In the UK, the main risks faced by households include fires and floods.
While we shouldn’t expect the same sort of tropical storms faced across other continents; for instance, Hurricane Nicole in Florida, it’s still important to take steps to stay safe. In the following guide, we’ve outlined some of the ways you can protect your family against unforeseen emergencies.
Know the risks
If you live in an area that you know is prone to flooding, you should be prepared regardless of the season. Store flood defences and sandbags in an easily accessible place in your house or garage, and make sure you check the weather forecast during periods of heavy rain.
Keep an emergency kit
We can never predict disasters, so it’s sensible to keep emergency supplies in your home – just in case. Depending on where you live, an emergency kit might include:
- Basic first aid supplies and medicines
- Water (one gallon per day per person)
- Blankets and warm clothing
- Head-torch, torches, lanterns and candles
- Matches and a gas or charcoal stove
- Tinned or other long-life foodstuffs
- Solar powered chargers for your electronic devices
Clear exit routes
Ensure that everyone living in the property understands where the fire exit is, especially if you’re living in a flat. Always keep the entrance clear, and check that door closers are working properly.
To keep heated areas properly closed off, it might be worth choosing door closers like these ones from RS. Quality ironmongery is crucial when it comes to fire safety: if your doors can’t close properly, you won’t be safe from heat, smoke and flames.
Get covered
Insurance will prove invaluable in the aftermath of an emergency at home.
It’s imperative to make sure you know what’s covered and what’s not before deciding on your priorities. Choosing the right type of home insurance might initially feel complicated, but it’s usually split into two types:
Buildings insurance
Buildings insurance covers the original structure of your home, plus any permanent fittings and fixtures. These might include kitchen units and complete bathroom suites.
Contents insurance
This type of home insurance covers the cost of replacing or repairing any lost, damaged or stolen personal possessions in your home.
Install smoke alarms
Unfortunately, serious house fires are quite common. However, you’ll be approximately eight times less likely to die in a fire if you have a fully working smoke alarm in your home. When choosing smoke alarms, you should:
- Fit at least one on each level or floor of your home
- Look out for the British Standard Kitemark symbol
- Buy ten-year sealed battery smoke alarms, if possible
After installing smoke alarms in your home, ensure you test them at least monthly. Furthermore, if any are one-year battery operated, aim to change it every year. Only remove the battery when it needs replacing.
Protect important documents
Lastly, you should always keep your important documents safe. Whether you choose a large lockable safe in your basement or a smaller fireproof box, you must keep your most crucial paperwork – such as passports, birth certificates, house deeds etc – protected against fires, floods and theft.
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