Your home is your castle, so it should be stocked with the things you need to make it comfortable and safe. From practical items that help you stay organized to emergency items that can save your life in a pinch, here are five must-have items that every house needs.
Flashlights and Batteries
Another item every house needs are flashlights and extra batteries. Flashlights can help you when power goes out or if you need to navigate around dark areas of your home or yard. You should also keep extra batteries on hand, just in case your flashlight runs out of juice when you need it most. Keep both flashlights and batteries in easy-to-access places, such as accessible drawers or cabinets, so they’re ready when you need them.
First-Aid Kit
Accidents happen, which is why every home should have a first aid kit on hand at all times. A basic kit should include adhesive bandages, antibiotic ointment, gauze pads, antiseptic wipes, sterile gloves, tweezers, safety pins, scissors, and pain relievers like aspirin or ibuprofen. Be sure to check the expiration dates on medications periodically and restock any expired supplies as needed.
Emergency Contact List
This one may seem obvious, but it often gets overlooked; having an emergency contact list is essential if something happens while you’re away from home or unable to answer your phone. This list should include names and numbers for family members as well as important contacts such as doctors and utility companies. Put this list somewhere easily accessible like a bulletin board or fridge door so everyone in the family knows where it is located.
Gutters
Functional gutters are an essential part of keeping your home safe from water damage. Without properly functioning gutters, rainwater can pool around the foundation of your house causing potential flooding and other structural damage. Make sure your gutters are free from debris, have adequate drainage and feature downspouts away from the home’s foundation to help reduce water damage. If you’re unable to do the inspection and necessary repairs yourself, hire a gutter specialist, such as Gutter Tech Enterprises, Inc., to get the job done safely and properly.
Water Shut-Off Valve
Knowing how to shut off water in your home can save time (and money) if there’s ever an unexpected leak or burst pipe. Most homes have two main water shut off valves; one near the front of the house by the street and one near where plumbing comes into the house from outside walls or floors. Locate these valves ahead of time—you’ll thank yourself later!
Whether you’re just getting started with homeownership or have been living in your house for years, having these five must-have items will give you peace of mind knowing that your family is prepared for any situation that might arise at home! Having these items handy can help save time (and money!) during emergencies—not to mention provide greater security for loved ones who live there. Make sure everyone knows where these important items are located so they’re always ready when needed.