Whether it’s an earthquake, tornado, flood or hurricane, natural disasters can strike anywhere and anytime. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the United States was hit with record-breaking numbers of natural disasters in 2020. In the event of a natural disaster, it’s important to have an emergency plan and to make sure your home is equipped to withstand a potential hazard.
Fortunately, there are steps you can take to protect your home and family. Read on for some simple steps to help you prepare your home for a natural disaster.
Be sure to review safety plans with your family and make sure everyone knows what to do if a natural disaster strikes. This includes where to go and how to reach one another if a disaster does occur.
Check Your Home’s Structural Safety
You should inspect your home regularly, making sure components such as the roof, walls, foundation, and plumbing are in good repair. Be sure to check and replace damaged shingles, seal any gaps where water can enter and look for signs of mold or mildew.
If you live in an area prone to floods or earthquakes, you may want to consider adding additional protection. For floods, you can install barriers such as waterproof walls or flood barriers. For earthquakes, many jurisdictions recommend the installation of sliding hardware on doors and windows, and bracing garage doors.
Create an Emergency Kit
Creating an emergency kit ahead of time is essential. This kit should contain supplies such as food, water, medication, first aid supplies, a hand-cranked radio, and essential documents such as passports and birth certificates. Consider storing the kit in a water-tight container or bag in an out-of-the-way, but easy-to-access location.
You should also create a home evacuation plan and make sure everyone in your household knows what to do and where to go in the event of an evacuation. This can help keep everyone safe in the event of an emergency.
Finally, consider investing in essential safety items such as smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and carbon monoxide detectors. In addition, you should have a plan for turning off water, gas, and electricity to your home in the event of an emergency.
Prepare Your Home for a Natural Disaster with Insurance
Investing in the right type of insurance coverage is important when preparing for a natural disaster. Homeowners insurance will typically cover damages caused by fires, storms, and other natural disasters. However, if you live in an area prone to flooding or earthquakes, you may need an additional flood or earthquake policy.
You should also consider renters insurance for additional protection against theft, damage, and other losses. Make sure to review your insurance policy before a disaster strikes to ensure you have adequate coverage.
Additional Preparation Tips
- Identify safe locations in your house and practice evacuating with your family.
- Learn first aid and CPR.
- Back up important computer files and documents regularly.
- Clear gutters, drains, and downspouts, and trim trees to keep them from breaking and damaging your home.
- Gas and propane should be stored away from the house in a cool, dry place.
- Secure furniture and appliances to keep them from falling during a storm.
- Replace old, frayed electrical cords.
Preparing Your Home for a Natural Disaster
There’s no way to entirely eliminate the risk of damages caused by a natural disaster, but taking proactive steps to prepare can help protect your home and family. From having a safety plan in place and creating an emergency kit to assessing your home’s safety and ensuring adequate insurance coverage, you can ensure your home is prepared for any potential hazard.