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Safety items for home

By
Services for Real Estate Pros with TMD Technology

A safe home is a happy home! Your home is built to keep you safe, but accidents can happen, so make sure you have the essential safety items to keep your family safe and give you peace of mind. If you plan ahead, you’ll be prepared for any incidents that may happen. Here’s a list of safety items you should have.

 

  1. Burglar alarm. There are a variety of reasons to get a burglar alarm, including deterring break-ins, helping you sleep better at night, and making your insurance company happy. Get an alarm that you can set the downstairs at night, and the whole house when you go out during the day.

 

  1. Smoke detectors. Every home should have one on each floor and one outside each sleeping area. Change the batteries when the clocks change for daylight savings time twice each year. Smoke detectors should be replaced after ten years and tested monthly to ensure they work.

 

  1. Carbon monoxide detectors.Carbon monoxide can’t be seen or smelled, so a detector really can save your life. Install CO detectors outside each sleeping area. Do not install in the kitchen or near fuel burning heaters or devices.

 

  1. Fire extinguishers. You should have one in the kitchen, one on the second floor or in the bedroom, one near any fireplaces, and one in your car. Check them periodically and replace when expired. Always check on what type of fire extinguisher you have; there are different ones for different types of fires. Ensure that you know how to use them properly.

 

  1. Evacuation plan.Have a pre-planned evacuation plan that all family members are aware of. Make sure you have a fire ladder for any bedrooms above the first floor – and that everyone knows how to use it. It is imperative that the emergency plan is reviewed and understood by all family members!

 

  1. Make sure everyone has a flashlight next to their bed in the event of a power outage. Have a stash of extra batteries so you don’t run out.

 

  1. Emergency phone numbers.Keep a list clearly posted for anyone in your home. Include cell phone numbers of family members, neighbors’ numbers, doctors’/pediatricians’ numbers, 911 and poison control.

 

  1. A fireproof lock box or safe. One of these not only protects important papers (the deed to the house, birth certificates, marriage certificates, passports) and valuables from burglary, but from fire and water too. etc.

 

  1. Outlet covers.Cap unused electrical outlets with safety covers to guard against electrical shocks. Also, check electric appliances periodically for loose or frayed wires. And unplug any unnecessary appliances from outlets.

 

  1. First aid kit.Always have a first aid kit on hand – one for the house, one for the car! Buy a pre-assembled kit or make your own with the following items:
  • First aid manual (Available at redcross.org)
  • Adhesive bandages in various sizes
  • Gauze pads in various sizes
  • Rolls of gauze & first aid tape
  • Cotton balls & swabs
  • Antiseptic (i.e. hydrogen peroxide, rubbing alcohol)
  • Antibiotic ointment
  • Cortisone cream
  • Diphenhydramine (i.e. Benadryl)
  • Saline drops / spray
  • Ibuprofen / aspirin
  • Disposable latex/vinyl/nitrile gloves
  • Ice pack / instant cold compress
  • Ace bandage
  • Scissors
  • Safety pins
  • Needle or tweezers (for splinters)

 

Check periodically to see what needs to be replaced.

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