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What to Include in Your Personal Safety Kit⚓︎

Summary⚓︎

A personal safety kit is an essential item for anyone, regardless of age or gender. It's not about being paranoid, but about being prepared and confident in any situation.

Attention

As with all of the articles in this series, this is by no means a comprehensive guide. It should be considered a practical approach.

Have Emergency Numbers Accessible⚓︎

Always make sure that you have emergency numbers handy and in an easily accessible location. You never want to be in an emergency scenario and have to figure out where your emergency contact information is.

Key Points to Note

  • Have numbers for emergency responders such as the police, fire department, or an ambulance.
  • Have a number for a poison control center. It's essential for an accident or illness that may or may not be an emergency.
  • Have a number for a trusted neighbor or friend in case of an emergency.

Have Emergency Devices Easily Accessible⚓︎

You should always know where something like a fire extinguisher or first aid kit is. Neither should anyone in your household.

Key Points to Note

  • Keep the first aid kit in the bathroom and always make sure it goes back in the same place after use.
  • Have more than one fire extinguisher around the house. Keep one in the kitchen and by a fireplace.
  • Make sure everyone in your house knows how to use any emergency devices such as a fire extinguisher.
  • Keep a flashlight in a central location such as the kitchen. It will be helpful should there ever be a power outage for an extended period.
  • Have a smoke and CO2 detector in each room. It's especially critical for bedrooms and the kitchen.

Make an Emergency Plan⚓︎

While it's impossible to plan for everything, it's a good idea to have an emergency plan for any problems that may arise while you're at home.

Important Information

  • Have multiple escape routes if there's ever a fire. Make sure everyone in the house knows what to do and where to go.
  • Depending on where you live, you may need a plan for a natural disaster such as a tornado, hurricane, earthquake, etc.
  • Have an emergency plan for something like a home invasion. Include escape routes, where you can hide in the house, where you can go for help, etc.

Install an Alarm System⚓︎

Having an alarm system is an essential component of a home. You should always pay for central monitoring if it's available to you.

Considerations

  • Alarm systems can have several extra components that you may or may not need. If you already have a device to monitor carbon monoxide, you won't need this as part of your alarm system.
  • Make sure any alarm system is always set and has the appropriate batteries or wiring.

References⚓︎