Although we would like to think it wouldn’t happen to us, it’s imperative that you are prepared for a variety of emergencies to increase the safety of you and your family/housemates. Below, we have created a guide to help you be prepared for a range of household emergencies.
Regular Structure Checks
By having professionals regularly check your property's structure, including the walls and roofing sheets, you can reduce the chances of a structural emergency. It’s particularly important that these checks are carried out if poor weather is predicted so you can be sure that the property is secure.
Pack A ‘Go’ Bag
When a household emergency occurs, you don’t know how long you will be unable to live in the property for. Therefore, having a ‘go’ bag gives you all the essentials you need if you have to leave your property in a hurry. Place the bag somewhere where you will be able to take shelter. The bag should include:
- First Aid Kit
- Chargers And Spare Phone
- Three Days’ Worth Of Water And Food
- Torches
- Pet Supplies
- Blankets And Jackets
- Can Opener For Food
- Toiletries, Personal Sanitation And Tablets
- Cash
Create A Plan Of Action
When a household emergency occurs, you won’t have much time to escape the property. Therefore, it’s a good idea to create a plan of action for all the household emergencies that could occur. When the emergency happens, you will have a better chance of getting out of the property safely if you know exactly what you are doing. Make sure that all the residents in the house know each plan and check in with one another when you are out of the property to ensure everyone is safe.
Fire Alarms And Smoke Detectors
For the best chance of noticing a fire, have your smoke detectors and fire alarms regularly tested by a firefighter to ensure they work well. Also, sleep next to your phone so that if you identify the start of a fire, you can ring the fire service immediately. You can also have a carbon monoxide alarm fitted, which you should have placed on every level of the home and outside every bedroom for maximum safety and protection.
Power Cut Preparation
It’s important to prepare for a power cut. Know where the candles, matches, and torches are on your property. When a power cut occurs, you can put the lights all in one room, and everyone can safely sit in there.
Emergency Numbers
Have a list of all the emergency contacts you could need both in your phone and a phone book for your ‘go’ bag. These can include:
- Veterinary Surgery
- Family Doctor And Hospital
- Family members
- Neighbors
- Workplaces, Daycare, And School
Hopefully, these tips will help you be more prepared for a household emergency at your property. Remember to have a plan in place and ensure everyone in the house knows what to do in an emergency.
