We give a lot of thought to how our spaces are arranged and decorated and whether we want them to be calming or invigorating, minimalist or bohemian to create the perfect, healthy home. But is it safe? For years I lived in a chic, arty apartment with great windows that was, in retrospect, a complete disaster waiting to happen. But there's a lot you can do to keep your home safe. For some tips, I consulted everyone from law enforcement officers to neurotic family members; here's what they suggest:
I was lucky nothing bad ever happened, because I wouldn't have been ready. Wires dangled from the smoke detectors where I'd ripped the batteries out in a fit of pique when they wouldn't stop beeping. The closest thing we had to a disaster preparedness kit was my boyfriend's weird sword collection and the axe handle a Secret Santa had given me, "For when the zombies attack." But zombies are less likely than an earthquake, fire or blackout, so from now on I'm taking steps to prepare for real emergencies by stocking things like ...
Smoke detectors — I know it's annoying when they beep, but that's what they're supposed to do. Leave the batteries in and replace them regularly.
Flashlights — Keep a flashlight stashed somewhere in every room. If the lights go out, you don't want to have to stumble to the utility closet in pitch blackness. (Anecdote time: I have a scar on my forehead from a time the lights went out in the basement. "Nobody move!" I said, ever the hero. "I know exactly where the flashlight is." Then I walked face-first into a concrete wall.)
Batteries — With all the things on this list that require batteries, we should probably add those as their own category. My parents buy theirs in bulk at Costco, so they're never short batteries when they need them.
Pet Carriers — Make sure you have enough to take all your animals if you have to evacuate. The last thing you want to have to do is wrangle two freaked out cats into one carrier.
Disaster Kit — The other day I went in the front closet of my chronically organized and minimalist sister and was shocked to discover two giant, ugly, red plastic backpacks that were, to say the least, not really her style. When questioned, she explained that they were emergency backpacks for her and her dog in case a natural disaster destroys Chicago. Designed to keep a person alive for at least 72 hours in case of emergency, they contain food, water, survival blankets, night sticks, a battery-powered radio (with spare batteries), a whistle and more.
Documents — A police officer recently told me that keeping a central collection of important documents (birth certificates, insurance papers, deeds, etc.) would vastly speed recovery after a fire or flood. Keep them together in a place you can grab them on the way out. Better still, put them in a safety deposit box.
House Tour — Insurance companies often demand proof of existence, so a jump drive with photos of everything you own is a good thing in case of emergencies (fire, flood, starting your personal style blog). A walking video tour through the house is also useful.
Fire Extinguishers — The aforementioned police officer said to keep one fire extinguisher in the kitchen, and another near the furnace or central air unit.
First-Aid Kits — Even if some of the other steps seem like a bit of overkill, everyone should have a first-aid kid in their house and another in their car. You can buy them pre-packed, or check out the Red Cross' Anatomy of a First-Aid Kit for what to include if you assemble your own, and don't forget to include a booklet on pet first-aid if you have animals.
(Image: Safety First Mod Print by SugarShackStudios via Etsy)
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Aside from the safe, we keep copies of all our important documents on a portable external hard drive. Which are safely stored with our emergency pack.
After reading the post I will be documenting all our belongings and adding the pictures to the file.
I think knowing a few things about your apartment can be invaluable. Know where the gas shutoff is, know where the water shutoff is (after a blizzard up north, with no power you may find your pipes bursting).
I had my first earthquake two days after moving into my apartment and sat in my bed at 4:30am coming to the realization that I had NO IDEA where any of these things were.
Also, make a list of how-tos, have a list of phone numbers, etc., you can't google anything once the power goes out.
Smoke detectors shouldn't randomly beep, according to my firefighter... Here's a link to some answers about smoke detectors and fire extinguishers that he posted on my blog if you'd like further information:
a firefighter's take on extinguishers and smoke detectors
He wrote several posts in that series, and would be happy to answer any additional questions about brush clearance, emergency ladders, car fires, whatever. :)
I would also add to make sure your fire extinguishers are current!
After Hurricane Ike a few years ago, we stuck around without water and power for a few days before going to stay with my parents. In those couple of days it was apparent that we needed a bucket, candles/matches, charged back-up batteries for phones and a chainsaw (branches, debris).
Luckily for hurricane-related disasters, there is usually plenty of time to prepare. Just don't send your husband to the grocery store for last minute provisions or you will end up with a quickie emergency supply of: 1 2-liter Diet Coke, 2 bags ice, 2 gallons drinking water, 2 cases Miller Lite, 1 box Cheez-its. Seriously.
As a renter in SF, I don't care much for the actual property, but more so my personal safety and belongings. I figure that if an earthquake or a tsunami hits, it's probably better to get the hell out of dodge, therefore, I made a get-out-of-dodge bag that contains the very basics, such as a small emergency kit (first aid items, glow stick, emergency blanket, etc), important documents (mostly related to school and work since I'm a student), flashlight & batteries, some snack bars and a bottle or two of water. It might not be an emergency/disaster kit to survive the zombie apocalypse, but it will at least get me through an emergency evacuation and it is much more affordable for your average broke college student. I think a house tour would be vastly useful as well. Even if there is no natural disaster or home fire, it may come in handy if you live in an area where theft is common.
A CO2 detector, a corded phone, if you have a land-line (will work even if the power goes out), emergency cash, if electric is off/ATMs run dry, candles that will work for at least 24 hours.
Scam your critical documents and email them to yourself, then save them to a folder in your on-line account, e.g., gmail. If there is a fire or whatever when you're not home... Keep a copy of important things in your office at at a friend's - offsite storage is critical.
I agree with carbon monoxide (CO) detector. Just installed 2 new ones today!
Also for the safety deposit box/fire safe....
A hard drive with a back up of your whole computer. Of course trying to remember to keep this current would be essential. But at least you'd have most of your photos and documents.
Also take pictures of your home and all your valuables and store those on a hard drive. Makes getting money from insurance easier.
Also wanted to mention the ready.gov website. It has tips for preparing a bag and first aid kits.
Weed and replace first aid kit expired and dried-up meds annually. Evacuate early if you already know you can't safely shelter in place in your home. People who wait may get caught in traffic jams so lengthy as to create medical and safety problems for themselves. Being caught in your car still on the coast in a traffic jam when a hurricane hits may be even worse than staying in an evacuation zone home. Finally, hurricane parties are for fools.
P.S. I should have said, *heavy drinking* during hurricane parties is for fools.