
Essential Safety Items for Your Home and Car
Picture this: You're driving down a quiet road when, out of nowhere, your tire blows. Or imagine waking up in the middle of the night to the sound of the smoke alarm. Just recently, the devastating Los Angeles wildfires displaced thousands of people, with many having little time to find safety.
These scenarios are examples of how quickly natural disasters and general safety concerns can arise in our everyday lives. Having the right tools on hand can make these situations more manageable and, hopefully, less dangerous. Here are the essential safety items to keep in your home and car.
Home Essentials
- Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors — Smoke detectors are your first line of defense against fires, while carbon monoxide detectors keep you safe from silent, odorless gas leaks. Make sure you test these devices regularly and replace the batteries twice a year.
- Fire Extinguisher — A small kitchen fire can escalate quickly, so having an extinguisher within reach is crucial. Purchase one rated for multiple types of fires (Class A, B, and C) and learn how to use it before you need it.
- First Aid Kit — From minor scrapes to more serious injuries, a well-stocked first aid kit is invaluable. Make sure yours includes essentials like bandages, antiseptic wipes, adhesive tape, and a pair of scissors. As an extra measure, add pain relievers and an emergency blanket.
- Flashlights and Extra Batteries — When the power goes out, flashlights are far safer than candles. Keep a couple of reliable, battery-powered flashlights in accessible locations—and don’t forget the backup batteries.
- Emergency Contact List — We often rely on contact apps to store all our important numbers. But what happens if your phone is lost or dies during an emergency? Keep a physical list of important contacts, including family members, neighbors, and local emergency services.
- To Go Bag(s) — Natural disasters are unpredictable and often happen fast. It’s important to prepare in advance so that if one does occur, your sole focus can be getting to safety. To go bags should include things like passports, credit cards, extra prescription medication (such as EpiPens and insulin), water, nonperishable food, important documents, extra clothes, and a first aid kit. If you have children, pack a small, separate bag they can carry too.
Car Essentials
- Jumper Cables or a Jump Starter — Dead batteries happen to all of us. Jumper cables or a portable jump starter can save you from waiting for roadside assistance. Research the safety guidelines for these tools before use.
- Spare Tire, Jack, and Lug Wrench — A flat tire is inconvenient, but it doesn’t have to put you in a potentially dangerous situation. Make sure that your spare is in good condition and that you either know how to change a tire or have access to roadside assistance that can do it for you.
- Emergency Roadside Kit — This kit should include reflective triangles, a flashlight, a multi-tool, gloves, and a basic first aid kit. Add a high-visibility vest to make sure other drivers can see you if you’re stuck on the side of the road.
- Water and Non-Perishable Snacks — Whether you’re caught in traffic or stranded, having water and snacks makes a big difference. Especially during the hot summer, it’s important you can stay hydrated and cool during a breakdown.
- Blanket or Space Blanket — Conversely, it’s just as important to stay warm. If your car breaks down in cold weather, a blanket can help you maintain a safe temperature while waiting for help. Space blankets are compact and effective.
- Phone Charger — A dead phone is the last thing you want in an emergency. Keep a portable charger or car phone charger on hand to ensure you can call for help or get directions to somewhere safe.
- Emergency Contact List — Contact lists shouldn’t just be kept at home. It’s incredibly important if your phone dies or gets lost that you can call someone for help, especially if you are in an unfamiliar place.
Safety First with AltaMed
Staying prepared for life’s challenges is important, and that includes common illness and disease. AltaMed is here to help you grow healthy with essential checkups, screenings, dental care, pharmacy services, and more. Is your wellness on track? Find a location close to home or call (888) 499-9303 to get started.