Home Emergency Preparedness: Making Your House a Safe Haven

Your home should be your safest place. Whether facing natural disasters, power outages, or security concerns, a well-prepared home provides security, comfort, and peace of mind. Here's how to build a resilient home that can handle emergencies.

Security: Quality Locks & Doors

Your first line of defense is your entry points. Don't rely on cheap locks, they're easily bypassed.

Doors

Solid core doors: Hollow doors are easily kicked in. Replace with solid wood or metal-clad doors. Avoid exterior doors with windows. Windows can be easily broken and allow a would-be intruder to simply reach in and unlock the door.

• Deadbolts: Use grade 1 or 2 deadbolts (grade 1 is best). The bolt should extend at least 1 inch into the door frame

• Reinforced strike plates: Use 3-inch screws to attach strike plates to the door frame studs, not just the trim

• Hinges: Should be on the inside. If outside, use non-removable pins

• Sliding doors: Use a bar or rod in the track to prevent forced entry

Check your doors:

• Do they close and latch properly?

• Are the frames solid and secure?

• Is the deadbolt actually engaging fully?

Windows

Windows are often the weakest entry points:

• Locks on all windows: Even second-floor windows

• Window film: Security film makes glass harder to break

• Reinforced glass: Consider for ground-floor windows

• Window sensors: Window opening & break glass sensors if possible

Outdoor Lighting

Good lighting is a deterrent and a safety feature:

• Motion-activated lights: At all entry points

• Pathway lighting: So you can navigate safely(also helps you against liability concerns, remember, we don't just prepare against disasters, but lawsuits too)

• Backyard lighting: Don't leave dark areas

• Solar-powered options: Continue working during power outages

Placement:

• Front door (high enough to be hard to disable)

• Back door

• Side entrances

• Garage area

• Dark corners of your property

• Outdoor parking locations

Pro tip: At night, go outside of your home, and devise a plan to get to any entrance of your home without being seen. If there's any path that seems best to approach from, maybe time to make some adjustments.

Safety Systems: Alarms & Detectors

Smoke Alarms

Critical: Working smoke alarms save lives. They're required by law, but many people ignore them.

Installation:

• Every bedroom: Outside each sleeping area

• Every level: Including basements and attics

• Kitchen: 10 feet from cooking appliances (to reduce false alarms)

• Interconnected: If one alarm goes off, all should sound

Maintenance:

• Test monthly: Use the test button

• Replace batteries: Annually, or as needed

• Replace units: Every 10 years

• Vacuum regularly: Dust can interfere with sensors

Types:

• Ionization: Better at detecting flaming fires

• Photoelectric: Better at detecting smoldering fires

• Dual sensor: Best option—detects both types

Carbon Monoxide (CO) Detectors

Silent killer: CO is odorless, colorless, and deadly. You need detectors.

Placement:

• Every level: Especially near sleeping areas

• Near attached garage: CO can enter from running vehicles

• Near fuel-burning appliances: Furnace, water heater, fireplace

• 5 feet from ground: CO rises, but not to ceiling level

Maintenance:

• Test monthly: Like smoke alarms

• Replace batteries: Annually or as needed

• Replace units: Every 5–7 years

• Check after power outages: Ensure they're still functioning

When CO alarm sounds:

1. Evacuate immediately (CO poisoning can cause confusion)
2. Call 911 from outside
3. Don't re-enter until cleared by professionals

Security Cameras

Deterrent and evidence: Cameras can prevent incidents and help solve problems. Even signage around your house that you have cameras/recording equipment can help to deter would-be criminals.

Types:

• Doorbell cameras: Monitor front door activity

• Indoor cameras: Monitor inside when away

• Outdoor cameras: Monitor property perimeter

• Wireless vs. wired: Consider reliability and power needs

Features to consider:

• Night vision: Essential for 24/7 monitoring

• Motion detection: Alerts you to activity

• Cloud storage: Offsite, backup footage

• Local storage: Works during internet outages, less susceptible to cyber attacks

• Power backup: Battery or solar options

Privacy considerations:

• Notify visitors: If you're recording

• Respect neighbors: Don't point cameras into their property

• Secure your system: Use strong passwords and two-factor authentication (especially important for indoor cameras)

Emergency Plan: Where to Go in Your House

Have a plan for different emergencies. Practice it with your family.

