As a homeowner, you want your family to be healthy, happy, and secure. Having these home safety essentials on hand will offer you peace of mind and may also help you save money on homeowners insurance.
1. Fire Extinguishers are Home Safety Essentials
For some homeowners insurance companies, having a fire extinguisher is one of the home safety essentials that will ring up a discount on your premium. Ideally, you should have several working fire extinguishers available in the following locations:
- The kitchen (most house fires originate in the kitchen)
- Near the front and back doors
- One extinguisher for every floor of the house
2. Smoke and Carbon Dioxide Detectors
These home safety essentials are similar in both importance and function, so we’ll group them together.
Smoke Detectors
A person is more likely to die in a house fire when no working smoke detector is present. Smoke detectors offer an early warning alarm that allows people in the house ample time to get out safely. Install a smoke detector on every floor of your house and in each bedroom.
Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Dubbed a ‘silent killer’, carbon monoxide is a colorless and odorless gas that can only be detected with a special device. Carbon monoxide detectors alert residents of the danger so they don’t succumb to carbon monoxide poisoning. Each floor of the house should have a carbon monoxide detector. The best location for these devices is 10 to 15 feet from a bedroom door.
3. Disaster Preparedness Kit
With the recent increase in dangerous weather events like hurricanes, flooding, and tornadoes, a disaster preparedness kit is an increasingly important home safety essential. Include at least three days worth of water and non-perishable food for each person. Your kit should contain basic toiletry needs, medications, and pet essentials. Also, include cell phone charging options and a hand-crank or battery operated radio.
4. An Emergency Contact List Should Be Included With Home Safety Essentials
Having up-to-date emergency contact information is key to providing your family with the security they need. Keep your list in a prominent place and make sure that everyone knows where it is. Your contact list should include the following information:
- Contact information for people designated as emergency contacts
- Police and fire department contact information
- Doctor contact information
- Insurance company information
Give your family the protection they deserve by always having these home safety essentials stocked in your house.
Prudent Home Inspections offers home inspections in Maryland, Washington, DC, and Virginia. Contact us to request an appointment.