Severe weather, earthquakes, wildfires, and flooding seem to be everywhere on the world news stage. As global warming continues to ravage the natural world, the effects of warming ocean waters are creating storms that can’t be measured with modern technology. The temperatures are rising to cause more wildfires, droughts are eroding lands that help hold back floodwaters, and snow is causing state emergencies in the south.
With all of these changes to the environment, it seems that we are all at risk from natural disasters like hurricanes, tornados, flooding, fires, and earthquakes. Being hit by a natural disaster can be devastating for your home and family. Having your home prepared for a crisis can help you and your family survive a natural disaster.
Depending on where you live, your home insurance quotes may include coverage for flooding, wildfires, or tornado damage. While all-natural disasters are different, there are a few standard things that you should be doing to help protect your home. Let’s take a closer look at a few ways to prepare your home for a natural disaster.
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Hurricane Windows
If you live along the east coast or the Gulf of Mexico, you are going to be directly in the path of an eventual hurricane. The Atlantic hurricane seasons have become more violent than in any other recorded period of history. In fact, there were so many hurricanes in 2021 that they ran out of assigned names for the storms.
If you live in an area that could be affected by hurricanes and tropical storms, it’s in your best interest to arm your home with the right protection. Talk to your local window specialist about installing hurricane windows that are designed to stay intact even in the harshest winds and stormy conditions.
Steel Roofing
During the past few summers, much of the west coast was engulfed in smoke from the out-of-control wildfires raging from state to state. Wildfires can happen just about anywhere at any time. If you live in a forested area, you will need to protect your home from these raging infernos that destroy everything in their path. One of the most common causes of home loss during a wildfire is roofs igniting from burning embers in the air. One of the best ways to protect your home from danger during wildfire season is to install steel panel roofing.
Generator
Whether you are caught in a severe thunderstorm, a tornado in your area, or a winter squall, it’s likely that your power may be knocked out. It can take hours, days, or even weeks to get power back to your neighborhood. In the meantime, it is essential to have a reliable source of power to help protect your home and family. Investing in a gasoline generator can help keep the power on when you are stuck in an emergency situation caused by a natural disaster.
Gas
When your area experiences a natural disaster, you may have trouble finding gas for your vehicle or generator. It’s always a good idea to have a supply of gasoline stored at your home. Make sure that your gas supply is safely stored and vented to eliminate the possibility of a fire or explosion.
Secure Outdoor Gear
If you have a tornado, hurricane, or winter blizzard heading your way, you can expect the winds to be severe. One of the most common ways that homes are damaged in a natural disaster is from flying debris. The power of the wind during a severe storm can pick up just about anything and fling it at your home. Before the storm hits your area, it’s a good idea to bring in your outdoor gear, furniture, and toys. Anything that you can’t move should be secured to the ground.
Fill Your Bathtub
After a natural disaster like a hurricane or an earthquake, you may not have access to drinkable water. Before the storm hits, it’s a smart move to fill your bathtub with water. This should give you enough fresh water to last a few days in an emergency situation. You can buy bathtub liners that you can fill and then cap off to keep your water fresh and uncontaminated.
Cover Windows
During severe weather, the high winds can cause debris to fly through the air and cause damage. If you have time before a storm hits, it’s best to cover your windows and glass doors with planking. Broken glass from storms is one of the leading causes of injury during a natural disaster.
Trim Landscaping
If you live in an area that is prone to severe weather like Tornado Alley, it’s up to you to keep your property safe and prepared for the worst. Flying debris is one of the leading causes of damage and death during a natural disaster. Keep your landscaping trimmed and neat to help reduce the damage to your home and family. Dead limbs and overhanging branches should be trimmed to eliminate the danger. If you live in an area at risk for wildfires, it’s best to eliminate any debris piles that are too close to your house.
Fridge and Freezer
If you know that there is a storm approaching that has the potential to knock out your power, you need to prepare for a short-term outage. Go to your fridge and freezer and turn the dials up to the coldest settings. This will help to prepare your appliances for a loss of power. The colder you can get your fridge and freezer before you lose power, the longer you will be able to keep your food cold.
Locate Shut Offs
You should know where your main house shut-offs are located. If you have natural gas, it’s important to turn off your main valve before a severe storm. Stay tuned to your local news for advice about when you should turn your main valve’s on and off.
Endnote
Nature can be a powerful and destructive force. If you are in the path of a natural disaster, the actions that you take now could save your house and family. Follow these tips to help you prepare your home for a natural disaster.