Fire Emergency

Get out, stay out:

• Two exits: If at all possible, every room should have at least two ways out

• Meeting point: Designated spot outside (mailbox, tree, neighbor's house)

• Never go back: Don't re-enter for belongings

• Crawl low: If there's smoke, stay below it

• If you have kids, especially small ones, it should be planned beforehand how you and your spouse, or older children plan to contribute to their evacuation. For example, if you have a large home, and a newborn on one side of the house, and a 2 year old on the other, it may be best to split responsibility between two people if at all possible.

If trapped:

• Close the door: Slows fire spread

• Seal gaps: Use wet towels around door

• Signal from window: Use flashlight, bright cloth, or whistle

• Call 911: Give your exact location

• Cover mouth with wet bath towel or cloth: A wet towel or cloth can help filter some soot, ash and smoke particles, extending your time while rescue awaits. This will not protect against low oxygen or high CO levels though, so be mindful.

Fire extinguisher:

Have fire extinguishers in multiple locations, especially high risk areas. Ensure the fire extinguishers are rated for the most likely scenario (see fire classes below):

• Kitchen: Most common fire location

• Garage: For vehicle fires

• Learn to use: Remember PASS (Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep). Kids will love the opportunity to learn this. An extremely responsible lesson that's extremely fun.

• Check annually: Ensure it's charged and accessible.

Severe Weather

Tornado/high winds:

• Interior room: Smallest room on lowest floor

• Away from windows: No windows is best if possible

• Cover yourself: Use mattress or heavy furniture for protection

• Basement: If available, go there

Earthquake:

• Drop, cover, hold on: Under sturdy furniture

• Stay inside: Don't run outside

• Away from windows: Glass can break

• After shaking stops: Check for hazards before moving. Be cautious, as infrastructure may have been damaged from the quake. Think bridges, tall buildings, etc.

Home safe room: If you have the space, consider a dedicated safe room:

• Reinforced walls and door

• Emergency supplies stored there

• Communication equipment

• Independent power source if possible

Home Invasion/Security Threat:

Home invasions can be a very dynamic, confusing, and scary situation. This is a drill to go over with your family. Nobody knows your home better than you. Have a plan for the little ones to shelter/hide. Have a passphrase for them to not open the door for anyone

If you're home:

• Lock yourself in: Safe room or bedroom with solid door

• Call 911: Pass on all pertinent details.

• Address/location
• where actual suspected threat has come from
• Description of threat if you have it
• how many people occupy your home and their descriptions
• If you are bunkered down, let them know where, and if you relocate, if possible, let them know.

• Stay quiet: Don't reveal your location

• If you plan to fight, know the implications:

• Know what's in the backdrop of your target.
• Know and truly understand all federal, state and local laws. (Are you legally required to try to escape before using lethal self-defense?)
• Actions to take when first responders arrive?

If you're away:

• Lights on timers: Makes home look occupied

• If cameras on battery, ensure they are good before leaving.

• Have a trusted family member, friend, or neighbor periodically check on home.

• Secure or hide important documents and other things before leaving

• Don't enter: If you see signs of a break-in, call police. Don't enter until they do and clear the house. This costs you nothing, and they're paid and trained to do it. (This also helps the insurance claim process if something is broken/stolen)

Pro tip: Home invasions aren't just scary for your family, but also for the first responders responding. Do not run towards law enforcement upon their arrival, communicate with 911 operator about your description before they arrive, and if holding a firearm, put away, holster it, etc. upon their arrival if safe to do so.

Food & Water Storage

Water Storage

Minimum: 1 gallon per person per day for 3 days (3 gallons per person)

Before you start storing water, you need to know how much you'll need. Use our water needs calculator to determine the right amount for your household based on the number of people, activity level, and climate.

