1. Start with people and the plan
A home guide supports an emergency plan; it does not replace one. Record the outside meeting place, evacuation considerations, an out-of-area contact, the property manager or building contact where relevant, and how the household accounts for children, older adults, disabilities, pets, and essential medication or equipment.
- Local emergency number and non-emergency contacts
- Household meeting place and evacuation routes
- Out-of-area contact chosen by the household
- Landlord, manager, HOA, building desk, or utility contacts as applicable
- Where the current plan and emergency supplies are kept
2. Map critical controls
For each control, save a wide photo for context, a close photo of the label, a plain-language path, and any official provider instruction. Avoid ambiguous notes such as “in the basement.” “Utility room, west wall, behind the labeled access panel” is more useful.
| Record | Helpful detail | Boundary |
|---|---|---|
| Main water shutoff | Exact location, valve type, photo, utility contact | Do not enter an unsafe or restricted space |
| Electrical panel | Location, service label, circuit directory, electrician | Do not open equipment or perform electrical work |
| Gas service | Meter location and emergency utility number | Act only under current utility or emergency direction |
| Heating and cooling | Thermostat, service switch location, provider | Do not diagnose combustion or electrical hazards |
| Building systems | Approved controls and management contact | Respect shared-system and tenant restrictions |
3. Keep safety-device context current
Record smoke and carbon-monoxide alarm locations, manufacturer, model, manufacture or replacement date where visible, power type, and the date of completed tests. Also document the location of fire extinguishers and other household safety equipment without implying that an unverified item is ready for use.
The U.S. Fire Administration recommends smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside sleeping areas, and on every level, along with regular testing and replacement based on current guidance and manufacturer instructions. Requirements can vary, so consult the local fire authority and current official sources.
4. Build a five-minute reference
- Open with the safest action. In immediate danger, leave and contact emergency services from a safe place.
- Show locations before explanations. A clear photo and path are easier to scan than a long paragraph.
- Name the authority. Save the utility, manager, or qualified professional connected to the system.
- Keep instructions sourced. Link to a current provider or manufacturer page instead of rewriting hazardous procedures.
- Make it available offline. Keep an appropriate copy accessible when power or connectivity is unavailable.
5. Review without creating new risk
Remove access codes, security routines, private schedules, full financial account numbers, and images that reveal keys or broadly reusable credentials. A safety reference should help authorized people find essential information without becoming a map of household vulnerabilities.
Authoritative sources
Check the latest local requirements and provider instructions for your specific home.