10 Home Safety Items Everyone Should Keep on Hand

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Life is always throwing curveballs at us when we don’t expect them. Sometimes, you are on top of your day and the next minute you are in an emergency. Although we may think we are prepared to handle any situation, many of us store safety tools in closets or in junk drawers that aren’t being used. The truth is that these forgotten items can make a huge difference in critical moments, and may save lives when the chips are down.

Everyone knows the basics: first aid kits, fire extinguishers, and smoke alarms. What about the lesser known heroes of the safety world? While you may not talk about these underrated items in everyday conversations, they are worth their weight in gold in an emergency. Let’s have a closer look at 10 of these life saving tools that could use some more love.

Fire Escape Ladder

Have you ever pictured yourself escaping out of a second story window? Fire escape ladder is a must if you live in a multi level home. These collapsible ladders are designed to hook over a windowsill so a safe exit can be had during a house fire. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), home fires can spread quickly, leaving families with little more than three minutes to get out safely. The difference between life and tragedy can be a fire escape ladder.

Whistle

Sure, a whistle is a pretty insignificant thing, but it is an incredibly useful device for signaling for help when you can’t scream. In the wilderness, or in an accident where you’re trapped, a whistle’s sound travels much farther than your voice, even in noisy environments. I mean, it’s compact, it’s affordable, and it could draw lifesaving attention when it’s needed most.

Multi-Tool

Imagine Swiss Army knife but better. Pliers, screwdrivers, knife, scissors and other handy gadgets are all combined into one neat design, a multi-tool. This isn’t just a tool for campers, it can be used to cut seat belts in a car accident, fix minor mechanical issues, or even open cans in emergencies. Having that accessibility in your pocket is like having a toolbox.

Personal Water Filter

In an emergency, clean drinking water is non negotiable, but it’s not always available. The LifeStraw is a good example of a personal water filter that removes bacteria, parasites and microplastics from natural water sources so it’s safe to drink. A CDC report points out that waterborne illnesses afflict millions of Americans each year, making this compact lifesaver a worthwhile investment.

Battery-Free Flashlight

How many times have you turned on a flashlight in a blackout, only to discover that the batteries are dead? That frustration is eliminated by a battery free flashlight, usually powered by hand cranking or solar charging. In times of emergencies — such as storm, power loss, or late night car breakdown — these flashlights deliver reliable light. They’re also eco friendly, which is the win win.

Window Breaker and Seatbelt Cutter

If you can’t get out of a car accident quickly, it can be deadly. Window breakers and seat belt cutters are small enough to fold up and store in your glove compartment or center console. These devices help you shatter car windows or cut through jammed seat belts, in seconds it could save you or your passengers. They are essential for anyone who spends time behind the wheel.

Fire Blanket

While fire extinguishers are a staple, fire blankets are often forgotten household staples. They’re made of fire resistant materials and can smother flames rapidly, whether it’s a kitchen fire or a clothing mishap. They’re easy to use too, just throw it over the flames. A fire blanket can prevent a disaster from happening before it gets out of control in small, contained fires.

Portable Carbon Monoxide Detector

As much as we hope that most homes have carbon monoxide detectors, what about when you’re traveling? Small enough to take on trips, portable detectors can be lifesaving in hotel cabins or RVs. More than 400 people in the U.S. die each year from unintentional carbon monoxide poisoning, the CDC says. An extra layer of safety is added wherever you go with a portable detector.

Signal Mirror

A signal mirror is a great tool to have on you in your outdoor survival situations; it may seem a bit old school but it is a must have. A bright signal can be seen from miles away as the mirror reflects sunlight. If you’re lost in the wilderness, search and rescue teams often rely on visual cues, and a signal mirror may be your best shot at catching their eye.

Pocket Radio

Pocket radios may feel like relics of the past in a world of smartphones, but they’re priceless during natural disasters. An emergency radio can provide life saving information when cell towers are down and Wi Fi is non existent. The models that are particularly practical are powered by hand cranks or solar energy. FEMA strongly recommends having one in your emergency kit because it is one of the best ways to stay informed when it matters most.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.