5 Contingency Things That You Should Have at Home
Natural disasters come and go. There is little we can do to prevent them from occurring in the first place. The worst is that we can rarely predict their coming. For example, snowstorms and earthquakes are easy to predict, but their impact is hard to tell. Tree falls, on the other hand, are commonly and yet hard to predict and can cause much trouble in case they interfere with your house. As professionals always insist, the best way to concur such calamities is still to be prepared. You never know when they will come knocking at your door. Here are the top five contingency things that you should have at home.
1. Extra Food and Water
Without food and water, life is impossible. The CDC recommends that every homestead has a food supply that can take up to 3 days, and that’s in case a disaster strikes. You understand that there are disasters that may force you to stay indoors for a given period. Therefore, it’s wise to be ready for them, in case they happen. You can stock canned foods, dried snacks, and dried fruits to ensure that your family is fed during the disaster. For the water, you should have extra gallons in place. As you know, water is life. Also, remember to consider the dietary needs of every family member and pets.
2. Candles, Flashlights, and Generators
Power outages can be a real disaster. Today, we can rarely do anything at home without electricity. In times of natural disasters, power blackouts are frequent. The best way to conquer them is to be ready whenever the power is out. It’s advisable to have alternative lighting option at home. Candles are the most sought-after option because they are cheap and easy to store. Therefore, you should ensure that you have a few packets of candles in your kitchen.
However, candles are risky to use, especially in homes with kids. They can cause fires if one isn’t careful. Therefore, it’s advisable to have some flashlights with you or charged lamps to be on the safe side. Lanterns and torches are efficient as they can be used on even windy situations while providing sufficient lighting. Also, owning a portable generator is a wise move. A generator can provide adequate power to even charge your home appliances during a hard time. At https://bestgenerator.reviews/quiet-portable you can find reviews of the best portable generators in the market today.
3. First Aid Kit
Today, almost every homestead owns a first aid kit. However, most people don’t understand its importance. It’s only when a disaster hits and you don’t have one, will you realize how important it is. A first aid kit can save lives during an emergency. Imagine being struck and injured by snowstorms and you can’t make your way to the hospital. With a first aid kit, you can quickly nurse the wound as you wait to see a doctor. Therefore, you should ensure that you have got a first aid kit in your home. Also, always ensure that all the medicines in there aren’t expired. It’s easier to forget the equipment as it’s rarely used.
4. List of Emergency Contacts
Having a list of emergency contacts is vital for every individual. You never know when a disaster comes your way. Thankfully, today, there are smartphones, and which can store a list of all your contacts. However, natural disasters may end up damaging your phone, and you’re forced to borrow or use a home telephone. The worst happens when you can’t remember even the contacts of those close to you like your children, wife or husband. Therefore, it’s advisable to have a list of emergency contacts in the house in case of such a scenario. You never know what may happen. The disaster may leave you unconscious, and your kids or neighbors come to your rescue, and they don’t know who to inform about your situation.
5. Waterproof Canvas
A waterproof canvas may be overlooked, but it’s among the emergency things that you shouldn’t miss in your home. The canvas can perform many different functions during a disaster. The hailstorms, for example, may damage your home’s roof or windows and hence leaving you with a big mess. The waterproof canvas can be used to seal the broken windows or leaking roof, thus leaving your house comfortable. Also, disasters such as snow storms may leave your home cold. The waterproof canvas can be used to provide insulation and hence leaving your house warm.
Natural disasters come when least expected. In other words, there is little one can do to prevent them. The best thing one can do is to be ready whenever they strike.