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Learn It & Log It Master Class

Homeowners Getting Started – Class 4 of 5

Home Safety, Emergencies & Insurance Readiness

🎯 Class Objective


To prepare homeowners to handle unexpected situations by establishing safety systems, documenting valuables, and organizing insurance information. By the end of this class, you’ll know exactly how to respond if something goes wrong — with less stress and faster recovery.

📘 Lesson Summary


Emergencies don’t wait for you to be ready. Whether it’s a burst pipe, power outage, or fire, the best protection is preparation. This class shows how to create a household safety plan, identify potential hazards, and organize every key record — from utility shut-offs to insurance policies — inside your Digital Home Manual.

Step 1: Identify Safety Risks in and around Your Home


Every property has unique risks based on location, layout, and systems.

Action Items:

  • Walk your property and make a list of hazards: electrical panels, gas lines, steep stairs, trees near power lines, etc.

  • Test all smoke and carbon-monoxide detectors.

  • Ensure fire extinguishers are placed near the kitchen, garage, and bedrooms.

  • Note any special risks (flood zone, wildfire area, heavy snowfall).

  • Photograph key systems for your Safety Folder in your Home Manual.

Step 2: Create an Emergency Plan for Your Family


Everyone in the household should know what to do and where to go.

Action Items:

  • Draw a simple floor plan showing escape routes and meeting points.

  • Choose two emergency contacts — one local and one out-of-area.

  • Post emergency numbers near main phones and add to everyone’s cell contacts.

  • Pack a small Go-Bag with flashlights, batteries, first-aid kit, medications, and important documents.

  • Store digital copies of IDs, insurance cards, and emergency plans in your Home Manual.

Step 3: Prepare for Utility and System Failures


Knowing how to quickly shut things off can prevent thousands of dollars in damage.

Action Items:

  • Label and photograph all main shut-offs for water, gas, and electricity.

  • Keep necessary tools nearby (meter key, wrench).

  • Test your sump pump and back-up power supply yearly.

  • Add instructions for each system in your manual — including reset procedures.

  • Share this info with every adult in the household.

Step 4: Organize Insurance Documents and Home Inventory


Quick access to accurate records speeds up claims after an incident.

Action Items:

  • Create an Insurance Folder in your Home Manual with:

    • Homeowner’s policy

    • Flood, earthquake, or umbrella coverage

    • Agent contact info

    • Renewal and claim instructions

  • Use photos or a video walkthrough to document all rooms and valuables.

  • Update the inventory annually or after major purchases.

Step 5: Review and Update Annually


Safety and readiness are ongoing responsibilities.

Action Items:

  • Schedule a yearly Safety Review Day each spring or fall.

  • Re-test alarms, replace expired items, and verify insurance coverage limits.

  • Log maintenance and updates in your Safety and Insurance Checklist.

  • Encourage family participation so everyone stays familiar with emergency plans.

Thank you for completing this Session!

Final Action Items Summary

  • Identify home hazards and photograph key systems.

  • Build a family emergency plan and Go-Bag.

  • Label and document all utility shut offs.

  • Store and update insurance records and home inventory digitally.

  • Review safety systems and coverage once a year.

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