Ensuring your home is safe and secure is essential for peace of mind. Whether it’s protecting your family from potential hazards or safeguarding your valuable possessions, having the right items in your home can make a big difference. Here are the top safe items to have in your home for peace of mind.
Key Takeaways
- A fire extinguisher can help you quickly put out small fires before they become big problems.
- A first aid kit is essential for treating minor injuries and can be a lifesaver in emergencies.
- Smoke detectors are crucial for alerting you to fires, giving you time to evacuate safely.
- Carbon monoxide detectors can save lives by warning you of this invisible, odorless gas.
- Security cameras and smart locks can help you keep an eye on your home and control who enters.
1. Fire Extinguisher
A fire extinguisher may not be the most exciting or attractive addition to your home, but this must-have safety essential could save your life. Place it in an easily accessible area so you can quickly and effectively put out a fire, or at least tame the flames while your family escapes to safety. Available on Amazon; $44.97.
As you become acclimated to your new home, it’s always necessary to ensure you have a proper fire extinguisher. The First Alert PRO5 is affordable and UL certified, and its build, reusability, and availability set it apart from the competition. It effectively handles all types of common household fires, including wood, paper, burning liquids, and electrical fires. The PRO5 exceeds the minimum size recommendations of the National Fire Protection Association yet weighs a manageable 10 pounds. This makes
You may never need these items, but having them could give you peace of mind.
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THE RESEARCH
- Fire safety
- Emergency light sources
- Home security
- Air quality and water safety
FIRE SAFETY
FIRE EXTINGUISHER
Photo: Michael Hession
OUR PICK
FIRST ALERT PRO5
A FINE EXTINGUISHER
Easy to handle and effective against all types of common fires, this First Alert model exceeds the minimum recommendations for the home and is easy to find.
BUYING OPTIONS
$48 $41 from Amazon
13 FIRE EXTINGUISHERS
These can be expensive, they’re very important and they must be kept in top condition, so keeping them safe makes some sense.
However, extinguishers should probably be somewhere in easy reach, too. It’s no good if your house burns down and you lose everything, except for the fire extinguisher kept pristine inside the fire safe.
14 SONS/DAUGHTERS
The phrase ‘lock up your daughters’ is not meant to be taken literally, plus it’s a really tight squeeze.
15 EPIPENS
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THE FIRE EXTINGUISHER, SMOKE DETECTOR, CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTOR, AND OTHER SAFETY ESSENTIALS YOU NEED IN YOUR HOME
2. First Aid Kit
A first aid kit is a must-have in every home. It allows you to respond to emergencies immediately and can help prevent minor injuries from becoming more severe. A well-stocked first aid kit should include basic supplies such as bandages, adhesive tape, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, scissors, tweezers, and a first aid manual.
Essential Items to Include
- Bandages (various sizes)
- Adhesive tape
- Antiseptic wipes
- Pain relievers
- Scissors
- Tweezers
- First aid manual
Benefits of Having a First Aid Kit
Having a first aid kit on hand can give you peace of mind. It allows you to quickly tend to injuries such as cuts, scrapes, and burns. These kits contain a variety of supplies to help stabilize conditions until professional medical help arrives.
You may never need these items, but having them could give you peace of mind.
3. Smoke Detector
A smoke detector is a small device that can save lives by providing early detection of fire. Firefighters stress the importance of smoke detectors in every home. These devices are essential preventive measures that alert you to the presence of smoke, giving you and your family time to evacuate safely.
Types of Smoke Detectors
There are two main types of smoke detectors:
- Ionization Smoke Detectors: These are better at detecting fast, flaming fires.
- Photoelectric Smoke Detectors: These are more responsive to smoldering fires.
Smart Smoke Detectors
Smart smoke detectors have become popular because they send push notifications to your phone when the alarm sounds. This feature ensures you are alerted to potential danger even if you are not at home.
Regularly check your smoke detectors to ensure they are functioning properly. Replace batteries as needed and never disable them without immediate replacement.
Installation Tips
- Install smoke detectors on every level of your home, including the basement.
- Place them inside each bedroom and outside sleeping areas.
- Avoid installing them near windows, doors, or ducts where drafts might interfere with their operation.
Maintenance
- Test your smoke detectors monthly.
- Replace the batteries at least once a year.
- Clean the units regularly to remove dust and debris.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your smoke detectors provide the best possible protection for your home and family.
4. Carbon Monoxide Detector
A carbon monoxide (CO) detector is a crucial device for any home. It acts as your first line of defense against this silent, odorless gas. CO detectors sense even trace amounts of CO in the air and sound a loud alarm, giving you and your family time to evacuate safely.
CO alarms are designed to warn you of any unusual build-up of CO in your home. These higher levels of CO may occur from improperly maintained, installed, or used appliances. Therefore, having a CO detector can prevent potential health risks and even save lives.
When choosing a CO detector, consider models like the First Alert CO615, which is highly recommended and affordable, averaging around $35. For those looking for a smart home option, the Google Nest Protect offers a combination of smoke and CO detection with advanced features.
