Peak Preparedness: What Safety Measures Your Home Should Have

By BC

Emergencies can happen at any time. By preparing your home for some worst-case scenarios, you can prevent damage or serious injury. Keep your family safe and make sure everyone knows the rules and safety measures you have in place. Here are some good ideas to check out as you prepare.

Smoke Detector
All homes should have smoke detectors on every level. The best detectors are photoelectric, and can quickly detect fires that are at just the smoldering stage. The extra time to get to safety can mean the difference between life and death. 

Carbon Monoxide Detector
Carbon monoxide is one of the primary causes of accidental poisoning in U.S. homes. Detectors keep you safer by alerting you when concentrations of this deadly, invisible gas rise. To make sure they work as intended, place carbon monoxide detectors in or close to bedrooms and on all levels of the home. They should be installed either on the ceiling or near the ceiling, and you should test them monthly. All detectors should have a battery backup in case of power failure. 

Fire Extinguisher
Fire extinguishers can put out small fires before they turn into a major disaster. Keep at least one in the kitchen, and make sure the extinguisher is rated for all kinds of fires. Everyone in the home should be taught how to use it in an emergency, and be re-taught every year.

Fireplace Safety Supplies
If your home has a fireplace, make sure you keep it clean and maintained and that you have access to a fireplace supplier like Alpine Fireplaces that offer additional safety supplies such as safety screens and stovepipe thermometers to monitor the temperature in the flue. The chimney is one of the most common sources of house fires so keeping yours clean and well-maintained is key to saving lives and property.

Escape Ladder
Equip your multilevel home with escape ladders in each upper-story bedroom. If residents need to exit the home quickly, the ladder may be the only means of escape. 

Hot Water Heater Pressure Relief Valve
These valves prevent water heater explosions. In high temperatures or high pressure, the valve opens automatically to release pressure. If your water heater is not equipped with this safety device, purchase a new one with better technology.

Home Alarm System
An alarm system helps protect your home from burglary and unwelcome intruders. Alarm systems are often equipped with panic buttons you can use in other situations to summon help quickly.

Disaster Kit
Prepare a disaster kit containing medical supplies, emergency lighting, and enough food and water for everyone to survive for at least three days. Keep the kit in an accessible area, such as a hall closet.

When it comes to emergency preparation, it is difficult to over prepare. When you detect a potential safety hazard or when you think of more you could do to keep your home and family safe, take care of it as soon as you can. Emergencies don’t wait for a convenient time. 

 

 

 

 

 

via ModernSurvivalOnline.com http://ift.tt/1Q7xNTD