We want our homes to be a safe place where friends and family can relax. However, emergencies can happen and cause stress and uncertainty. Help your family be prepared with these home safety essentials.

Practical Home Safety Essentials

When you are equipped with safety essentials, you’ll be better prepared for emergency situations.

1. Smoke and CO Detectors are Home Safety Essentials

Protecting yourself in case of fire starts with installing smoke detectors. These devices are the first line of defense against fire and can be the difference between life and death. For the best chance of an early warning, smoke detectors should be installed throughout the house.

Be sure to install carbon monoxide detectors alongside your smoke detectors. Like smoke detectors, CO detectors alert homeowners to danger and give you time to escape the home unharmed.

2. First Aid Kit

You may not think about your first aid kit until an injury happens. A well-stocked first-aid kit can save the day. You can quicky treat a burn, scrape, or insect bite. If you have a first-aid kit, be sure to regularly restock it. This way, you and your family will always be prepared in case of an emergency.

3. Safety Essentials Include Fire Extinguishers

Fire extinguishers are another important item that every homeowner should have. Ideally, homes will have a few fire extinguishers readily available throughout the house. Familiarize yourself and your family with how to operate the device.

Keeping a fire extinguisher nearby will help to protect you in the event of a fire, but it’s also important to consider the type of fire extinguisher you have. The multipurpose Class ABC extinguisher is effective on most types of house fires.

4. Fire Escape Ladder

If you have a multi-story home or you live in an apartment that isn’t on the ground floor, invest in an escape ladder. A fire ladder creates an exit route by turning any window into a safe escape from danger.

Fire ladders attach to the window and extend to the ground from any floor in the house. If a fire is climbing up the staircase or outside a bedroom door, a ladder is the safest way to exit the home.

5. A Disaster Kit is Essential for Your Home

Natural disasters and severe weather can happen with very little warning. Whether it’s a tornado, earthquake, hurricane, or flood, it might take days or weeks for life to return to normal after one of these events. Make sure you have everything you need to survive by packing a disaster kit.

A proper disaster kit contains everyday items that all members of the household need for three (or more) days. A well-stocked disaster kit should include water, non-perishable food, flashlights, batteries, personal hygiene items, matches, and cash. Keep this kit in an area that is easy to access at a moment’s notice.

With a bit of preparation, you’ll be ready for almost any type of disaster. Use this guide to make sure your home is well-stocked with home safety essentials for future emergencies.

PRIME Home Inspections offers home inspections to western Washington. Contact us to schedule our services.