CO detectors don’t need to be in every bedroom, but should be installed in central areas outside of each sleeping area. This ensures that the alarm can be heard throughout the house, providing maximum protection.
5. Security Cameras
Security cameras are a great way to keep an eye on your home, both inside and out. Modern smart security cameras can be accessed from anywhere using a smartphone, tablet, or computer. Look for features like motion-triggered recording, infrared night vision, and two-way audio communication.
- Motion-triggered recording: This feature ensures that the camera only records when there is movement, saving storage space and making it easier to review footage.
- Infrared night vision: Allows the camera to see in the dark, providing 24/7 surveillance.
- Two-way audio communication: Lets you talk to someone on your property without opening the door.
Security cameras can give you peace of mind when you can’t be there to watch over your home. They are an essential part of any home security system, helping to deter intruders and keep your family safe.
6. Smart Locks
Smart locks are a modern solution for securing your home. They offer enhanced security compared to traditional locks, which can be easily picked. With smart locks, you can control access to your home using an app, making it convenient to lock and unlock your door from anywhere.
Smart locks also allow you to grant temporary digital keys to service people and visitors, saving you from having to make copies of your house keys. This feature is especially useful for busy households where multiple people need access at different times.
With smart locks, you no longer need to worry about losing your keys or hiding them in a flower pot for visitors. You can check the status of your lock from anywhere, giving you peace of mind.
Some smart locks come with additional features like DoorSense, which alerts you if your door is open or closed. This adds an extra layer of security and ensures that your home is always protected.
7. Home Security System
A home security system can give you and your family peace of mind. A good system will protect your home day and night. There are many types of systems, so it’s important to pick one that fits your needs.
A home security system usually includes:
- Video surveillance
- Motion detectors
- Alarms
- Keypad panels
You can also add extra features like live monitoring services. Some systems let you monitor your home yourself, or you can pay for 24/7 professional monitoring.
As technology advances, security systems offer more features to boost convenience, efficiency, and protection. Home intruders can get around basic, outdated systems, but you can outsmart them with advanced solutions such as motion detector video recorders and live monitoring services.
If you’re thinking about installing a security system, a DIY option can let you adjust it to your needs without overspending. The incredibly popular Ring Alarm Home Security System allows you to customize its components to fit your needs, and you can either monitor it yourself or pay an additional monthly fee for 24/7 professional monitoring.
8. Emergency Light Sources
When the power goes out, having reliable emergency light sources can make a big difference. Emergency lights can help you navigate your home safely and stay calm during unexpected outages. Here are some essential emergency light sources to consider:
- Flashlights: A good flashlight is a must-have. The ThruNite Archer 2A C is a top pick for its brightness and long battery life.
- Rechargeable Light Bulbs: Products like the Neporal emergency rechargeable light bulbs stay lit even during power failures, providing consistent light when you need it most.
- LED Power Failure Lights: Ideal Security’s rechargeable LED power failure light offers adjustable heads and can last up to 48 hours, making it a reliable choice for extended outages.
- Headlamps: The Black Diamond Spot 400 is an easy-to-use headlamp that provides bright, long-lasting light, perfect for hands-free use.
- Lighters: Keep a pack of lighters handy. They can help you start a fire, light candles, or navigate in the dark.
Having a variety of emergency light sources ensures you’re prepared for any situation, giving you peace of mind during power outages.
9. Safe
A safe is a crucial item for any home, providing a secure place to store valuables like jewelry, important documents, and spare cash. The best home safes offer protection from theft and other emergencies. Modern safes come with advanced locking mechanisms and are often fireproof and waterproof, ensuring your items are safeguarded when the unexpected happens.
10. Water Purification System
A water purification system is essential for ensuring that your family has access to clean and safe drinking water. Having a reliable system can protect you from contaminants that may be present in your tap water.
There are several types of water purification systems available, each with its own benefits:
- Whole House Water Filters: These systems filter water as it enters your home, providing clean water for all uses.
- Under-Sink Water Filters: Installed under the kitchen sink, these filters provide purified water directly from the tap.
- Faucet-Mounted Water Filters: Easy to install, these filters attach directly to your faucet for on-demand filtered water.
- Water Filter Pitchers: A convenient and portable option for filtering drinking water.
Investing in a good water purification system can give you peace of mind knowing that your water is safe to drink and use for cooking.
When choosing a system, consider factors like the type of contaminants you need to remove, the cost of replacement filters, and the ease of installation and maintenance.
Conclusion
Having the right items in your home can make a big difference in how safe and secure you feel. From fire extinguishers to smart locks, each item plays a role in keeping you and your loved ones protected. While you may never need to use some of these things, having them on hand can give you peace of mind. Remember, it’s always better to be prepared and not need something than to need it and not be prepared. So take the time to equip your home with these essential safety items and enjoy the comfort of knowing you’re ready for anything.
