Adjusting to working from home after getting used to an office setup can be daunting. You need to find a work/life balance and avoid distractions at home. The good news is you will be more productive at home than working in a rigid work environment. However, you need to find the right tools for telecommuting and prepare for any emergencies that may arise. Here are some essential items that will improve safety at home and come in handy in case of emergencies:

1. Extra Batteries

During emergencies, you will likely experience a power outage. Therefore, batteries will help to power up your electronic devices like mobile phones, chargers, or radio. It would help if you stocked several sets of batteries in your emergency kit. Since each electronic requires a specific voltage to power up, you need to have several back-up batteries with the correct voltage for your electronics. Avoid relying on rechargeable batteries since they lose their charge when left in storage. Traditional alkaline batteries are the best for emergencies, and they have a long shelf life.

2. Emergency Lighting Essentials

When you have a blackout during an emergency, you need to have essential lighting options to improve your home safety. Alternative power sources like generators or solar panels will come in handy. However, if you do not have a generator in your house, ensure you keep your home well-lit to avoid accidents. You can use candles in your rooms and use flashlights to avoid knocking off items during movements.

3. Fire Alarm and Fire Extinguisher

Fire outbreaks have been common in recent years. Unfortunately, many homes are not well equipped to handle fire emergencies. A carbon monoxide or smoke detector is crucial in preventing damages from a fire outbreak and protecting lives. A smoke detector alerts everyone in the house to evacuate, and you can call for help before the fire gets out of control. A fire extinguisher is also essential for putting out indoor fires before they spread.

4. First-Aid Kit

Most people forget to buy a first-aid kit, and those who have it rarely update or refill its contents. If you do not have a first-aid kit, it is time to find one or dust-off and refill your old kit. First-aid is crucial in dealing with minor accidents that can occur around the house. Antiseptic pads, bandages and gloves can be handy during emergencies.

5. Toolkit

Some accidents in the house happen due to faulty equipment that you can quickly repair. A hand toolkit can be a great resource during emergencies. You may need the tools to shut off water mains and other utilities that can damage your house when they are faulty. Your toolkit should have a crescent wrench, a set of screwdrivers and pliers.

6. Childproof Electrical Equipment and Sockets

Kids can misbehave, and sometimes they play with sockets, which can cause injuries and electric shock. You can avoid electrical accidents by childproofing your house. Make sure you secure all electrical appliances and hide the chords out of reach. If the wall outlets show signs of breakage, get them fixed immediately. You should also find socket covers or raise their height to ensure they are out of reach.

7. Conduct PAT Testing

While you can identify defects in electrical items through visual examination, Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) can identify invisible defects. If you regularly test your electrical equipment, you can reduce accidents and electrical injuries due to faulty equipment. Experts recommend testing your portable equipment and extension leads every two years and handheld devices annually.

Apart from the above emergency essentials, it is wise to install solar panels in your home. They provide alternative power in case of blackouts and are cost-effective. You will pay little electricity bills/heating expenses in the house when you are working from home full-time.

Author Bio: This article was written by John Keohane of JK Services. JKS often secures homes from electrical hazards through PAT Testing and Electrician Services