How to Prepare Your Home for a Natural Disaster

It’s hurricane season again – and it’s also National Preparedness Month. As a homeowner, you’ve got to ask yourself: If a hurricane or another natural disaster occurred today, is my home ready to withstand the impact? Now is the time to get a head start on Mother Nature and get your home ready if severe weather strikes. Take some time to follow these seven helpful tips and properly P-R-E-P-A-R-E your home.

P – Purchase a portable generator. Having an emergency power source to keep basic appliances running can be a real lifesaver. Newer models can even be programmed to turn on automatically in the event of a power loss. Many of today’s generators can also be easily converted to run off propane rather than gasoline. This can be a plus as propane is easier and safer to store than gas.

R – Replace older garage doors. Garage doors must be sturdy and substantial if they are to withstand strong winds to protect your cars and home.

E – Examine your roof and roof shingles. Be sure to assess the underside of your roof from the attic for any signs of leaks. Also, look at the exterior of the roof for any discolored or warped shingles. If you cannot see your roof from the ground, call a professional.

P – Put away patio umbrellas and other summer seasonal outdoor items. If items – such as an outdoor table or grill – cannot be stored, secure them in place.

A – Assess trees for loose branches. Keep trees pruned regularly. Large branches hovering over your home could mean trouble in a powerful windstorm.

R – Reinforce windows and doors. Be sure they are sealed properly to keep out water and any other elements.

E – Empty gutters and clear out storm drains. Clean gutters divert water away from your home and prevent problems such as water leaks and foundation issues.

You can also help keep floodwaters away by repairing cracks in the foundation of your home and installing a backflow valve to keep sewage from coming into your home. Prepare an evacuation plan, create an emergency kit and review your insurance policy.  Remember – flood insurance is not usually covered in standard homeowner’s policies. It must be purchased separately.

The most important thing is to get all of your preparation done ahead of time. If you’ve ever tried to visit a grocery store the day a big storm is coming, you know exactly why this is important. Keep a case of bottled water and some non-perishable food items stored for emergency use only. And if you’re ever in a dire situation, remember the water found in your toilet’s tank is actually clean and drinkable. Just don’t drink the water from the toilet bowl.

For more ideas, check out ready.gov.