Smart Steps for a More Prepared Home

September is National Preparedness Month, making it a good time to take a few simple steps that can help your household feel more confident and organized.

Preparing for the unexpected can help increase your peace of mind. Think of it like maintaining your HVAC system or changing the batteries in a smoke alarm. A little planning today can make a power outage, severe storm or temporary water interruption much easier to manage.

Start With a Home Emergency Kit

Choose a container that is easy to carry and store it in a location that household members can access quickly. Depending on the size of your family, you may need more than one container.

The American Red Cross recommends keeping a three-day supply of essentials for an evacuation and working toward a two-week supply for use at home. If that feels like a lot, start with enough for three days and build your kit gradually.

Consider including:

• Water, with a general guideline of one gallon per person per day
• Nonperishable, easy-to-prepare food
• A manual can opener
• Flashlights or headlamps
• Extra batteries
• A battery-powered or hand-crank radio, preferably one that receives NOAA Weather Radio
• Portable phone chargers or charged power banks
• A first aid kit
• Necessary medications and basic medical supplies
• Personal hygiene and sanitation items
• Blankets, rain gear and sturdy work gloves
• A multipurpose tool and whistle
• A small amount of cash
• An extra set of house and vehicle keys
• A printed list of family members, emergency contacts and important phone numbers

Remember to personalize the kit for your household. Include supplies for infants, older adults, family members with medical or mobility needs and pets. Pet food, water, medications, a leash, a carrier and copies of vaccination records may all be important.

Protect Important Information

Having essential information gathered in one secure location can save time and stress when you need it most.

Keep copies of important documents in a water- and fire-resistant container, a safe deposit box or another secure location. You may also want to create password-protected digital copies stored through a trusted cloud service or on an encrypted drive.

Documents to organize may include:

• Driver’s licenses, passports and birth certificates
• Homeowners insurance policies and contact information
• Mortgage documents, deeds or lease agreements
• Vehicle titles and insurance information
• Medication lists and important medical records
• Pet identification and vaccination records
• Emergency contact information

It is also helpful to create a home inventory. Take photos or video of each room, including valuable belongings, appliances and electronics. Record serial numbers and save receipts when possible. Update this record periodically and keep a copy somewhere other than your home.

Review Your Home’s Fire Safety Equipment

A practical approach to selecting fire extinguishers is to have at least one accessible extinguisher on every level of the home, with additional consideration given to higher-risk areas such as the kitchen, garage or workshop.

The U.S. Fire Administration recommends choosing a multipurpose extinguisher labeled for Class A, B and C fires. Look for a UL Listed or ULC Listed label and select the largest extinguisher that household members can comfortably operate.

Place extinguishers where they can be reached easily and near a clear exit, not so close to a stove or other potential fire source that flames could block access. Check the pressure gauge and condition regularly, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for inspection, maintenance and replacement.

An extinguisher should only be used on a small, contained fire when someone has called the fire department, the room is not filled with smoke and you have a clear escape route. If there is any doubt, leave the home and call 911.

Remember the PASS method:

• Pull the pin.
• Aim at the base of the fire.
• Squeeze the lever slowly.
• Sweep the nozzle from side to side.

Check Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms

According to the U.S. Fire Administration, smoke alarms should be installed inside every bedroom, outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home, including the basement. Interconnected alarms offer additional protection because when one sounds, they all sound.

Test smoke alarms monthly and replace the entire alarm when it reaches 10 years of age or according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Carbon monoxide alarms should be installed in a central location outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home. Follow the manufacturer’s directions for placement, testing and replacement.

Make a Simple Household Plan

Supplies are most useful when everyone knows where they are and what to do.

Set aside a few minutes to discuss:

• Two possible exits from each room
• A meeting place outside the home
• Where the emergency kit is stored
• Who will help children, older adults or pets
• How family members will communicate if separated
• Where the home’s main water shutoff and electrical panel are located

Add emergency contacts to everyone’s phone and keep a printed copy in your kit.

Review Your Supplies Twice a Year

Preparedness is not a one-time project. Revisit your plan each year to make adjustments or changes as needed.

Replace expired food, water, medications and first aid supplies. Recharge power banks, test flashlights and alarms, review your documents and update the kit as your household’s needs change.

You do not have to complete everything in one weekend. Start with what you already have, add a few items at a time and keep your supplies organized. The goal is not to expect the worst. It is simply to know that your home and household are a little more ready for whatever comes your way.

At Wallace Real Estate, we know that homeownership is about more than a property. It is about creating a place where you and the people you care about can feel safe, comfortable and prepared.