Securing Your Home for Natural Disasters

Securing Your Home for Natural Disasters

A natural disaster is a devastating event caused by rain, wind, fire, and even earth that endangers people’s lives and property. Although there is often little that can be done to prevent a natural disaster, people can take steps to reduce the effect that it has on themselves and their property. When it comes to our homes, it is important to know how to prepare for the numerous threats from nature. Not only will this save your property from excessive damage, but it may also help to save the lives of loved ones.

Tornado funnel touching down near a rural road

How to Prepare for Tornadoes

A tornado involves winds that can travel as fast as 250 to 300 miles per hour. These winds can destroy buildings, and turn objects, including cars, into projectiles that can harm people and property. You can take steps to protect your home from a tornado, but if your home is in the direct path of a tornado it may not be possible to completely prevent damage.

Especially if you live in an area prone to tornadoes, make sure to take steps to help secure your home. As with hurricanes, shutters may be added to protect windows from shattering. Garages should be fortified and some people may choose to have a safe room installed for the safety of their families. You should also schedule a home inspection and have the house and roof checked, and make any repairs as necessary.

If a tornado becomes a threat, have a place where you can go. Some homeowners prefer to have a safe room installed, but a basement is also a good choice in case of a tornado. If the home has neither a basement nor safe room, then the ideal place to seek shelter is the center of the home, away from windows or outer walls. If outdoors, a person should seek shelter or lay flat in an open field. People should not stay in a car or under a bridge or overpass as these areas are unsafe. If a tornado approaches, seek cover and do not stay outside or attempt to outrun a tornado.

Tornado Safety Tips

Tell-tale signs of tornadoes are a dark or green-colored sky and dark and low-lying clouds, hand in hand with lightning, and large hail. If you find yourself in tornado conditions, get inside and have a designated place to stay until the storm clears. Generally, you want to make your way to a home’s basement or lowest floor, away from windows.

It may seem common sense, but despite adventurous depictions in films like Twister, you don’t want to ever attempt to outrun a tornado. After the storm passes, you can evaluate your home’s damage and seek an evacuation center if you need help or supplies.

Windows

Try to keep furniture away from windows, and invest in double-pane windows. If a tornado is imminent, consider nailing boards over your windows to reinforce their strength and to keep objects and winds from flying through your home.

Couch

Secure large furniture. Consider bolting couches or large tables to the floor and fastening bookcases or large paintings to the wall. Securing large furniture ahead of time will lessen the chances of large objects hurting family members or damaging property in the event of a tornado.

Automobiles

Stay away from cars, mobile homes, or other automobiles during a tornado. Cars do not make good shelters from tornadoes, and you should never try to outrun a tornado with your car.

Gas Meter

If it’s safe to go outside, you’ll want to locate your gas meter and turn it off. A gas meter is usually located on the side of a home, in the garage, or in a small cabinet. Using a wrench, you’ll want to turn the gas shutoff valve. This way, if any pipes break during the disaster, you won’t risk a gas leakage and possible fire.

Water Valve

If you have time before the storm approaches, you should turn off your water. With most homes, this means locating a main stopcock, a brass valve with a round handle, usually located in the kitchen, downstairs bathroom, or utility room. If your property is in harm’s way, you will minimize water damage from broken or leaking pipes.

Circuit Breaker

Most homes have a main electrical panel, where you can simply shut off the power to your entire home. There should also be a fuse box or circuit breaker where you can shut off all the circuits. Turning off the power to your home before a tornado hits may prevent damage to your home, in case of electrical damage or exposed wires.

Protective Coverings

You should store mattresses, pillows, and blankets in your basement or other shelter area. In case of a tornado, you’ll want to use these coverings to protect yourself from flying debris or falling objects.

Battery-powered Radio

Keep fresh batteries in a battery-powered radio or small television, so you can get the latest news reports and weather warnings, even if your power goes out. Keep in mind: a Tornado Watch means conditions exist for tornadoes to occur and a Tornado Warning means that a tornado has been sighted.

How to Prepare for Flooding

Flooding is a natural disaster that can affect anyone, regardless of where they live. In the U.S. it is in fact the most common type of natural disaster, with flash-floods causing an estimated 200 deaths annually. To protect yourself in the event of a flood, you should always seek higher ground. Don’t attempt to drive– driving through flood waters could cause your vehicle to become stuck and even swept away.

There are steps you can take to protect your property before a flood occurs. One way to protect your property from water damage is to seal the basement walls with waterproof compounds. If possible, flood walls may also be constructed to help stop the possible flow of floodwaters before it reaches your home. You should also have a sump pump, as well as a backup that operates on batteries. Electrical components and the water heater, washer and dryer, and furnace should be elevated no less than 12 inches above any assumed flood levels. If constructing a new home in an area that is located in a flood zone, it should be elevated and reinforced.

Taking some steps to protect your home ahead of time will help curtail any costly damage due to flooding.

Flood Safety Tips

Floods are one of the most common hazards in the United States, but not all floods are alike. Some develop slowly, while flash floods can appear out of nowhere without visible signs of rain. Floods can occur from a variety of catalysts, including heavy rainfall, overflowing rivers, or dam failure.

