10 Essentials That Should Be in Every Household
Most households have the items you expect to see in any domestic setup; a couch, television, carpet, toilet, table, etc. However, many homes don't have several items they really should.
Recently, on a popular online forum, a curious user asked, “What's one essential everyone should have in their house?” These are some of the best answers given.
1. First-Aid Kit
Several users very sensibly suggest a first-aid kit. The well-being of you and those people living with you is essential, so this is a good idea.
A respondent to the first aid kit idea says they recently witnessed a visitor to their home cut themselves, causing them to bleed heavily while using a boxcutter. They didn't have a first-aid kit, and that scenario prompted them to buy one. It shows that not having one isn't a good idea.
2. Fire Extinguisher
Other pragmatic posters suggest that every home should have a fire extinguisher, which they should. Replies to this idea include some great advice.
One user says to practice using the device in a stress-free environment, and another suggests having several scattered around the home, especially in the garage and kitchen. Finally, a clued-up user reminds people that fire extinguishers expire, so always check the dates and replace them when required.
3. Plunger
As one of the many people who suggest a plunger acknowledges, the saying goes, “buy a plunger before you need a plunger.”
A plunger certainly isn't as vital as a first aid kit or a fire extinguisher, but it's sensible and courteous to have one. Think of your guests. Suppose they find themselves in a situation whereby they've accidentally blocked your toilet.
In that case, they'd much rather have the ability to deal with it quickly on their own without having to suffer the embarrassment of informing you about it.
4. Tool Kit
Numerous people suggest having a basic tool kit in the home. They point out that things are going to break all the time, so it's sensible to have the means to attempt to fix them yourself. Items suggested include screwdrivers, a hammer, measuring tape, a wrench, and a good saw.
5. Smoke Detector
A smoke detector is a common suggestion in this discussion, as several responsible users have put this idea forward. Others point out that regularly checking the batteries is essential. Fires can start so quickly in homes, and pre-empting them before they get out of control can be lifesaving. Buy several of them.
6. Carbon Monoxide Detector
A carbon monoxide detector is as important as a smoke detector. If a fuel-burning appliance breaks or is improperly installed, the resulting carbon monoxide leakage could kill you, and a detector would save your life. One user's reply indicates that you can buy smoke detector/carbon monoxide detector hybrids, which is also a great idea.
7. Fireproof Safe
Do you have a means of keeping important documents safe? One user believes all households should have a small fireproof safe to keep important things like birth certificates and social security cards inside.
This is a fantastic idea, so the fact that it hasn't prompted any responses is surprising. Knowing that essential things are safe, regardless of circumstances, is reassuring.
8. Emergency Grab Bag
Another indicates that an emergency grab bag should always be available at home. They suggest its contents shouldn't be excessive but that batteries, a first aid kit, and a water filter should be among them.
In the case of a disaster, this is a fantastic idea. Other contents should include ready-to-eat food, personal toiletries, a small first-aid kit, a flashlight, and a radio.
9. Alarm System
Security is important. If somebody tries to break into your home, you want to know about it and want them to be deterred. That's why one user's suggestion of an alarm system is sensible.
Something as simple as an alarm generating a loud noise can turn an intruder away instantly. Alarm systems aren't expensive these days, so there's no excuse not to have one.
10. Auto Defibrillator
Only one person in the thread suggests an automated external defibrillator, and it hasn't received any replies, but we include it anyway because it's essential and garnered many upvotes.
In the case of life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias of ventricular fibrillation, an auto defibrillator can treat the issues through defibrillation (the application of electricity), which stops the arrhythmia and allows the heart to re-establish an effective rhythm. It's a literal lifesaving device.
This thread inspired this post.
