The weather is one thing humans will never be able to control. No piece of technology we can invent will be able to control the forces of nature, no matter how much we want to. It’s simply better to be prepared. Preparing your home for severe weather is a smart idea so that you don’t get stuck in a dangerous situation with no recourse. You can take some steps to keep your home in a constant state of readiness, and as bad weather approaches, you can then take other steps to minimize damage and to protect your belongings and family.
Have an Emergency Kit
In an extended weather event such as a hurricane or blizzard, leaving the home for food or medical supplies won’t be possible. Gather an emergency kit with bandages, medicine, flashlights, and dried food so that you can shelter in place for a week at the minimum. Stock your kit with essential items you think you’ll need to survive. Stick to manual-powered items in case the electricity goes out. If you don’t know what to stock, you can purchase a ready-made emergency kit that will have everything you need.
Board up Windows
High winds caused by tornadoes and hurricanes can easily blow out glass. Once the glass is gone, water and flying debris can enter the home and further damage it. Board up your windows to protect the inside of your home, even if you don’t plan on staying. Lock up any valuables and heirlooms to protect them. It may be a while before you’re able to get back to your house, so you want to be sure it’s protected from both damage and opportunists who may try to loot your home after a storm.
Secure Outdoor Structures
It’s a good idea to secure anything that high winds can topple. Strong winds can also turn carports, lawn furniture, and trampolines—for example—into dangerous projectiles. Add some extra bracing to your carport and put any outdoor furniture in the basement or garage. Being proactive could save the time you spend searching for missing property or the money to replace it.
Get a Generator
In a catastrophic emergency such as a hurricane or tsunami, the power could be out for days or even weeks. Having a gas-powered generator will allow you to restore power to your home so that you can charge cell phones, notify family that you’re okay, and alert the authorities that people are stranded in your home. Attaching a sump pump to the emergency generator will help remove water from your basement.
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