Because floods are not limited to a particular geographic area, it’s important to have an emergency flood plan, no matter where you live. You may be especially vulnerable to floods if you live in low-lying areas, near water, or downstream from a dam. Even very small bodies of water that appear harmless in dry weather, such as streams, gullies, and creeks can pose a flood threat in certain conditions. Make sure you and your family knows the bodies of water around your home, and be sure to have an emergency flood plan in place.

Bathtub

Sanitize your bathtubs and sinks with bleach, and then fill them with clean water. You might also want to fill empty plastic soda bottles. If clean water becomes scarce, you’ll have a good amount for yourself and your family.

Water Heater

Elevate your water heater if you live in an area with high flood risk. You can relocate your hot water tank to the first floor instead of the basement, or you can elevate it on a cement pedestal. Consult your local building department for recommendations in your area.

Appliances

Disconnect all your appliances and your furnace. This will prevent electric shock if there is standing water when power is restored.

Electrical Panel

Turn off electrical power when there is standing water, fallen power lines, or before you evacuate. You can usually turn off your electricity through a circuit breaker or main electrical panel. If you have time, turn off gas and water before you evacuate, too.

Check Valves

Install check valves (or backflow valves) in your pipes to prevent water from backing up into the drains of your home. This should help prevent contaminated water from flowing back up your pipes, and it may help protect your home if any pipes become damaged or broken.

Plug In Basement Drain

Plug your basement floor drain to prevent sewage backup and to prevent the basement walls from caving in from outside pressure.

Sump Pump

You should buy and install sump pumps with backup power. A sump pump is used to remove water that has accumulated, and it can be used to relatively easily restore order to a basement after flooding. The pump can relocate water from your house to a safe area, such as a storm drain or dry well.

Barriers

Construct barriers to stop floodwater from entering your home. You should build barriers with water-resistant materials, which includes marine plywood, greenboard, rigid insulation, synthetic baseboards, metal doors and frames, sandbags, brick, and concrete.

How to Prepare for Earthquakes

An earthquake is a natural event that occurs when the tectonic plates in the earth shift, break, and slide together. The resulting release of energy causes the earth to shift and move, and the shaking can cause buildings, bridges, and homes to collapse. In the U.S., earthquakes are most frequently associated with the West Coast; however, as many as 45 states across the nation are at risk.Because earthquakes are largely unpredictable, make sure your home can withstand intense shaking, no matter where you live. There are several ways you can prepare your home for the threat of an earthquake. For heavy items that run the risk of toppling, secure them to the wall or floor. This includes strapping water heaters and large appliances to the walls or bolting them to the floor. Any breakable items that could fall should be moved to lower shelves. You should also have your home inspected for cracks in the foundation and any defective wiring or connections, and any repairs should be made as quickly as possible. If you live in an area where earthquakes are common, consider bolting your home to its foundation.For family safety, you should understand what to do in the event of an earthquake, such as find shelter beneath a sturdy table or desk. If you’ve been issued an earthquake warning, to prevent an explosion or fire, the gas and electricity should be turned off. In case of emergency, you should always keep supply of both water and food should as an emergency backup that will last your family for at least three days.

Earthquake Safety Tips

Earthquakes that occur in one state can easily have an impact in another, so it’s a good idea to have an earthquake plan, no matter where you live. First, put together an emergency kit and make an earthquake emergency plan with your family. To prepare for an earthquake, you should clearly lay out the best places to brace yourself in the home, and make sure everyone knows where you keep the family emergency kit.

During an earthquake, you should move away from heavy objects, drop to the floor, and cover your head and neck. It’s important to sit tight and wait until the earthquake has ended before assessing the damage. Once the earthquake is over you can proceed to check on your family, home, and neighbors.

Latched Cabinet

Store breakable items, such as glasses, china, or bottled foods in cabinets with a latch. That way, the cabinets can’t open during an earthquake, and you’ll be less likely to break fragile items or cut yourself on broken glass.

Large Appliances

Secure large appliances, such as the water heater, refrigerator, or furnace. Strap them to the wall with studs or bolt them to the floor, so they won’t slide around during an earthquake. Strapping down large appliances may prevent damages and save you money.

Shed

Store weed killer, pesticides, and flammable products in securely closed cabinets with latches. An outdoor shed would be a perfect place to keep these kinds of materials. You don’t want any of these chemicals to spill and risk a fire during an earthquake.

Table

Locate safe spots in your home, usually under a sturdy table or against an interior bracing wall in your home. Your safe spots should be away from heavy objects, windows, or shelves. Because earthquakes are short and you never know when they will occur, you should find safe spots throughout your home.

Pipe

Install flexible pipe fittings to avoid gas or water leaks. Flexible pipes will bend in the event of an earthquake, as opposed to metal pipes, which can break. With flexible pipes, you decrease the risk of pipes breaking, therefore preventing structural damage, fire, and injuries.

Foundation

Repair any deep cracks in the ceiling or foundation. If you have any large cracks in your home (that you could slip a coin into), it might be symptomatic of a foundational problem, which could be devastating in an earthquake. If you have any such cracks in your home, you should contact a repair contractor as soon as possible.

