Four Ways To Protect Your Home From Disaster

by  • 

Four Ways To Protect Your Home From Disaster-Chispa MagazineThe weather, and nature itself, can be unpredictable… as many of us who live in flood plains, tornado alleys or earthquake centers realize. In many places around the country, natural disasters are all too common. And, it’s fair to say, that most people make provisions for when the disaster comes.

But, for those who live outside of these areas, there is a chance you have become a little too comfortable. Perhaps you feel that you live too far away, or that you won’t be affected. The trouble is, there is a still a chance that nature could mess with your home in more ways than you might think. If it decides to strike, you have to be ready. Here are four ways you can prepare yourself for the worst.

Check you insurance. You should always check your home insurance plan as often as possible. Whenever you buy a new TV or media system, or even a new couch, it might not be covered by your old plan. Keep your insurers up to date with everything in your home and you will give yourself the financial protection you need should there be any damage.  

Get an emergency kit. All households should have some stocks set aside for an emergency. Think about tinned food and water; around a gallon per person should last you a few days. A first aid kit is an obvious purchase, and you should also have a good supply of emergency light batteries. If you get knocked off the grid in a stormy night, you will need alternative lighting, so it’s vital you can power them with batteries. You should also keep some cash somewhere safe. It doesn’t have to be an enormous amount, but certainly enough to last for a few days.

Have a plan in place. If you have a young family, it’s a good idea to have a plan in place; and to practice it every once in awhile. You can make a game out of it with the kids, so if there is ever a need to do it for real, they will know exactly what to do. You should have somewhere that you can all meet, and work out where you can stay. Some people even go the lengths of building a bomb shelter or bunker in their garden. While this might seem extreme, it can save lives; especially when you are in the middle of a raging and frightening storm.

Know your home’s weaknesses. How well do you know your home, and what will its weaknesses be in the event of an emergency? For example, perhaps one of your walls is susceptible to letting in water.If so, it’s going to be a huge area of concern in a bad storm or flood. And, think about your heating systems, too. Can you turn off your gas? If the winds pick up, or there is an earthquake, it’s possible that your gas pipes could break. Then, all it takes is a simple match being lit, and your home could end up in a far worse state. It’s these little things that you have to think about; there’s a good checklist over at the Red Cross.

Hopefully, you will never have to put any of this into place. But, if the worst ever did happen to your home, you’ll be glad that you were ready for it, right?

Photo by Iren Petrova

Facebooktwitterpinterestlinkedinmail
Milo Senalle

Milo Senalle

Managing Editor at Chispa Magazine
As one of the managing editors of Chispa Magazine, Milo Senalle is the go-to man for all things technology, ethical, and financial concerns. Providing laughs with his style of writing and problem-solving techniques, Milo is a voice of reason among the girly staff at Chispa. Married with children, living in Atlanta, he works 24/7 on becoming a man of courage and believes honor begins at home.

Milo Senalle

As one of the managing editors of Chispa Magazine, Milo Senalle is the go-to man for all things technology, ethical, and financial concerns. Providing laughs with his style of writing and problem-solving techniques, Milo is a voice of reason among the girly staff at Chispa. Married with children, living in Atlanta, he works 24/7 on becoming a man of courage and believes honor begins at home.