Ten Essentials for Emergency Preparedness
According to the National Safety Council, home accidents injured 6.8 million and killed 28,200 people in 1998. Here are ten items that can help prevent a disaster and potentially save a life.
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Smoke Detectors – Install one on each level of your home and one outside every bedroom. Test them once a month and change the batteries twice a year.
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Fire Extinguishers – Place one wherever there is potential for fire, especially the kitchen and garage. Extinguishers are made to handle different kinds of fires, so choose appropriately.
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Carbon Monoxide Detector – Fuel-burning appliances such as furnaces, fireplaces, and water heaters can emit potentially lethal carbon monoxide. Maintenance and inspection can minimize risk, but a carbon monoxide detector may be your only warning should a malfunction occur suddenly.
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Water Detector – Undetected water leaks from appliances and water heaters can cause extensive property damage. An automatic water alarm, such as the Zircon Leak Alert will alert you with a loud signal for up to 72 hours and it floats so the alarm remains audible.
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First Aid Kits – Every home and vehicle should be equipped with a first aid kit and manual. Keep them easily accessible and make sure family members know first aid techniques.
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Flashlights & Whistles – Escaping or signaling for help may be crucial so keep a number of working flashlights on hand. Each person should also have a whistle and penlight so they have immediate light and can signal their location, if necessary.
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Well-lit Address Sign – House numbers that are well lit and easily visible so emergency personnel can find your house may make a critical difference.
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Safety/Cabinet Latches – Easy-to-install latches can prevent childhood poisoning accidents and help keep items securely stowed in cupboards during earthquakes, reducing property damage and injury.
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Furniture Tie Downs – Anchoring tall bookcases, entertainment centers, and other heavy items to wall studs can eliminate toppling furniture that may cause injury or block escape. A few metal L-brackets, some screws, and a stud finder such as the Zircon StudSensor™ stud finder can help you accomplish the job.
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Fireproof Safe – Facilitate quick recovery should disaster strike by storing birth certificates, insurance policies, and other important papers in a fireproof safe.
With an early-alert system and planning, you can keep a situation from becoming a full-blown emergency, and possibly even save a life.
