When it comes to your home, it pays to be prepared for anything. You can never predict what will happen, and we always think we’re safe. The truth is quite different. Only last year, our house was flooded, leaving a path of destruction in its wake. It destroyed carpets, electrical wiring, and the structure of the house itself. It just goes to show that things can, and will, go wrong in the home. It’s up to you to prepare for anything, big or small, and be ready for it! Here are just a few of the ways you can take action.
Build an emergency pack
An emergency pack is a must for any family household. They’re useful even in small predicaments like a power cut. We keep ours stocked with a flashlight, small radio, food and water, a few useful tools, and vital prescriptions. Hopefully, we’ll never have to use it! But, if something happens, it’s good to know that you don’t have to worry about collecting these essentials. We keep it safely tucked away under the stairs, just in case.
Battery packs
Power cuts aren’t quite as common as they once were. However, we still get one or two cutting out the power to our home each year. It’s frustrating, to say the least, as we scrabble around in the dark looking for a torch and candles. That’s why we took the initiative and bought emergency light batteries. Now, if the power cuts out, we still have a bunch of emergency lights that aren’t connected to the grid. They provide enough energy to keep us going until the lights come back on.
First aid kit
Alongside the emergency pack, we also keep a first aid kit. Again, you tend to hope you’ll never need to use it, but it’s worth having. Though, we have dived into it for the odd plaster now and then! It also has bandages, pain killers, and cleansing wipes.
Tool and repair kit
Most homeowners have their own stories about accidents in the house. We’re talking about smaller incidents here. A broken fence, a collapsed shelf, or a loose roof tile. These are all things that need quick repairs. That’s why we’ve got a fully-stocked toolbox in the house at all times. Over the years, the toolbox has expanded, with new items added. A good hammer, screwdriver, and wrench is the best place to start.
Flood protection
Before you go, we’ll leave you with a few precautions we’ve taken since falling victim to flooding! We certainly didn’t expect the rising water (we’re well away from a river, and nowhere near the sea). So, it can happen to anyone. We now keep flood barriers and sandbags in the garage, just in case. We’ve also removed all the concrete and patio slabs around the outside of the home. The just encourage the flow of water. Instead, use plenty of turf and soil; it will absorb the flood water, and divert it away from your house.
You can never be too careful, readers. Follow our advice, and take preventative action now.