In a recent 20-year period, there were 6,873 disasters worldwide. Hurricanes, earthquakes, major storms, and tornadoes can happen anywhere. When they do, injuries, power outages, and shortages are to be expected.
If you know an emergency situation is imminent, you may find yourself scrambling for the right supplies at the last minute. This can be avoided, however, if you plan ahead.
What should you keep in your home in case of an emergency? Here’s where you can begin:
- Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless, tasteless gas that can kill you. It is even harmful in smaller doses.
Carbon monoxide gets caused by fuels not burning completely. It can come from dryers, water heaters, ovens, and ranges. Carbon monoxide starves the body of oxygen and induces suffocation.
A carbon monoxide detector can save your life. It will alert you to any carbon dioxide present in the air.
It is important to have at least one carbon dioxide detector on each floor. Most carbon dioxide detectors last from five to seven years. If you hear short chirps each minute, it is time to change the battery.
- Smoke Detectors
You should have at least one smoke detector per floor, with at least one detector on each floor that is battery-powered. It is most important to have them near kitchens and bathrooms.
To avoid frequent battery changes, go for a model with a ten-year lithium battery. A smoke detector is your first line of defense in case of a fire.
Your batteries should get tested at least once a month, and new batteries should be installed at least once every year. Make sure to dust them every time you clean the house. You should install new smoke detectors every ten years.
- Fire Extinguishers
It is important to install multipurpose extinguishers, especially near your kitchen, basement, and garage. There should also be fire extinguishers near your water heaters and furnaces. Small fires can get prevented from spreading in a matter of seconds.
Be sure to check your fire extinguishers every month to make sure they are full. They should be replaced every five to fifteen years. Be sure that your family identifies a few different escape routes in case a fire occurs.
- Solar Generator
The past decade has shown families how important it is to have a power plan in case electricity is unavailable for days at a time.
A polar generator, such as those on https://PoweredPortableSolar.com, uses solar panels to capture photons from the sun and charge the battery in the generator.
If you are without power for longer than one night, you can plug in necessary appliances like a fridge or lamp. You will be able to live in relative comfort for the duration of the blackout.
- A Battery-Operated Lantern
A battery-operated lantern has a rechargeable battery, and you can keep one plugged in to prepare for an emergency. They can light a whole room if you lose your power, and they are much safer than candles.
- A Battery-Operated Radio/Phone Charger
A battery-operated radio can help you keep up on the latest news during a natural disaster, even if you don’t have power. Many now come with an attached cell phone charger and SOS alarm.
Your radio can be powered up with the turn of a hand crank in case of an emergency.
- Provisions
If a hurricane or tornado is on its way to your area, you may not be able to get to the grocery store for a while. You will need at least one gallon of water per person, per day.
You should also have enough food saved up to feed your entire family for three days. Non-perishable items, such as bread, freeze-dried noodles, or canned fruits and vegetables will be easy to store and prepare.
- Escape Ladders
If you have bedrooms on the second floor of your home, it is important to have escape ladders easily accessible in case of a fire. You can even practice using it ahead of time.
If someone needs to escape through a window, they should place the red color rung out the window first. The ladder can then slowly get dropped out of the window.
Once you are sure that the ladder hooks firmly over the window sill, you can climb down to safety.
- A First-Aid Kit
A power outage or flood can leave those inside your home prone to injuries. While yours does not have to be fancy, it should have some basic items.
Adhesive bandages, antiseptic wipes, and aspirin are critical in case someone falls or hits their head. An emergency blanket will come in handy if it is cold. A thermometer, gloves, and ointment packets should also be available.
- A Sump Pump Alarm
A sump pump alarm is battery-powered. It is designed to alert you when water levels are too high. A sump pump alarm uses a suction cup mount to attach to a non-porous surface, such as a bathtub or tile floor. These are particularly helpful if your basement is prone to flooding during storms. Most include a water sensor wire and weighted probe.
What to Do in Case of an Emergency
If you are wondering how you can prepare in case of an emergency, think about purchasing basic safety tools. Smoke detectors, escape ladders, and fire extinguishers are essential in case of a fire. And solar generators, lanterns, and battery-powered radios are critical if you lose power.
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