to brush off the possibility that a fire or other emergency could strike your home, it's always better to be safe than sorry. Make sure you're prepared for anything by outfitting your home with these safety essentials.