Preparing for common natural disasters in your area using some of the basic ideas of; StormStruck — A Tale of Two Homes. As well as other general disaster preparedness information for helping to protect your home and family from natural disasters.
Plan & Prepare for Natural Disasters
First of all, you need to create a family disaster plan. Yes, develop a plan with your entire family (or anyone that lives in your home) that includes evacuation routes, emergency contact numbers, and a communication plan in case you get separated.
It doesn’t matter where you live or what type of natural disaster you are most likely going to encounter based on your location, you need to develop a plan that fits the potential situation. Also, remember to learn things you should not do during a disaster and make sure everyone in your household knows them as well.
Disaster Preparedness Kit
Additionally, always keep a well-stocked disaster supply kit ready for whatever the most likely natural disasters are in your area. This is crucial in case you’re unable to leave your home.
Some of the items one might typically include would be:
- Food and water (at least 72 hours worth)
- Flashlights and extra batteries
- First aid kit
- Battery-powered radio and/or NOAA Weather Radio
- Whistle to signal for help if needed
- Moist towelettes, garbage bags, and plastic ties for personal hygiene
- Multipurpose tool and/or a Swiss Army knife
- Sanitation supplies, including toilet paper and hand sanitizer
Of course you can also add much more depending on your space, specific needs, and so on. And be sure to stock items that make the most sense for your area/location, and the disaster(s) you are most likely to encounter. The above is just an idea of some things to help get you started.
If you have animals of any kind, it is important to also remember your pets, and be sure you have supplied anything they will need in your kit(s).
Tornadoes
A tornado can strike with very little (if any) warning, leaving destruction and chaos in its wake. While we can’t control the unpredictable nature of severe weather, we can take steps to prepare ourselves and our loved ones for the worst-case scenario. By taking proactive measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of personal injury and damage to your home.
Identifying Your Safe Space
The first step in preparing for a tornado is identifying the safest space to use as the place you will all head to. This should be a windowless interior room on the lowest floor of your home or a sturdy building, free from any external walls that could collapse. If you live in a multi-story home, consider designating a safe room on each level in case you’re unable to make it to the lowest floor.
Strengthening Your Home
Before disaster strikes, it’s essential to ensure your home is equipped to withstand high-wind events. Consider installing a tornado-safe room or certified shelter, which can provide an added layer of protection. Additionally, take steps to secure any loose outdoor items that could become projectiles in strong winds, such as patio furniture, trash cans, and potted plants.
Taking Action During a Tornado Warning
When a tornado warning is issued, it’s essential to act quickly and take shelter immediately. Go to your designated safe space or certified shelter, and follow these additional tips:
- Wear protective gear, such as a bicycle or motorcycle helmet, to help prevent head injuries.
- Keep blankets and pillows handy to help protect against broken glass or blowing debris.
- Stay away from windows, exterior doors, and outside walls if possible.
Monitoring the Tornado’s Path
Throughout the event, monitor the path and status of the tornado using reliable sources such as local news reports or weather apps. Keep yourself informed about evacuation routes and shelters in your area.
By following these guidelines and taking proactive measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of injury or damage from tornadoes. Remember that preparedness is key – don’t wait until it’s too late!
Hurricanes
As hurricane season approaches in your area, it’s crucial to prepare for potential storms. Start by identifying your evacuation zone, deciding on a safe shelter or even a survival pod, assembling a disaster supply kit, and fortifying your home.
When a hurricane hits, it’s essential to prioritize safety and put your preparedness plan into action. Monitor the storm closely, follow evacuation orders from authorities if necessary, and take all necessary precautions.
If you’re unable to evacuate, seek shelter in an interior, windowless room during high winds.
After the storm passes, exercise extreme caution when returning home. Be aware of downed power lines, contaminated water, and flooded roadways, and wait for official clearance before venturing out.
