Accidents like fire, power surges, and natural disasters happen anytime at home. You probably won’t be able to prevent them all, but if you take home security seriously, you can minimize the frequency of accidents. The reason that you are here on this page reading this article is that you are concerned about your home and fear losing it in an accident.

This article has summarized some of the most important safety guidelines at home to prevent injuries and accidents. Many of them may seem quite obvious but you may need to prepare for them earlier.

Fire extinguisher

A fire extinguisher is one of the most basic safety items you should have at home, no matter where you live. Fortunately, many people have fire extinguishers in their homes and apartments, but most of the time you will need multiple fire extinguishers. This is especially true if you live in a double-story house. Imagine a fire on the second floor and you have to go downstairs to get a fire extinguisher. You lose precious time.

Also, in the case of a house fire, speed is very important. A fire can become life-threatening within minutes. Most homes require at least two or three fire extinguishers. In the event of a fire, everything needs to be easily accessible. Store it near the entrance to the kitchen where most home fires occur. It is also recommended to install it near the main corridor and exit. High-rise homes require at least one fire extinguisher on each floor.

Smoke detectors

When it comes to home security, smoke detectors and fire extinguishers are a must. Most homes and apartments have their own smoke alarms, smart smoke detectors or smoke alarms connected to a fire alarm system. If your home is an exception, invest a few dollars in security as soon as possible. The home fire is often overlooked until it is almost out of control. Many fires erupt during the night when the inhabitants are sleeping.

The fire alarm will alert you as soon as it detects a fire, giving you plenty of time to prevent the spread of fire. In the event of a house fire, acting swiftly can mean the difference between life and death.

Escape plan

Every house needs an escape plan. Your home requires ones too. It’s not difficult to create, it’s time-consuming, but it’s worth the effort. Make sure each room has at least two exits and include them in your plan. Also, make sure that the doors and windows can be opened without any problems. Remove obstacles from the escape route. Don’t forget to share your escape plan with your family.

CO alarm

If you have an appliance that burns fuel, fireplace, or garage installed in your home, it is advisable to install a CO alarm. Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless, tasteless gas that cannot be detected without a CO detector. When it accumulates in your home, it can lead to serious and even life-threatening health problems. Defects in the fuel activator or improper ventilation are sufficient for this.

Therefore, the CO alarm should be installed in every bedroom and every room. CO alarms are usually battery operated and should be tested for functionality on a regular basis. When the alarm goes off, find the nearest exit and leave the house immediately. Then call 911 or your local fire department.

First aid kits

First aid kits are an essential item when it comes to home safety. Minor injuries can often be treated at home if you have first aid kits at hand. You can also purchase a ready-to-use first aid kit at your local pharmacy or online and add items as needed. For example, if you are allergic to food or insect bites, you should have adrenaline that you can inject at home.

Emergency staircase

If you live in a multi-story house, you cannot use the windows as an exit. This is a big problem as it is easy to be cornered in the event of a fire. Installing an emergency staircase is a safe and unobtrusive way to turn a window into an actual emergency exit. The emergency staircase may not be the cheapest safety item for your home, but it is worth the investment as it can not only give you safety but also be a help in a house fire.

Use flameless candles

Sometimes you only need a few candles to make the room feel cozy and intimate. However, you need to be aware that unattended candles cause many house fires each year. So when you light a candle, don’t leave it alone (don’t sleep in the room with the candle lit). Also, make sure that there are no flammable materials around. Be sure to put out the candles when you leave the room. If you use candles frequently, it is advisable to buy flameless candles. In this way, the risk of fire can be significantly reduced.

Be prepared in case of a natural disaster

If natural disasters are not uncommon in your area, always have a disaster kit at home. This should include all the basic supplies that you and your family need to survive. The portable power plant or generator is very useful in the event of a natural disaster, but can also benefit in many other situations (such as camping and fishing). The great advantage of a power plant over a gas generator is that it does not generate emissions and can be used at home. Generators, on the other hand, supply more power than power plants. So you have to choose according to your needs.

Final thoughts

A house fire can be a devastating experience. While you should always take precautions to prevent it, you should also be prepared in case you encounter one at your home. This article only lists a few essentials that may be essential in case of a house fire. Make your own list based on the structure and location of your house to ensure that you and your family are prepared.