JR’s Gear
The tools and safety gear I use and trust, from 10 years as a firefighter/paramedic and 20+ years fixing homes.
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Fire safety
Working alarms and a way out are what get families out of a house fire.
- Low-level CO detector — alerts at levels most standard CO alarms ignore (the one from my CO video)
- Smoke detectors I recommend — from my CO detector video
- Smoke alarm — one in every bedroom, outside sleeping areas, every level
- CO alarm — every level, outside sleeping areas
- ABC fire extinguisher — every level, plus kitchen and garage
- 2-story escape ladder — for second-floor bedrooms
Know your shutoffs
Shut off water, gas and power in 30 seconds.
- Emergency gas and water shutoff wrench — hang it by the meter
- Breaker panel labels — label every breaker in 30 minutes
Seasonal maintenance
Cheap fixes that stop expensive repairs.
- Dryer vent cleaning kit — clean the duct once a year
- Gutter scoop — spring and fall
- Nordic Pure HVAC filters — choose Subscribe & Save so a fresh filter shows up on schedule
Home emergency kit
Plan for 3 days on your own, then work up to 2 weeks.
- WaterBOB bathtub water storage — we keep one in each bathroom and a few in the garage
- Emergency survival food — calories and comfort when the grid is down
- NOAA hand-crank weather radio
- Portable power station
- Water filter
- Headlamps, 5-pack — one for everyone
- Lantern
Power outages and severe weather
Decide now, not in the dark.
- Battery-backup CO alarm and gas detector — every time a generator runs
- Heavy-duty tarp — for roof or window damage
- Kids’ bike helmets for the tornado shelter — let them pick their own
First aid from a paramedic
Take a CPR and Stop the Bleed class. Then stock these.
- Family first aid kit
- CAT tourniquet — learn how to use it
- Trauma kit
- LifeVac choking rescue device — a backup for choking when back blows and abdominal thrusts aren’t working; one in the kitchen, one in the diaper bag
Vehicle emergency kit
Keep it in the trunk and check it each spring and fall.
- Portable jump starter
- Seatbelt cutter / window breaker — mount it where the driver can reach
- LED road flares with extra tools
Family plan and documents
Keep the important papers safe and in one place.
Want the full checklist?
Get my free Home Safety, Maintenance & Survival Guide: fire safety, shutoffs, a seasonal maintenance calendar, emergency kits and a family plan.