10 items to keep in your home in case of an emergency

No one expects emergencies to happen – but if there’s anything we’re certain of, it’s that accidents do and will happen.

Here’s a handy list of 10 things everyone needs to have in their home to make sure you’re prepared for almost any emergency situation.

1. Emergency numbers: Even though you might have learnt the police emergency number off by heart as a child, you might forget it when things go south. Keep the numbers of the police, fire department, an ambulance, your insurance and the local hospital or clinic in a place that you (or anyone else) can easily see it.

2. Water: Always keep a bottle of water at home so that you can stay hydrated when the taps get turned off or a geyser bursts.

3. Light: Keep candles and matches, a torch and batteries or charged solar lights handy in case the power goes out.

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4. Fire extinguisher: In case of fire, keep a fire extinguisher around. Just make sure you know how to use it, and on what types of fires it works. Not many people have one in their homes, but it could be the difference between a near accident and your house burning down!

5. Important documents: Keep copies of important documents, in a safe (and waterproof!) place. Also store copies digitally (preferably in a cloud) in case something happens to your home.

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6. First aid kit: Keep a first aid kit in a place that you can easily locate in case someone needs basic medical attention.

7. Chronic medication: Ensure that you have enough of the chronic medication that the people in your house need to last about a week, and that you know where to find and use it.

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8. Power bank: Losing access to your electronic devices is definitely considered an emergency for the 21st century! Keep a loaded power bank charged so that you can use your electronic devices in case the power is out.

9. Food: Always keep a selection of non-perishable food handy that you can eat in case your access to food is cut off. Remember a tin opener.

10. Map of the area: If you don’t know your area like the back of your hand, keep a map handy so that you can figure out how to get to certain places in case your tech’s batteries die. Marking things like hospitals and other important buildings will help if you need to find them in a rush.

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