Home Security Preparedness

Home security preparedness takes planning

There’s no guarantee in life; well … maybe the breath you’re taking right now. Aside from that, everything is a crap shoot. Still, you can come to the game prepared.

In this post, first of a series on home security preparedness, we’re going to take a look at some things you and your family can do to organize for events, like natural disasters, etc. We’ll call it the All-Hazards Home Plan.

Safe Room

In organizing for home security preparedness during a crisis, most people think about stocking a safe room with water and non-perishable food. They remember essentials, such as batteries for radios and flashlights; candles and matches. They often don’t think much about every day personal items like:

Pets
1. food
2. clean up bags or litter
3. crates/blankets
4. toys
Meals
1. Cups, plates, bowls
2. utensils
3. napkins/paper towels
4. soap or other cleanser
5. garbage bags
6. air freshener
Sleeping
1. Pillows/blankets or sleeping bags for everyone in your family. And some extra ones for others sheltering with you.
2. If you have an infant, make sure there is a safe place for the baby to sleep
Clothes
1. Change of clothes for at least 72 hours for everyone in your family. And some extra clothes for others sheltering with you.
2. Weather protection (coats, raincoats, boots, gloves)
Entertainment
1. Crayons – To use as an emergency candle. And it keeps the kids, maybe some adults, occupied.
2. Board games, cards, other entertainment that do not require electricity. Just in case part of the emergency is a power outage.
Toiletries
1. Everything from toothbrushes, toothpaste, toilet paper, feminine products, baby wipes (for the little one and for everyone else to “shower” off), deodorant, washcloths, towels, bandages, gauze, tape, rubbing alcohol;
Medicines
1. For your family and for pets, too – This is a bit harder to do more than 24-hours ahead of time, but it is essential to bring ALL medications with you. The general rule of thumb is 72 hours.
2. Medical supplies like bandages, gauze, tape, rubbing alcohol, splints
Duct tape, rope, and twine

Essential Papers

Store copies of ALL critical papers in a waterproof and fireproof locked metal box. If you have a safe room, store it there. If not, find a high shelf in a closet for:

Birth certificates;
Driver’s License;
Marriage License;
Medical insurance and a complete medical history for everyone in your family;
Car insurance;
Emergency contacts;
Passport;
House deed/lease agreement;
Gun permits; and
Bank account statements

Pets

Depending on the crisis, you may not be able to shelter ALL your animals in place with you. Part of your home security preparedness plan might include pre-arranging with either family, friends or your veterinarian so your pets are cared for during a crisis.

Firearms and Ammo

For most people, this is going to seem extreme. But you’re not most people.

If you hunt, you have a leg up on knowing how to prepare and find food on the hoof. Even if you’re new to this, you’re adaptable and can think on your feet. Depending on where you live and the cause/length of the disaster, you may be foraging and hunting for food. Not to mention having a concern for your personal safety.

It’s a Good Start

We’ve only scratched the surface on home security preparedness. Come on back for more tips on how to prepare and protect you and your family. Subscribe to our mailing list to be sure you get alerted when the next post arrives.

Other Preparedness posts you might like: