1 hour ago
3
A home burglary happens once every 25 seconds, according to ADT. That’s enough to make anyone want to take home safety a little more seriously.
And it’s not just break-ins. Something could go wrong when you have a neighbor visiting your home or when your teen child is home alone. Maybe they accidentally forgot to turn the stove off or left the pet’s crate unlocked.
It’s always a good idea to keep an eye on your home, and there are a lot of home safety essentials that can help you do just that.
From indoor and outdoor camera systems to carbon monoxide detectors and everything in between, we rounded up the best home safety essentials below, including some options that may surprise you with their usefulness.
Best Smoke Detector: X-Sense SC07-W Interconnected Smoke & CO Combination Alarm (6-Pack)
X-SensePros:
- Easy installation with a wireless design.
- 10-year sealed battery life.
- Also detects carbon monoxide.
Cons:
- Six-pack option is best for larger homes. We recommend purchasing a single or double pack if you live in a small condo or apartment.
As a homeowner, having a good smoke and carbon monoxide detector is paramount. But finding an option that’s not only built to last but also easy to install and use is not an easy task. If you’re in the same boat, the X-Sense SC07-W is exactly what you need. It’s a great wireless option and is able to link up to 24 other alarms for full home safety. The best part? There’s no hardwiring needed, which makes it a breeze to install. Other popular features include a wide 820-foot coverage and a 10-year sealed battery life for minimal upkeep.
Best Security System: SimpliSafe The Beacon
SimpliSafePros:
- Deep encryption for extra security.
- Power outage protection.
- Built-in cellular and Wi-Fi.
Cons:
- High initial investment.
Consider this the all-in-one security system that hopefully you’ll never have to see in action. Simplisafe’s The Beacon comes with a keypad that can be placed anywhere in your home for convenience, four seperate entry sensors, two outdoor camera rings and more. Its sleek base can sit on a countertop or entryway table and automatically alerts the company’s alarm center in the event of a break-in. Our favorite feature? The fact that it’s designed to work even if you lose power, which offers an extra peace of mind in the event something really bad happens.
Best Fire Extinguisher: Kidde Multi Purpose Fire Extinguisher for Home
AmazonPros:
- Made to handle electric fires, as well as gas and combustible fires.
- Easy-to-use pressure reader.
- Lightweight.
Cons:
- Plastic bracket isn’t the most durable.
From 2019 to 2023, US fire departments responded to an estimated average of 328,590 home structure fires per year, which is all the more reason to make sure your home has at least one fire extinguisher on hand. Thousands of households trust Kidde fire extinguishers, which feature an easy pull safety pin and a pressure reader. Made to handle Class A to Class C fires, we suggest this two-pack for its added value — plus, it’s always good to have a backup.
Best Power Station: Jackery Explorer 2000 v2 Portable Power Station
AmazonPros:
- 10-year life.
- Quiet and only weighs 39 pounds for portability.
- Three outlets to charge multiple devices at once.
Cons:
- Large initial investment.
In 66 minutes, this Jackery power station can charge up to 80% and offer plenty of juice for all your electronics when the lights go out. With multiple charging types, including solar, you’ll stay on the grid in some capacity with this device on hand. Along with fast charging, it has multiple outlets, so you can plug in your laptop, coffee maker and whatever else you need to stay sane and entertained while the power is out. One of the lightest models from Jackery, it’s not only perfect for home use but also for camping trips or long car trips.
Best Emergency Preparedness Kit: Ready America 4-Person 3-Day Basic Emergency Kit with Backpack
The Home DepotPros:
- Includes biohazard bags, dust masks, light sticks, a first aid kit and other essentials for multiple types of emergencies.
- Easy to transport.
Cons:
- Some reviewers find it heavy.
From earthquakes to power outages, this emergency kit has your back when disaster strikes. Along with a first aid kit, the four-person pack includes food bars, water, light sticks and dust masks in the event the air isn’t safe to breathe. We love that everything is placed in a backpack, which is not only easy to store but also allows users to keep their hands free whether they need to flee the scene or shelter in place. An emergency whistle is included too, so you can signal your location from a distance.
