10 Ways to Keep Your Home and Family Safe

One of our favorite reference sites, RISMedia, has come out with a fantastic list of 10 ways you can protect your home BEFORE disasters strike.

For a quick recap of RISMedia’s list, read below:

1. Invest in a home security system – burglaries happen every 13 seconds in the U.S.

2. Know the natural threats pertinent to your area of the country. California = earthquakes, Alabama = tornadoes, etc.

3. Replace and increase your outdoor lighting in order to ward of burglars.

4. Perform monthly safety checks on your home, looking for foundation, roof, and pipe issues. Make sure all doors, locks, and windows are in perfect working order.

5. Carry out regular carbon monoxide and smoke detector tests – this can save your life!

6. Be prepared for a home fire by making sure your fire extinguisher is in working order AND that you know how to use it.

7. Have an emergency plan that everyone can easily remember and follow.

8. Keep emergency contact info handy – and not jut in your cellphone! Think poison control, competent neighbors, and doctors.

9. Have an emergency kit in both your home AND car. Per RISMedia, “The CDC recommends putting together an emergency kit that includes the following.

• One gallon of water per person, per day
• Non-perishable food that is easy to prep
• A can opener
• Important medication
• A radio
• Flashlights
• Batteries
• Toilet paper”

10. Keep an updated, itemized inventory of your home and belongings in the event you have to file an insurance claim. “Store instruction manuals, serial numbers, and important receipts in files that you can access easily when needed.”

Now that you’ve got a quick list to keep your family and belongings safe, make sure to implement a plan that will work for you.