For new homeowners, the excitement of moving into a place that you can finally call your own may turn into trepidation when you think of all the things that can go wrong. You could have natural disasters. You could face electrical or plumbing problems. You may face structural issues, like damp or faulty building. Therefore, it is essential to check electrical wiring and all the connections and outlets are up to safety standard. A licensed electrician from Woodland Hills can assess the safety of the property on all the touch points between humans and volts to eliminate risks.

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Knowing what to do or whom to call in disaster situations is crucial and can already give you some peace of mind. Whether it is the plumber Melbourne locals refer you to or the doctor that everyone trusts, it helps to be informed. This empowers you to make decisions quickly when necessary. 

This article will discuss ways you can make life easier for yourself, by planning ahead and preparing for any disaster.

When you’re well-prepared you’ll be ready physically and even emotionally and mentally. This will enable you to respond and maximise your chances of keeping your family safe. Here’s what you need to do.

Draw Up a List of Emergency Contact Details

Keep a list of emergency contact details handy:

  • Police
  • Fire
  • Poisons hotline
  • Snake bite expert
  • Ambulance
  • Doctor
  • Plumber
  • Electrician
  • Geyser expert
  • Insurance
  • Pest control
  • Builders who deal with emergencies
  • Emergency contact person not living in your home, if a neighbour comes to help and needs to know who to call

Create an Emergencies Document

Write your emergency-plan down and laminate it. Put copies in every room in the house so family members can refer to it easily. 

What should you include in this?

  • A plan for weather-related disasters that could be relevant to your area, such as floods or tornadoes, fires or earthquakes.
  • Steps for medical emergencies such as choking, falls, heart-attack and anaphylactic shock.
  • What to do for plumbing incidents, for example if the geyser bursts or a drain gets blocked.
  • How to handle electrical goods and outlets, and what to do during electrical outages. 
  • How to handle pests.
  • What to do with your pets in any incident, such as taking dogs to a nearby kennel.
  • Emergency contacts.

Make a Storm Kit

For when a storm hits, make sure you can manage without food, water or electricity for at least 48 hours. Ensure you have: 

  • Whistles
  • Blankets
  • Matches 
  • Torches
  • Food 
  • Tin-opener
  • Cutlery and crockery
  • Water and water-purifying tablets
  • Pots for boiling or cooking
  • Prescription medication
  • Games and toys for children
  • Prescription eyeglasses and contact lens solution if relevant
  • Soap and facecloths
  • Baby formula, nappies, wipes, and nappy-rash cream if relevant
  • Complete change of clothing for each person
  • Fire-extinguisher
  • Feminine supplies and toilet paper
  • Paper and pencil

Create a Comprehensive First Aid Kit

You want your first aid Kit to cover any eventuality. Make sure you have:

  • Bandages 
  • Ointments for wounds, burns, insect bites and sprains
  • Plasters
  • Airways assists
  • Splints
  • Wrist, knee and ankle-guards
  • Emergency blankets
  • Painkillers

Important tip: cycle the items that go out of date—such as ointments—every 6 months.

Check Smoke Detectors and Fire Extinguishers

You know it – those smoke detectors are often more of a nuisance than a help. They are forever going off when the toast burns. But don’t take the chance of turning them off. In times of an actual fire, they’re essential, so make sure both the detectors and fire extinguishers are in perfect working order. 

Locate Your Electricity Board and Water Shut-offs

Make sure you know where the electricity is switched on or off. You may need to switch it off before fixing something or switch it on again after a storm. 

The water shut-off, similarly, may be needed during tornados or floods. 

Have Spare Gas Canisters

Have a couple of spare gas-canisters that could be used for lighting, cooking, or warmth during emergencies. Make sure they are insulated. You never know when a flash-freeze may occur in an otherwise warm place. 

Keep a Document Safe

Have a small safe on hand that is fire- and water-proof. Keep essential documents inside, such as:

  • Passports
  • Deeds to property 
  • Wills
  • Cash

Make sure it is locked and ready at all times so that an emergency doesn’t rob you of valuable papers. 

Buy a 2-Way Radio

A walkie-talkie (with batteries) will stand you in good stead when phone lines or mobile phone towers go down. With a 2-way radio you can communicate with emergency services or neighbours and get or offer help. Make sure you know how to use the device beforehand.

Have a ‘Safe’ Room

Build a safe room independent of the house’s structure, able to withstand flying debris and heavy wind. This is the smartest place to keep your document safe, emergency kit and storm kit. 

Review Evacuation-Plan

Make sure your family has two places to head to during a disaster – one away from home, and one on your property. Also have an out-of-town contact and ensure everyone knows the numbers off-by-heart. 

Conclusion

Emergencies may strike at any moment. At least, when you’re prepared you lower stress levels and increase the chances you’ll come out unscathed in the end. Plan now—you’ll be glad you did.