Planning for the unthinkable is not an attractive prospect, as in some ways it acknowledges the possibility that something awful could happen. Yet in the same way you took the time to get a home alarm system and reinforced your doors and windows, you should prep for an emergency as part of any home security plan. Here are five areas to cover.
1. The overview. The idea is to be ready to live without markets, electricity or running water. When you’re sizing up your list of essentials, keep in mind this “wilderness” approach. Have everything put away in plastic, so a crash or quake would not break through the material and ruin your supplies. You may not have the resources to keep everything away from ordinary use, so keep a list of items that need to be added to your emergency supplies in the event they’re necessary. Check on your stash every six months or so, replacing batteries and so, at the same time you check on your home alarm.
2. Daily needs for each person. For each child or adult you’re going to need at least two liters of water a day. Food is obviously best in cans, so leave a couple of can openers along with your food supply. Energy bars are long lasting and nutritious, so they can certainly come in handy. Two sets of clothing should be on hand for each person, which should be easily stored because older clothes are appropriate for such a situation. Medications are a little trickier: Keeping over a week’s supply on hand at all times is advisable.
3. Cooking and cleaning. In the same way you need to prep for a camping trip, try to see meal preparation from start to finish. Have some old pots and pans ready to become your ad hoc kitchen, as well as tools to cook with. Utensils and plates are up to you, but paper plates seem to make sense. Beyond that, you might want to use a heating system similar to caterers, which can be taken and used in most places, storing the small fuel cans safely. Paper towels, sponges, dish soap and toilet paper should also be on hand.
4. Tools which double as home security necessities. Putting a flashlight in everyone’s hands is a good idea for basic home security checks, but in the event of a large scale disaster it will be vital. Battery-powered radios are also essential, as you want to check for any updates from the government or police.
5. Plan a quick getaway. You might not have much time to get your family out of town safely, so plan an escape that can happen quickly. To that end, don’t let your gas tank run down to a single gallon and don’t keep all your money in the bank. Keep cash in the house, but use a safe.
Planning for emergencies is a little unnerving but things like
home alarms definitely add to the feeling of security around the house.
ADT alarm systems are a proven source of security for any type of home.
