If you live somewhere that is prone to natural disasters, you need to be fully prepared for them. You might live in a state with frequent hurricanes or tornadoes, or where the big earthquake is meant to occur at any time. Here are some tips for preparing your home and family for the disaster.
Have Emergency Supplies On Hand
The first thing you should do when you are preparing a natural disaster plan is to have all the emergency supplies you will need. Keep in mind that you will need more than you probably think. Start with bottled water, making sure you not only have enough for drinking water for several days, but also for bathing, brushing teeth, washing hands, and giving water to pets. Get as much water as you can store in your home. You should also have non-perishable food items for the family and pets, not forgetting baby food or formula if you have infants in the home. Additionally, have a good quality first aid kit ready to go, storing multiple ones in different parts of your home, such as one on the top floor and one in the basement, in case you run down in a hurry.
Know How to Evacuate Safely
You should also have an evacuation plan ready for your family just in case it is not safe to remain home. Make sure every family member knows where to go if there is an emergency so you don't get lost. If you don't have a basement in your home, you might have chosen another neighbor's home who has room for you, or another shelter nearby. You should have a contact person that doesn't live in your immediate area who you can call for help. Make sure everyone knows how to safely evacuate depending on the natural disaster or emergency, from an earthquake or tornado, to a fire or flood in the home.
Get Your Home Ready
Your home itself also needs to be well prepared for the natural disaster. For example, if you have anything outside that could fly up during a hurricane or tornado, it either needs to be stored in the garage or pinned down to the ground somehow. Patio furniture could fly up and break your windows or severely damage your home siding if you don't secure it properly. Your roof is at great risk, so it needs to be pinned down as well, possibly needing better reinforcements. Also check your windows, as they are at risk of breaking. Some natural disasters call for storm windows, which protect the windows and your home itself. Replace any windows that are not in good condition or don't have triple-pane glass just to be on the safe side. Talk to a company like Moorabbin Glass for more information about storm-proof windows.
