Emergencies can happen at any time, even at home. Emergencies can happen due to an error in your plumbing, structural issues, weather catastrophes, or power outages. Someone may have a medical emergency that needs tending before getting to a hospital. Here are some ways to prepare your home for some of the typical emergencies you may have.
Increase Your Food Supply
The last thing you want is to run out of food because you have to be stuck at home for several days or a week. That can happen in the event of a major snowstorm. If you live in a rural area and your main road is blocked because of a falling tree, you may not be able to get beyond your street to buy supplies. That’s why it’s a good idea to have a pantry that you can stock with non-perishable foods. Some people have a specific pantry room in their kitchen, whereas others may use a basement or other empty closet. You can gradually increase your food supply weekly by looking for sales or ordering supplies on places like Amazon that deliver for you.
Create an Emergency Kit
Have an emergency kit in your home and car. Some of the basics of your emergency kit should include band-aids and gauze in case of a cut or laceration. You should also have copies of your identification papers. Have at least a few days of water and a water filtration item. Include some non-perishable food items that would be easy to carry or set aside. Make sure you have some warm blankets in case cold weather sets in. If anyone in your home relies on medications such as asthma inhalers or allergy pens, you should also keep an extra container is in your kit.
Have a Solid Contact List
If an emergency happens, you don’t want to run around in a panic. Always have a solid list of services or people you can call immediately. For example, think of any contractor that does work on your home that you would have to call. Who’s your plumber, roofer, electrician, gas company, etc? Is there an emergency dentist nearby? Do you know where your nearest emergency hospital room is? Most importantly, check that those contractors have emergency hours so you can contact them at odd hours.
Practice Your Exit Plan
It’s a good idea to practice your emergency exit plan ahead of time. Practice it until you and your household know at the back of your hand. In case of a fire or break-in, everybody should know the easiest and nearest ways to get out safely. Your emergency exit plan may include a meet-up spot in your home or outside. If your family gets split up during an emergency, you should all have a designated spot where you agree to meet up.
Testing and Shutting Off Water Valves
Water damage can be one of the worst things to happen to a homeowner. That can happen if water begins flowing from any of your pipes due to a bust. In case that happens, you may have to shut off the water supply to prevent more water from flowing in and wasting. Test your plumbing water shut-off valves ahead of time to ensure they work. You can spray it with WD-40 if it’s too tight to move. Knowing what to do if shut-off valve breaks can prevent your home from being ruined. If the valve on the localized fixture is broken, you should go into the basement and shut off the main one.
Being prepared for emergencies is essential to keeping you and your family safe. You can quickly handle medical emergencies and situations that could cause extensive damage to your home. To stay safe, start testing those valves, building your emergency supplies, and testing exit strategies today.
