Natural disasters and emergency situations can materialize with little-to-no warning.
Don’t be caught off guard. A set protocol, the right security technology and emergency supplies can make all the difference when down to the wire.
Know What You’re Up Against
There are nine weather regions in the U.S.—each with varying risk to natural disasters. Before you can prepare, first learn your area’s vulnerabilities.
Whether it’s tornados, earthquakes or hurricanes, be proactive with your safety, and take steps long before disaster looms on the horizon.
Below is a checklist to help you prepare.
Outside the Home
Natural disasters threaten your home’s foundation. While you can’t fight nature, you can decrease the likelihood of damage.
If you live in an area at high risk of flooding—or other natural disasters of which flooding is a by-product—take steps to “waterproof” your home. Consider the following:
- Concrete slab floors
- Closed-cell wall insulation
- Metal doors
- Glass blocks for basement windows
- Hurricane/impact-resistant windows
In addition, continual maintenance to your home’s landscape is important. Well-trimmed trees and bushes are more wind resilient and create less of a threat of flying branches and debris.
Build an Emergency Kit
If you haven’t already, it is a good idea to compile basic items you may need in an emergency. It will be too late to do so once you receive warning of a natural disaster.
Include the following in your emergency kit:
- Water (one gallon per person per day)
- Non-perishable food (packaged or canned, and a non-electric can opener)
- Battery powered radio, flashlights and batteries
- A list of emergency contacts
- Medications, change of clothing, glasses
- First aid kit
- Dust mask
- Phone charger
- Pet food and extra water for your pet. (Click here for more was to keep your pet safe during an emergency.)
Additional Protection Measures
Various technologies can make your home even safer during a storm. Solidify your preventative measures with:
- Portable generator for emergency power
- Sump pump to remove accumulated water
- Flood sensors
Being well prepared in the chance of an emergency can make all the difference. For more ways to protect your home and family during these scenarios, contact us.
