Property values and curb appeal aside, your home is your castle if nothing else. For most of the population, a home contains all of the things that people care about. In light of this truth, it’s shocking that the average person doesn’t do more to protect it. Thankfully, you don’t need to spend your life savings to do so. These four simple disaster prevention tactics are absolute musts for homeowners.
Stock Up on Fire Suppression Gear
Besides home invasions and hurricanes, the biggest threat to your house and your family is fire. No matter how many precautions you may take, a freak electrical fire can happen anywhere at any time. Do yourself a favor and keep at least two fully-charged fire extinguishers around the home. Furthermore, a few heat-resistant fire blankets aren’t the worst idea in the world.
Install Sturdy Deadbolt Locks
While the press is obsessed with hacking and cyber-crime as of late, most real-world security threats still come through the front door. Buying a set of hardcore, bulletproof deadbolt locks for your home’s doors from places like Affordable Lock Services Inc. is still the best way to protect your valuables and your family. Properly installed, high-quality door locks are nearly impervious and convince most would-be intruders to beat a hasty retreat.
Maintain an Emergency Supply Stash
You don’t have to be a so-called “prepper” to recognize the value of an emergency food and water stockpile. Keeping canned foodstuffs, bottled water, a generator and some kerosene or gas in the garage is always a wise move. At a minimum, this will help you to avoid being gouged by merchants when the supermarket aisles are cleared out during a tropical storm.
Have a Communication Plan in Place
The ability to get in touch with friends and family during an emergency can potentially be the difference between life and death. Buying a rugged set of walkie talkies for power outages and natural disasters is a wise investment. You can get a decent pair of Uniden two-way radios that boast a range of up to 15 miles for less than $30.
Preparation Is the Best Defense
If you only do these four things, you’ll be miles ahead of the rest of the neighborhood in terms of home and family safety. Though there’s far more to safety preparation, these four tips really cover all of the important bases for the average citizen. With a solid foundation in place, you can then proceed to flesh out your own personal security plan.