Always Ready
Sometimes disaster strikes, despite your best efforts to prevent it. And that means you should always be ready for the unexpected. The right emergency gear will help you protect your home and family, as well as deal with unpleasant realities like a post-storm power outage or broken windows. Here are the most critical tools and products to have on hand when things go wrong.
Essential Detection and Safety Devices: The House
Place wireless water alarms under sinks, behind the fridge, anywhere that water would pool if there’s a leak—they’ll sound off at the slightest hint of moisture.
Zircon Leak Alert three-pack, about $20; Amazon
Fire Extinguisher
Keep a fire extinguisher on every floor of your home, and an extra one in the kitchen, where the majority of fires start (some insurance policies will give you a discount on your premium for having them). Get multipurpose A:B:C extinguishers that douse flames from three types of fires: ordinary combustibles, flammable liquids, and electrical. Check the pressure gauges periodically and have the extinguishers recharged when the pressure drops.
Kidde Pro 210 fire extinguisher, about $40; Amazon
Battery-Powered Smoke Detector
Supplement hard-wired smoke detectors (if you have them) with at least one battery-powered model per floor, especially in the kitchen and near bedrooms. Go with a model with a sealed-in, 10-year lithium battery to spare you frequent battery replacement.
Kidde Long-Life sealed battery smoke alarm, $26; Amazon
Carbon Monoxide Alarm
For the best protection, opt for separate carbon monoxide alarms instead of combination smoke/CO detectors. Place one on every level of the home and outside each bedroom or sleeping area so that occupants will wake up if it goes off at night. Plug-in versions with battery backups are convenient and discreet.
First Alert plug-in carbon monoxide detector, $19; Amazon
Basement, Laundry, and Mechanical Room
A sump pump alarm has a sensor wire and probe that detect rapidly rising water levels, tipping you off to a potential flood.
Reliance Controls sump pump alarm, $13; Amazon
Automatic Water Heater Shutoff Valve
An automatic shutoff valve for your water heater cuts off the supply to the device as soon as it senses a leak of any kind.
FloodStop auto shutoff valve for water heaters, $146; Amazon
Automatic Washing Machine Shutoff Valve
If you forget to turn off the water supply to your washing machine when you’re finished sudsing your duds, then this is the gizmo for you: a switch that automatically opens the valve as soon as you turn the machine on, and then closes it when the rinse cycle is over.
Watts IntelliFlow automatic washing machine shutoff valve, about $203; Amazon
Upstairs Bedrooms
Place sturdy escape ladders in each bedroom near a window. Practice setting them up in case you have to do it quickly.
First Alert three-story fire-escape ladder, $60; Amazon
BONUS! 7 Must-Have Tools for Your Emergency Kit
Collect all your gear in a waterproof plastic tub and stow it in an easy-to-access spot in your house.
Make sure to include first-aid supplies, three days’ worth of bottled water and nonperishable food, and a list of important phone numbers.
1. Duct tape
Use it for on-the-fly repairs and temporary fixes.
About $5.99; Amazon
2. Blanket
Mylar is warm and lightweight, and folds up small.
$13.95/ 10pk; Amazon
3. Multitool
Get one with a pair of pliers and a can opener.
Similar to shown: About $50; Amazon
4. Radio/Phone Charger
A hand crank will allow you to juice up the battery.
Similar to shown: $23; Amazon
5. Work Gloves
Leather grips protect your mitts during post-storm cleanup.
Similar to shown: About $20; Amazon
6. Nylon Rope
Use it to secure heavy outdoor furniture or tie down a flapping door.
$30 per 100 feet at home stores
7. Lantern
A battery-operated model is safer than candles.
About $40; Amazon
Essential Multitaskers
Fishing Line:
Use it wherever rope is too thick to get the job done.
Vinyl Tablecloth
Lay it down to create a clean zone in any area.
Baby Wipes
They’ll remove grime from your hands and practically any surface.
*This list includes affiliate shopping links.