Owning a home is an exciting stage of many people’s lives. It comes with a lot of benefits but also brings its own new obstacles. Whether you are a new homeowner or you’ve owned a home for years, there are a few essential items that you should always have on hand. Whether for everyday home maintenance or to use in an emergency, this list of essential items will make your life as a homeowner easier and safer.

With that being said, here are the 5 things homeowners should have:

1. Fire Extinguisher
2. Flashlight
3. Utility Knife
4. Matches
5. Water Storage

• Fire Extinguishers

A fire extinguisher is an essential item homeowners should have. Fire extinguishers will cost you a small amount of money compared to the amount of damage it would cost if you don’t have one. When fires happen unexpectedly, having adequate tools to extinguish it before it gets out of control can not only help save lives, but it can also help save your property. This is exactly why owning a fire extinguisher is an essential item every homeowner should have. 

Not only should you definitely own a fire extinguisher, but you also need to know when and how to use it. If you see a fire, don’t hesitate before you start using the fire extinguisher. Catching it as early as possible is your best opportunity to put it out. Attack the fire with your back to the exit and don’t lose sight of where the fire is at all times. While fire extinguishers can save a home from having major damage, it is important to know when the fire has grown too large, too. Your life is more important than your home, so if you start experiencing smoke inhalation to the point that you can no longer breathe, leave the room immediately so you don’t lose consciousness or have the flames reach you

• Flashlights

Homeowners should also invest in bright, durable, and high-quality flashlights. Having flashlights in your home can be useful for both everyday use and emergency situations alike. Whether you need to see something in the dark or are working in a poorly lit area, having a flashlight can prove to be very helpful. More importantly, you should have a reliable flashlight in case of an emergency. Keep your flashlight in a place you go to often or are familiar with that is easily accessible. You want to know exactly where your light is at all times in case you can’t see your surroundings. Purchase an everyday carry flashlight and use it for both everyday use and emergencies, or purchase a more heavy-duty flashlight to ensure you have bright light no matter what situation you are in. Make sure you have adequate lighting to tackle any unexpected situation like power outages, natural disasters, and more. 

• Utility Knife

While you may already have kitchen knives at home, equip yourself with a utility knife designed to help you in emergency situations. Having a utility knife in your home will be incredibly helpful because unlike a regular kitchen knife or pocket knife, a utility knife is built with a sharper blade capable of cutting through something as thick as cordage. This knife will prove to be useful for everyday chores and if you ever find yourself in an unexpected situation, your utility knife will cut straight through rope and could even be used for self-defense. Having one of these in your home will provide you with something incredibly sharp and able to cut through just about anything.

• Matches

Similar to flashlights, matches can be used for everyday activities, but they will especially come in handy for emergencies. Matches are another light source that can also come in handy if you need to light a candle or start a fire in a wood oven or fireplace. If ever end up without power, having a fire will provide you with both warmth and an option to cook food. Keep your matches in an easy to find/ easily accessible location within your home so know where to find them if a power outage or natural disaster occurs. Because they are a smaller item, don’t hide them somewhere that might be hard to get to making an already difficult situation worse.

• Water Storage

Most homes have sinks and faucets, but what happens if something inhibits you from getting what you need most? The average person can only go 10 days without water which is why it is extremely important to have water storage. Be prepared for the worst-case scenarios and stock up your home with a few gallons of water or more. Some people think having water storage is silly, after all, how many times have you run out of water? But consider this – what happens if a natural disaster occurs and you no longer have a water supply? Or what if your local water source becomes contaminated? Or what if you even have to turn off your water supply for energy or cost reasons? Water is so important and necessary for the human body that you should have it in storage in case you experience something listed above. 

Essential Items Homeowners Should Have

Be prepared with the listed items every homeowner should have. Not only will all of these items help you in an emergency, but some of them will even help you in your everyday life. Make sure you have a fire extinguisher in your home to handle an unexpected fire and have a reliable flashlight that you can count on to light up the darkness. Keep a utility knife in a drawer so you have a sharp edge to help you when necessary, and keep your matches in an easily accessible place that you can easily get to. And finally, make sure you have backup water storage so you can survive if you don’t have easily accessible water for any period of time. Homeowners can set themselves up for success with the 5 things every homeowner should have.

Author: Danielle Duran, Morrison, Colorado