All of us feel safest in our homes. But there are many dangers lurking inside our homes, and we must brace ourselves for them. They range from fire outbreaks to accidental falls. However, with a little foresight and careful planning, we can take care of them.
In this blog, we will discuss five essential home safety items. They will make your home safer and protect you and your loved ones. So, let’s learn more about them.
1- Smoke Detectors And Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Every home must have smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. They alert you in case there is a fire or carbon monoxide leakage. The latter is particularly menacing as it is a colorless and odorless gas that has adverse effects on your health.What You Need To Know:
- Install smoke detectors throughout your house, including the hallways.
- Install carbon monoxide detectors close to the bedrooms and at every house level.
- Test your detectors regularly to ensure they are in working order.
- Check and replace their batteries every six months or when needed.
2- First Aid Kit
Accidents are part and parcel of our lives, so it is better to be prepared for them. To respond to such accidents, you need a well-stocked emergency/first-aid kit. By attending to an accident in a timely manner, you reduce its risk of escalating into a major health crisis and mitigate the pain, too.What Should Be Included
- Bandages and gauze
- Adhesive tape
- Antiseptic wipes and ointment
- Tweezers for splinters
- Pain relievers (like ibuprofen)
- Scissors
- Thermometer
- Medical gloves
3- Fire Extinguisher
Every home must have a fire extinguisher because fire can start and spread with immense speed. Having one (or more) fire extinguishers in the right place can prevent little fire outbreaks from igniting into huge blazes that are hard to control.What You Need To Know
- Ensure a fire extinguisher is in the kitchen because that is where most house fires begin.
- Having one in the garage, near the furnace, and over any workstations is also recommended.
- Make sure to familiarize yourself with how to use it (remember the acronym PASS: Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep).
4- Anti-slip Mats And Rugs
Falls are among the most frequent types of injuries in everyday life, with special risks for children and the elderly. Anti-slip mats and rugs are essential safety items for homes, reducing the chances of accidents in areas like bathrooms, kitchens, and hallways.What You Need To Know
- Always use some mat or underlay under all the rugs, especially in rooms with many people.
- In the bathroom, fit anti-slip mats on the shower area and the floor since the floor becomes slippery once wet.
- Check mats regularly to ensure they’re still in good condition and not slipping.
5- Emergency Preparedness Kit
Disasters, electrical blackouts, and other unpredictable crises may occur at any time of the year. By preparing a home emergency survival kit, you will be sure you have all the necessities in case of an emergency; hence, you will not have to grope around about what to do during the calamity.What Should Be Included
- Water (one gallon per person per day for at least three days)
- Non-perishable food (canned goods, granola bars, etc.)
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- Portable phone charger
- First aid kit (can overlap with your general first aid kit)
- Blankets and warm clothing
- Personal hygiene items (like wet wipes and hand sanitizer)
- Important documents (in a waterproof bag)