Emergency situations such as fire, extreme weather and power outages can happen without warning.

By taking the time to prepare for a possible disaster now, you and your family will be equipped to handle a crisis if an emergency at home ever occurs. Children as young as 5 years old should know the number to your local police station and how to  administer very basic first aid. For medical emergencies when help is not expected to arrive immediately, first aid knowledge beyond the basics is a must for any adult.

Fire Escape Route and Meeting Spot

It can take a mere five minutes for a fire to engulf your entire home. This is one reason having an escape plan is so important. Include at least two exit routes in your family emergency plan in case one is blocked, and designate a safe location for everyone in your household to meet. Identifying a secondary location outside your neighborhood is good to have in the event it’s not safe to return or you’re asked to evacuate.

List of Emergency Contacts

Make laminated cards with a list of important phone numbers for each family member. This might include contact information for the local authorities like the local fire station and medical emergency services, as well as your nearest relatives.

Home Safety Items

Be prepared in case an emergency does occur by having these home safety items:

Fire Extinguisher — Keep an extinguisher on each floor of your home. Check them annually to make sure they’re functioning properly and haven’t lost any pressure.

First-Aid Kit — Store it in a central location, such as the kitchen, and make sure everyone knows where it is.

Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors — Install detectors in each room and test them once a month. Use long-life lithium batteries to cut back on replacements and make sure you check the batteries at least once a year.

Food and Water — Put together a three-day supply of nonperishable foods and at least three gallons of water for each member of your household.

There is often very little time to react in a crisis. But with a little planning and prep work, you can be well-equipped and ready to respond accordingly. Are your friends and family ready for an emergency? To be sure, share this article with them.

This home tips article was brought to you by Gary Moore Jr., a real estate broker for the Atlanta, GA, area. Take a look at his social wall here.

Do you have any home safety tips you would like to share? Leave us your comment below.