Storage tips:

• Food-grade containers: Use containers designed for water storage

• Rotate regularly: Every 6 months, use and replace

• Store in cool, dark place: Basement, closet, under beds

• Multiple locations: Don't keep all in one place

• Water purification: Have backup methods (filters, tablets, bleach)

Storage options:

• Plastic jugs: Easy to rotate, portable

• Water barrels: 55-gallon drums for longer storage

• Bottled water: Convenient but more expensive

• Water bricks: Stackable, space-efficient

Food Storage

Start with 3 days, build to 2 weeks:

What to store:

• Canned goods: Vegetables, fruits, meats, soups

• Dry goods: Rice, pasta, beans, oats

• Shelf-stable: Crackers, peanut butter, honey

• Freeze-dried meals: Lightweight, long shelf life

• Comfort foods: Stress relief during emergencies

Once you inventory what you have, plug the numbers into our food storage duration & rotation calculator. It totals your calories and protein, highlights anything you will run out of first, and builds a rotation schedule so every can and bulk bag stays fresh. When you’re ready for a deeper dive, read our guide on Home Food Storage Fundamentals.

Storage tips:

• Cool, dry, dark: Basement or pantry

• Rotate regularly: Use oldest first (FIFO—First In, First Out)

• Check expiration dates: Monthly rotation schedule

• Cooking methods: Have ways to cook without power (camp stove, grill)

Don't forget:

• Manual can opener: Essential for canned goods

• Utensils: Plates, cups, cooking tools

• Fuel: For cooking (propane, charcoal, etc.)

• Pet food: If you have pets

Power & Communication

Backup Power

Options:

• Whole house generator or battery if possible

• Portable generator: For essential appliances (fridge, freezer, medical equipment)

• Solar power bank: For charging phones, small devices

• Battery backup: UPS for computers, medical devices

• Manual charging: Hand-crank chargers

Generator safety:

• Never run indoors: Carbon monoxide danger

• Proper ventilation: Keep outside, away from windows

• Transfer switch: Have electrician install if connecting to house wiring

• Fuel storage: Store safely, rotate regularly

Communication

Multiple methods:

• Cell phone: Primary, but may fail

• Landline: Often works when cell doesn't

• Two-way radios: For family communication

• Weather radio: For emergency alerts

• Whistle: For signaling if trapped

Home Maintenance Checklist

Monthly:

• [ ] Test smoke and CO alarms

• [ ] Check flashlight batteries

• [ ] Inspect doors and windows for security

• [ ] Check outdoor lighting

Quarterly:

• [ ] Review and update emergency plan

• [ ] Check food expiration dates

• [ ] Rotate water supply

• [ ] Test generator (if you have one)

• [ ] Review security camera footage

Annually:

• [ ] Replace smoke alarm batteries (or entire units if 10 years old)

• [ ] Replace CO detector batteries (or units if 5–7 years old)

• [ ] Update emergency contact list

• [ ] Review and refresh emergency supplies

• [ ] Practice evacuation drills with family

Creating Your Emergency Plan

Document everything:

1. Emergency contacts: Write down phone numbers (don't rely on phone memory)
2. Evacuation routes: Map out multiple ways to leave your area
3. Meeting points: Where to meet if separated
4. Important documents: Know where they are (or have copies in safe place)
5. Medical information: Allergies, medications, medical conditions
6. Insurance information: Policy numbers, agent contact

Practice the plan:

• Fire drill: Monthly

• Tornado drill: Seasonally

• Evacuation drill: Annually

• Communication drill: Test alternate communication methods

Final Thoughts

A prepared home is a safe home. Start with the basics—good locks, working alarms, and a simple emergency plan. Then build from there, adding food storage, backup power, and security systems as your budget allows.

Remember: The best emergency plan is the one you've practiced. Regular maintenance and drills ensure that when an emergency happens, your family knows what to do and where to go.

Your home should be your fortress and your sanctuary. With proper preparation, it can be both.