Fifteen Ways to Disaster Proof Your Home

Articles on Home | Topics: home, house

by Zelma Lewis

Your home is most likely not only where you rest, laugh, and spend time with friends; it is also probably the largest investment you will ever make. This being true, you should always do what you can to protect your home. There are many things you can do in advance to help prepare for possible disaster. Use these fifteen tips to help you plan ahead so you can rest assure your home is as secure as humanly possible.

Windows

If you are expecting high winds or live in an area where hurricanes or tornados are common, you need to purchase wind resistance shutters. These shutters can be quickly installed to protect your windows from damage as well as the rest of the interior of the home. You can also install windows that are partial plastic, partial glass, if you are interested in a more permanent solution.

Trees

One of the biggest threats to a home in any natural disaster is the trees around it. You don't have to cut down all of the trees to protect your home however. Some trees are good for your home and will protect your home from the weather. You should however have them inspected annually and remove any diseased areas that may be prone to breaking.

Bushes

Bushes are a great way to update your landscape. They can also be perfect for added protection to a basement area. If you plant bushes around the base of your home, you will be adding a little extra "cushion" if disaster strikes.

Doors

Long before the storm hits, check your doors for safety precaution. Make sure all doors have a dead bolt lock and that the hinges are tight and secure. You may want to switch out all doors and replace them with solid wood or hollow steel varieties.

Roof

If you are in a high-risk area for hurricanes or tornados, you may want to consider getting your roof updated. Experts can add fasteners that will provide more stability. They can also add stronger shingles to help ensure your safety.

Vehicles

Many people don't think about their vehicles when trying to protect their home. You should always keep your vehicles in a garage if you think a disaster is coming. A tornado can easily pick up your car if it is on the road, making it a weapon as it falls. Deciding to keep your car in a garage helps to protect your home as well.

Tools

Many times, homeowners leave rakes, shovels, and other tools lying around the yard. To be as safe as possible, homeowners should always put their tools in a garage or a shed. When these items are left in the yard, they can act as weapons if picked up by the wind.

Emergency Kit

To make sure your family will be safe, you should add an emergency kit to your list when damage proofing your home. Include everything you think you might need, such as first aid supplies and batteries.

Shut Off Valves

Quote of the Day

Men are all right for friends, but as soon as you marry them they turn into cranky old fathers, even the wild ones. They begin to tell you what’s sensible and what’s foolish, and want you to stick at home all the time. I prefer to be foolish when I feel like it, and be accountable to nobody.

—Willa Cather (1873–1947)

As part of your preparedness, be sure you clear out the areas in front of your electric, gas, and water shut off valves. You may need to get to them quickly during or after a disaster strikes.

Repair Damage

If your home has any amount of damage before a disaster, it will only be prone to more extensive damage. Be sure to repair all holes in your home long before a disaster hits.

Shelves

Inspect the areas in your home where you might be safest during a disaster. If those areas have shelves, be sure to anchor them down as much as possible.

Pet Shelter

If a pet shelter is part of your home, be sure to include it in your safety plan. You should never leave pets outdoors during bad weather. If you must leave your pet outdoors, be sure to reinforce their shelter and make it as secure and weatherproof as possible.

Smoke Detectors

Although most people never think about it, set a yearly date to change your batteries in your smoke detectors. You should have one in each room of your home and they should all work properly.

Fire Extinguishers

Every home should have at least one fire extinguisher. To be fully prepared for any disaster, you should be sure to have one handy in case of disaster.

Your Important Papers

When it comes to natural disaster, many people are left without anything, including their social security cards, birth certificate, or mortgage information. Without these things it can be difficult to try to get your life back together after a storm. To help in your disaster proofing, consider collecting important documents and putting them into a box near your door. That way, if you need to flee quickly, you can grab the box as you go. Documents such as birth certificates can also be kept in safety deposit boxes.

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Please note: All personal opinions expressed in the "Fifteen Ways to Disaster Proof Your Home" article belong to the contributing author and are not necessarily shared by FamilyBabyKids.com.

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