Best Emergency Food Supply: ReadyWise Emergency Food Supply
AmazonPros:
- Provides up to 10 days of food, 90 servings in total.
- Highly rated for quality and taste.
Cons:
- Require a pot and a heat source.
When a snowstorm or mass power outage makes it impossible to get to the grocery store, you’ll wish you had the emergency food supply from Ready Wise. It includes 90 meals, with dishes ranging from pasta primavera to oatmeal. With thousands of positive reviews on Amazon, customers say the meals are surprisingly high quality and tasty.
Best Fire Blanket: Prepared Hero Emergency Fire Blanket
AmazonPros:
- Small for easy storage and transport.
- Strap to hang on the back of a door.
- Amazon choice product.
Cons:
- Contains fiberglass.
This small but mighty fire blanket from Prepared Hero snuffs out fire without the mess. Made from 100% quality flame-retardant material, it comes in a case with a pull tab that quickly releases the blanket when needed. Its portability and non-intrusive size also make it easy to take on outdoor adventures, even if that’s just to the backyard fire pit.
Best Lock Box: Puroma Lock Box
AmazonPros:
- Portable, so you can change the location as needed.
- Easy to set up and reset if the code is compromised.
- Can store key fobs, keys, cards and more.
Please don’t leave a spare set of keys beneath a flower pot or doormat! Instead, opt for something like the Puroma Lock Box that can be wall-mounted or placed on a doorknob and only opens with the custom code you set for it. Is it inconspicuous? No, but it gets the job done and is less than $20.
Best Flashlight: ThruNite Archer 2A C LED Rechargeable Flashlight
AmazonPros:
- Can be charged with batteries or a USB.
- Four light cycles, plus a strobe function for emergencies.
- Small and durable.
Cons:
- Some reviewers note that the battery does not hold a charge for very long.
Even if the lights go out, you won’t be left in the dark with this safety essential. The ThruNite Archer 2A illuminates up to 167 meters (almost 200 yards). Small enough to fit in the palm of a hand or a pocket, it provides ample visibility and is simple enough to hold while fiddling with the generator or your fuses.
Best Fireproof Safe Box: SentrySafe Fireproof Safe Box with Key Lock
AmazonPros:
- UL classified.
- Handle grips.
Some say that everything is replaceable. We say it’s better to be prepared. Everyone needs a fireproof safe box to store essential documents, such as a passport or birth certificate, in the event of a fire or break-in. This one from SentrySafe has stellar reviews and ample space, so you can also store jewelry, cash (yes, some of us still believe it’s king) and other valuables without worrying they’ll go up in flames.
Best Emergency Contact Book: Homelive Address and Password Book
AmazonPros:
- Sturdy cover.
- A-Z tabs and color-coded.
- No bleed pages.
Cons:
- Can be misplaced or destroyed. Best to keep in a waterproof/fireproof box.
Don’t discount the value of storing important contacts and info the old-fashioned way. A traditional address and password book like this one by Homelive will be much appreciated when your electronics betray you. And after years of data breaches and cloud hacks, don’t you think it’s important to have an emergency backup for all your emergency contacts?
Why Trust Post Wanted by the New York Post
For over 200 years, the New York Post has been America’s go-to source for bold news, engaging stories, in-depth reporting, and now, insightful shopping guidance. We’re not just thorough reporters – we sift through mountains of information, test and compare products, and consult experts on any topics we aren’t already schooled specialists in to deliver useful, realistic product recommendations based on our extensive and hands-on analysis. Here at The Post, we’re known for being brutally honest – we clearly label partnership content, and whether we receive anything from affiliate links, so you always know where we stand. We routinely update content to reflect current research and expert advice, provide context (and wit) and ensure our links work. Please note that deals can expire, and all prices are subject to change.
English (US)