The majority of accidents happen to people happen in the home, which isn't surprising as that the place where we spend a lot time. We have complied a list of 5 items we think you need to keep yourself safe. 

1. Fire Extinguisher 

I think it goes with out saying that having a fire extinguisher is a good idea. However, one usually isn't enough. According to the "National Fire Protection Association" you should have an extinguisher in all bedrooms, and places where fires are most likely to happen like kitchens, laundry rooms, and garages. They also mention putting near the exits to rooms, so you can fight it on the way out, or it can be the first thing you grab as you enter the room to extinguish it. For more info on fire extinguishers check out the NFPA website here. 

2. Smoke / Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Did you know that most fires in a home happen between 8pm to 8am? Yeah me either. After hearing that, having a working smoke / carbon detector is more important than ever. As you can imagine there are several types of detectors that could work, but to see whats best for your home, where to put it, etc check out the NFPA website here. 

3. First Aid Kit

If you are as accident prone as I am, a first aid kit is a must have. I am not just talking about band-aids, but all the good stuff, like gauze, trauma pads, iodine etc. You may not know how to use all of the stuff, but being prepared is always best. Here is a best selling one from Amazon if you're in the market. 

4. Water Key/Wrench

Having a leak in your house can go from "ok" to "flood" in a matter or minutes. Having a water key/wrench on hand and knowing where your water turn off is to your home is the difference. We have a whole other blog post on how to turn off your water, and you can see it here. Also if you have purchased a house with us, you most likely received one of these at closing. If you didn't you can buy one here from Amazon. 

5. Disaster Kit

Will a real disaster ever hit where you live? I have no clue, but I am one of those who would rather be prepared than not. It is recommend to have something like a disaster kit on hand at all times just in case a huge ice storm hits, or a flood happens or something worse. The National Fire Prevention Association actually weighs in on this and recommends a huge list of items they think you should have, which you can see here, but the gist of it is to have a 3 days supply of water, food and some other fun stuff. Really want to be prepared? Heres a $900 kit you can buy off Amazon and here's one for a little less.