No one can predict the future, but being prepared for anything that can go wrong is a smart step for a homeowner. Safety at home is really crucial for the well-being of your family. Having certain emergency tools and supplies might save your life someday.
Therefore, you must be prepared to handle whatever comes your way. When you are ready, you can take care of any mishappening without being flustered. Here are some must-have home safety essentials that can save your life:
Burglar Alarm
External threats like intruders and burglars could be a big problem, especially if you live in a secluded area. Starting with the front door, a burglar alarm set on your front porch can deter any unusual activities and go off before the home invasion. It will also give you an upper hand while dealing with insurance companies. So, with this alarm, you can rest more easily, knowing that you are being protected against the worst-case scenario.
Smoke Detector
According to National Fire Protection Association, smoke detectors are essential for every home. They should be located on every level of the home. These detectors signal you when they sense any smoke, giving you time and opportunity to deal with the possible fire.
An estimate shows that without a working smoke detector, you’re four times more likely to die in a fire. Hence, install smoke detectors in your home and monitor them every month to ensure that they are working properly.
Fire Extinguisher
After the smoke detector detects a possible fire, what’s next? In case there is a fire, you can call the fire department, but sometimes it could be too late to sit back and wait for help. In situations like these, having a fire extinguisher at home can be great. In cases of small fires, you won’t even need any external help.
The basic extinguishers found in general stores can fight all three types of fires – combustible, electrical, and flammable liquid. Make sure to regularly inspect it and replace it in case it’s expired.
Before picking a fire extinguisher for your home, you must research to choose the correct one. It’s important to be aware of the content of the extinguisher as it is easy to miss out on these details.
In some cases, it can lead to tragic results, like in the case of the Firefighting Foam Cancer Lawsuit. This case is about Aqueous Film Forming Foam, or AFFF, that has been used to suppress dangerous fires for decades. However, it was found that AFFF contains PFAS chemicals (which are also known as forever chemicals).
These chemicals have been linked to several health problems, including different kinds of cancer. Several firefighters, military personnel, airport workers, and industrial workers have been exposed to it and developed serious health ailments, including kidney cancer, prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and pancreatic cancer.
According to TorHoerman Law, AFFF firefighting foam has been replaced by fire suppression methods that are free from toxic chemicals. However, due to their long shelf life and caliber in fighting dangerous fires, they are still used in extreme situations.
First Aid Kit
Accidents can happen at any time. Therefore, having a first aid kit at home is a smart step. Everyone in your house must know where it is so that in case of any emergency, it can be quickly accessed. A good place to store it is in the washroom or the kitchen. You don’t have to go overboard with this. However, make sure to have the basic supplies.
First aid kits should include ointment, bandages, antiseptic wipes, gauze pads, safety pins, pain-relief medication, medical tape, tweezers, scissors, a thermometer, and a first aid manual.
Escape Plan
If nothing works out, you can always choose to save your life. You should have a backup plan to exit your home in case things go south. An emergency exit or an escape plan could be a good option in situations where nothing can be done, and you are trapped.
If you live on the top floor, you can have a window that opens wide enough to get out. A ladder or fire staircase could also be of assistance. Make sure to have the emergency numbers on your phone, so that you can call for help without wasting any time.
Conclusion
Precaution is better than cure! Simply put, if you anticipate everything that can go wrong and are prepared for the worst, chances are things won’t turn out that bad. By being safe and following safety precautions, you not only protect your family and home but also your surroundings.
Look for the red flags in your locality and home and prepare accordingly. The threats could be external or internal. What matters is how you deal with it. With proper tools and training, you can rest easy knowing you and your family are safe.
