There’s an unsung hero in every home that doesn’t get the attention it deserves—your safety arsenal. From guarding against the silent, creeping threat of carbon monoxide to preparing for home fires and natural disasters, the right tools can make all the difference.
Whether you’re a homeowner with an eye for DIY or a parent aiming to safeguard every corner, I’ve curated a list of top-notch home security essentials to level up your safety game. Each of these 9 essentials is an investment in your most valuable asset—your family’s well-being.
1. Water Leak Detector
The echoing drip, drip, drip of a leak can haunt you more than you realize, creating a persistent sense of unease and the potential for significant damage over time. A water leak detector is the silent watchman that keeps tabs on your plumbing, providing peace of mind and security. These devices are equipped with sensors that detect moisture or changes in water levels, and they immediately alert you to any leaks, whether they are small and slow or large and fast. Place these pint-sized heroes near water heaters, sump pumps, appliances, or any plumbing-prone areas to ensure comprehensive coverage. They are especially useful in basements, under sinks,
behind toilets, and near washing machines, where leaks might go unnoticed until significant damage has occurred. They alert you to leaks before they escalate, saving you from costly water damage, mold growth, and structural issues. By catching leaks early, water leak detectors help prevent the destruction of valuable property and reduce the risk of needing extensive repairs. Some advanced models can even connect to your smartphone, providing real-time alerts no matter where you are, ensuring that you can take immediate action to mitigate any potential damage.
- Detects as little as 1/32 in. of water to offer an effective early warning system
- Solid-state circuitry is extremely sensitive and reliable
- Loud 110 dB alarm can be heard throughout the house
- Sensor has a 6 ft. wire so it can be extended into a sump pit, or mounted on a wall
- Accommodates the addition of more than 100 ft. of wire (additional 24-Gauge wire not included)
2. Sump Pump Backup
If your home has a sump pump, you know how vital it is to keep your basement dry. Sump pumps prevent flooding and water damage by channeling excess water away from your home’s foundation. However, even the most reliable pump can fail due to mechanical issues, power outages, or overwhelming water volumes. A sump pump backup system ensures you’re never caught off-guard by automatically kicking in when the primary pump fails. Investing in a sump pump backup offers peace of mind, safeguarding your basement and belongings against unexpected failures and ensuring a dry, safe living environment.
3. Emergency Escape Ladder
Fire safety is about having a plan, and sometimes, that plan means finding a new exit—quickly. An emergency escape ladder for second-story windows can be a literal lifesaver. These ladders are designed to deploy rapidly, allowing you and your family to escape quickly and safely from an upper floor in the event of a fire or other emergency.
By incorporating an emergency escape ladder into your fire safety plan, you add a critical tool to your emergency preparedness kit, potentially saving lives and reducing the risk of injury during a fire.
4. First Aid Kit
Safety begins with preparedness, and a well-stocked first aid kit is your first line of defense. From minor cuts to more serious injuries, having the right supplies on hand can make all the difference. Stock up with a comprehensive kit that includes bandages, burn gel, a cold patch, emergency tools, and more.
As of this author’s assessment, the one below covers all the necessities for a well-equipped home first aid kit, packaged into a reasonably priced, convenient kit to help keep your emergency stock organized and ready to go.
5. Video Doorbell
With a video doorbell, you can welcome the future of home security. Equipped with motion sensors and two-way communication, this little gadget puts a virtual eye on your front door.
The SimpliSafe Doorbell not only provides 24/7 potential of home monitoring but also includes enhanced Wi-Fi and an easy install for immediate peace of mind. With 1080p HD video and a wide 162° field of view, you’ll have clear visuals of your doorstep. This can be connected to the SimpliSafe security system for whole-home protection. Note that this does require Wi-Fi and an existing wired doorbell setup.
6. Smart Door Lock
Smart door locks let you secure your home with ease using your smartphone or a code, and some offer advanced features like auto-locking and remote access. The SMONET Fingerprint Electronic Deadbolt Door Lock with Keypad is one such standout, available in 2 finishes, offering stylish design, and a variety of access control options to suit your family’s needs. Featuring a highly responsive fingerprint reader, fingerprint access is only one of seven ways to unlock – other include the app, keypad, iWatch, voice control, IC Fob, and good ole fashioned mechanical keys (my personal favorite, but I admit to being one of few remaining in this camp). When paired with the
Smonet Wi-Fi gateway, real-time access logs are available. The lock also allows customized passcode management for different users and boasts a long battery life, automatic lock feature after incorrect entries, and easy installation.
7. Smoke + Carbon Monoxide Detector
Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms play a crucial role in home safety as they alert occupants to the presence of fire, potentially deadly smoke, and the deadly, odorless carbon monoxide.
A dual-function alarm alerts you to both, ensuring you’re prepared for any emergency. Studies have shown that functioning smoke detectors can reduce the chances of fatalities in a house fire by 50%, and carbon monoxide alarms help to prevent an average of 170 non-automotive product-related CO deaths each year.
The dual-function Kidde Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detector with Voice Alerts notifies you to both smoke and carbon monoxide with a loud 85-decibel alarm and voice alerts. It uses ionization sensor technology to detect invisible fire particles and an electrochemical sensor for CO gas. The device is powered by 2-AA alkaline batteries, ensuring reliable detection even during power outages, and features a front-load battery door for easy installation and replacement. With a tamper-resistant design and a Test-Hush button to silence false alarms, it’s both secure and user-friendly. This UL-listed unit comes with a 10-year limited manufacturer warranty.
8. Fire Extinguisher
A small fire extinguisher can prevent a small incident from turning into a major catastrophe. An “ABC-rated” model like the Kidde Fire Extinguisher for Home is designed to combat common home fires involving trash, wood, paper (Class A), flammable liquids and gases (Class B), and electrical equipment (Class C). It features a tough aluminum valve assembly and an easy-to-pull safety pin. An easy-to-read pressure gauge shows when the extinguisher is charged and ready for use. The extinguisher comes with a strap bracket for safe mounting and storage, and a clear instruction label on the front for ease of use. It is UL Listed and comes with a 6-year limited manufacturer’s warranty.
9. Fire Blanket
A fire can spread rapidly, and every second counts. Fire blankets are designed to smother small fires, protecting your body while you escape. The Prepared Hero Emergency Fire Blanket is lightweight and easy to use, making it a must-have for your kitchen and any other high-risk areas. This lightweight fire suppression blanket extinguishes small fires quickly and easily without creating a mess, unlike common fire extinguishers. Designed to be effective on liquid or grease fires, it can also double as a thermal or heat shield. Made from 100% quality flame retardant material and can isolate high temperatures up to 1076°F (580℃). Best of all, it
never expires. Keep one in your kitchen close to the stove, backyard near the grill, or even your vehicle for camping for peace of mind wherever you go.
And that’s a wrap..
Each of these home safety essentials brings a unique form of protection to your household, and together, they form a robust defense system. Whether you’re a tech-head eager to automate your home defenses or a parent who wants to sleep soundly knowing you’re prepared for any situation, these picks can be tailored to fit your needs.
Keep an eye out for more in-depth content in the coming weeks – and in the meantime, don’t delay taking a first step towards enhancing your home’s safety. Your peace of mind is worth every bit of the investment.
And remember, being a part of our community means you’re never alone in your decision making! Just shoot us an email and we’ll help you navigate your choices!
Not yet a member? Join now!
