There are certain safety essentials for your home that you’ll always want to have on hand. These items help make your home a safer and healthier place.
Fire Extinguisher
Every home needs at least one fire extinguisher on each level of the home. If a small fire erupts, you’ll be happy you can quickly mitigate any damage with an extinguisher.
First Aid Kit
There are many situations that require a first aid kit at home. You’ll want to have one in the home for cuts, allergic reactions, and sprains. Purchase extra boxes of assorted adhesive bandages. Since these are the most frequently used items, you’ll want to have extras on hand. Take stock of your first aid kit regularly and replace any items that have been used up or expired.
Safety Essentials for Your Home Include Smoke Alarms
Smoke detectors are vital. They sound an alert when a fire breaks out. They are especially helpful if a fire occurs while you and your family are asleep. Make sure you have alarms in every bedroom and on every floor of the home. Test the detectors monthly and replace the batteries at least twice a year.
Emergency Contact List
If any emergency happens, you’ll need to find important phone numbers. Make the list now and include numbers for doctors, the dentist, your parents, poison control, friends, and the hospital. Make sure family members, guests, and your babysitter know where the list is located.
Include other important information on the contact list. This might include health insurance information and known allergies of your family members.
Deadbolt Your Doors
Don’t rely on weak locks. Make sure all doors to the outside have deadbolt locks installed on them. The steel bar of a deadbolt extends further into the doorjamb, which makes it much harder to break.
Home Safety Essentials: Disaster Kit
Never wait for a disaster to strike to think about what you need to handle the situation. Take time now to prepare for a long power outage or weather-related disaster. Here are some items to put inside your disaster kit.
- Flashlight and additional batteries
- Food (at least a 3-day supply)
- Whistle
- Candles
- Safety matches
- Additional cell phone battery (a solar charger can be helpful)
- Copies of important documents
- Can opener
- Cash
- Extra water and food for pets
- Hand-crank radio (or battery powered)
- NOAA weather radio (with extra batteries)
- Personal hygiene items
An Escape Plan is One of the Safety Essentials for Your Home
Make sure every member of your family knows how to safely get out of the house in the event of an emergency. For example, what happens if a fire breaks out on the first floor? How can everyone upstairs get out safely? Develop a plan and discuss it together. Choose a safe meeting place outside the house.
Long Cove Inspections offers home inspections in Mid-Coast Maine. If you’re buying or selling a home, contact us to request an appointment.