Winter Storms / Blizzards
Before the Storm
If you live in an area where severe winter storms happen then you know how quickly they can get very bad. Especially if the power goes out in a sub zero situation and there’s no way to get anywhere due to such heavy snowfall. So, it’s crucial to stay prepared to ensure you and your families safety.
Below are some steps you can take to prepare for the storm, and we would advise you to actually have these things in place long before you actually need to…
Build “cold weather” disaster kits for your home as well as car emergency kits with both including essential items such as:
- Flashlights & batteries
- Non-perishable food (at least 3 days worth) and water
- First aid kit
- Blankets, extra warm clothing, and sleeping bags
- Emergency radio
- Candles & lighters
- Portable power stations
- Small heaters and/or hand & body warmers
Install Safety Devices:
You likely have smoke alarms in your home already to ensure you’re alerted in case of a fire (if not, you should get them right now). However, not everyone thinks to get carbon monoxide detectors, and those can be especially important in a winter storm. If your vents and everything else get covered in snow and there’s no ventilation, you could suffer carbon monoxide poisoning. Don’t take that risk!
Make your home more resilient to winter storms:
- Increase energy efficiency by sealing air leaks and installing storm windows.
- Protect against frozen pipes by insulating exposed pipes and disconnecting outdoor hoses.
- Remove dead branches and trees to prevent damage from snow and ice, or one falling onto your house.
- Reinforce structures that may be vulnerable to collapsing under the heavy weight of snow and ice.
During the Storm
- Keep an eye on weather forecasts and updates to stay informed about the storm’s progress.
- Stay indoors and avoid traveling during the storm, especially if you’re not prepared or if road conditions are hazardous.
- Keep warm by any means possible and if your heating system or power goes out fill cracks under doors and around windows with towels or tape to keep warm air in and cold air out.
- If your power is out and it’s getting cold in the house, you can set up a tent indoors. Fill it with blankets and cover it, everyone huddles inside.
- Close all blinds and curtains to retain heat.
- Use generators safely and only when necessary in order to conserve fuel.
After the Storm
Check for Pipe Damage: If your pipes have frozen, or you suspect they have, then shut off the water supply to your house and call a plumber.
Assess other Damage: If it’s safe to do so, inspect your roof and surrounding areas for damage from downed limbs or heavy snow and ice. Look for signs of roof damage, such as cracked or leaking ceilings.
Clear Snow and Ice: Begin clearing snow around your home and vehicles, taking care not to overexert yourself. Remove snow from gutters and downspouts to prevent ice dams from forming.
By following these steps, and adding to them as you see fit, you’ll be better prepared to face winter storms, blizzards, and the like.
Strengthen Your Home
As a homeowner, it’s crucial to ensure your house is prepared to withstand the fury of high winds, severe storms, tornadoes, heavy snow, and other weather events…
Here are some essential improvements for a safer home during these events:
Optimize Roof Angles: The shape and angle of your roof play a critical role in catching the wind so keep that in consideration when buying or building a house and choose accordingly. Or potentially upgrade your existing roof if you have the means to do so.
Choose the Right Roofing Materials: Asphalt shingles with more nails are typically a better option than other roofing materials. Wind-resistant asphalt shingles can help prevent damage and ensure your roof stays intact during severe weather conditions.
Strengthen Roof-to-Wall Connections: Additional brackets where the roof support meets the wall support can significantly strengthen your home’s resistance to strong winds. This simple upgrade can help prevent damage.
Garage Doors: One-car garage doors are generally stronger than two-car garage doors, making them a better option for high-wind areas.
Additional Support: Consider adding additional support structures to your home’s foundation, such as anchor bolts or storm straps, to further enhance its resistance to strong winds and severe storms.
By implementing these upgrades, you’ll be better equipped to safeguard your home and loved ones from the risks associated with these natural disasters.
Final Thoughts
Obviously there are plenty of other things you can do, and should do, but this is some information to help get you started on the right path. Everyone’s situation is different so there’s not one size fits all solution, but utilizing the above tips and modifying them for you and your home/family could potentially save you when disaster strikes.