Our homes provide us with refuge, protection, and security from the dangers of the outside world. However, Mother Nature can sometimes be tricky and provide us with situations that are hard to overcome, even within the safety of our fortified homes. This is especially true in cases of natural disasters such as fire, flooding, and earthquake.
Numerous statistics show that natural disasters bring effects that require hefty sums of money to be repaired and restored. Although we cannot predict when these will occur, we can lessen the damage by preparing properly. Here are several ways to make your home disaster proof. Doing these will ensure the safety of your family and prevent costly spending in the future:
Fire
A fire can occur in a matter of seconds and spread within minutes. However, according to the American Red Cross, huge fires can be prevented by doing simple precautions such as the regular checking of potential hazards. These include faulty electrical connections, HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems, unkempt batteries, and flammable materials like curtains, tissue rolls, and towels that are situated near cooking stoves or home appliances.
It’s important to have a fire extinguisher in your kitchen. If you have a fireplace, it’s advisable to have it cleaned and maintained routinely by an expert. Always check outlets and unplug any electronics or appliances that you’re not using. Ensure that the wattage of your lamps and bulbs do not exceed the recommended figure. It’s also good to invest in a tech-savvy fire detecting and alarm system. Lastly, keep a list of all necessary emergency contacts.
Floods
Statistics show that a homeowner’s insurance policy usually excludes damage from flooding. Thus, if you wish to have flood coverage, you will be required to purchase a separate policy. This is why the effects of floods can be very costly.
Even just several inches of water from a flood can lead to damage amounting to thousands of dollars. To make matters worse, a flash flood is believed to bring a flood of 10 to 15 feet high. This will lead to more devastating expenses.
Fortunately, there are several ways to flood-proof your home. You can invest in seamless gutters and have them installed in your house, as these are proven to prevent basement flooding. In fact, proper drainage and sewage systems allow the recycling of water that consequently prevents flooding.
Earthquake
According to the EarthquakeKitGuide.com, the most dangerous thing that can happen to you during an earthquake is being hit by heavy and loose items that fall from above. Therefore, it’s important to make your home earthquake proof by inspecting any unstable fixtures and movable pieces of furniture.
Strap down big items using safety buckles. Use anchoring materials and flexible fasteners to keep your things attached to the walls. It’s also good to install latches on cabinet doors and drawers that may swing with motion and hit you. In addition, installing braces on fixtures such as chandeliers and ceiling fans will prevent these objects from falling.
Proper preparation is necessary for the safety of all members of your household. If you wish to take bigger steps in making your home disaster-proof, ask for the services of a professional or consult your local authorities.
