We hope emergencies never happen, but planning for them doesn’t invite bad luck—it reduces panic if something goes wrong.
Start with fire safety. Know your building’s fire exits. Keep one small extinguisher or at least a fire blanket in or near the kitchen. Teach family members how to cut power at the main switch and turn off the gas.
For gas leaks, agree on steps: don’t switch on any electrical devices, open windows, turn off the gas at the cylinder or main tap, and leave the house if the smell is strong. Save your gas provider’s emergency number in your phone.
Regarding break-ins, decide what each person should do if they hear suspicious activity at the door or window—call a parent, call security, stay in a room, avoid opening the door. Kids especially need clear, simple instructions.
Keep important documents and small valuables in one safe, easy-to-carry box in case you ever need to leave quickly.
Finally, write key phone numbers on a paper near the fridge or entryway—security, neighbours, family member, local police, ambulance. In a crisis, you can’t rely only on memory or battery.