Bookcase

Make sure bookcases and shelves are securely fastened to the wall, so they don’t topple over during an earthquake. Place heavy objects on lower shelves, so they don’t fall and hurt anyone.

How to Prepare for Hurricanes

Lives and property are lost on a yearly basis as a result of hurricanes. These low pressure tropical storms are common in the Gulf Coast, and can cause damage to property as a result of wind or flooding. If you live in an area with hurricanes, it’s important to fortify your home against a hurricane before one occurs.

To protect yourself from the damages caused by hurricanes, you should have garage doors fortified, and add clips or straps to your roof to help maintain its structure. Add some permanent storm shutters to help protect windows from damage. You may also consider building a safe room in your home or basement. These are rooms that are designed to withstand extreme winds and resulting projectiles. Proper insurance is also important for people who live in areas known for hurricanes. Because hurricanes are often accompanied by tornadoes and flooding from heavy rainfall, a home should have adequate flood and wind coverage (see our section on floods).

Learn your community’s evacuation plan in case of a hurricane, and do not attempt to wait it out if you’re issued an evacuation warning.

Hurricane Safety Tips

A hurricane is a severe tropical storm that forms in coastal regions and is characterized by high winds, thunderstorms, flooding, tornadoes, and microbursts. Although coastal regions are most in danger of hurricanes, the storms can affect land hundreds of miles inland.

You should have a hurricane emergency plan, so you’re prepared. You should research the elevation of your property and know if it’s at risk for floods or mudslides during a hurricane– the storm itself is often accompanied by these dangers. Additionally, you should learn your community’s evacuation plans. The very idea of a hurricane is a scary one, but there are steps you can take to help protect your family and home.

Roof

Reinforce the internal structure of your roof with metal hurricane ties to anchor the trusses or rafters. You can also install straps or additional clips to securely fasten your roof to the frame structure. All this preparation should help reduce roof damage and prevent shingles from flying off during a hurricane.

Bathtub

Sanitize your bathtub with bleach, and then fill it with clean water. If you have to wait out the storm for hours or days, you’ll have a clean water supply for drinking and sanitary needs.

Doors

home, both exterior and interior doors. Some say that cracking open your windows or interior doors will stabilize pressure during a hurricane, but this is a myth. The most effective way to fortify against a hurricane is to keep the wind and storm out of your home.

Refridgerator

Turn your refrigerator to its coldest setting and keep its doors closed. Many times, the power goes out during hurricanes, and the food in the fridge will only last so long. If the power goes out for four hours or more, you should throw away perishable food in the fridge and keep frozen food in the freezer for as long as possible.

Garage Door

Install reinforced garage doors. Garage doors play an important role in protecting your home from fierce hurricane winds. When garage doors aren’t reinforced, winds can sometimes force them open, causing damage to the home’s structure.

Rain Gutter

Clear loose and clogged rain gutters and downspouts. Clean gutters can help prevent damage to your home from heavy rainfall because they redirect water and help prevent flooding.

How to Prepare for Wildfires

Like many natural disasters, wildfires can happen anywhere. Once started, a wildfire will often spread fast, destroying vegetation, wildlife, and property in its path. Most often they start in forests, remote hills, mountain areas, or other woodland settings. Take note that areas with drought are especially susceptible to wildfire. Wildfires are often triggered by natural occurrences such as lightning; however, human carelessness can also cause wildfires.

If you live in an area especially vulnerable to wildfire, there are steps you can take to secure your home. When you build a home, you’ll want to avoid using any type of combustible material on your roof, or on any other part of the home. When using wood to construct any part of the home, it should be fire-resistant treated wood. Or opt for fire-resistant materials, such as stucco or fiber cement. You can also take steps around your home’s perimeter to help prevent wildfire damage. Around the outside of the house, shrubs and other plants should be of a fire-resistant variety and should help contain as opposed to fuel fire. Lawn furnishings and any items that could easily burn should be moved away from the home so that it is outside of what is considered the defensible space. You should also have a hose that is long enough to reach around the entire house.

If warned of an approaching fire, keep all windows and doors shut, turn off the gas, wet the roof, and evacuate as instructed.

Wildfire Safety Tips

Wildfires are most common in dry areas, especially near forests, rural communities, or mountains. Often, wildfires are triggered by accidents or lightning, and sometimes they go unnoticed at first. Typically, a wildfire will spread quickly, destroying trees, brush, and homes in its path.

If you live in an area with a wildfire risk, prevention starts with how you build your home and design your landscape. On a day-to-day basis, fire prevention also means keeping your home well cared for, so there isn’t flammable debris piling up around your home. It’s also a good idea to have a plan for where your family should meet, and where you will stay, in the event that a wildfire threatens your home.

Windows

Install dual-pane windows, which don’t melt easily. Sturdy windows can help secure the your home against wildfires.

Exterior Hose

Have a garden hose that’s long enough to reach any area of your home and the surrounding property. If there are any small fires that can be easily contained, you’ll have a hose that can reach the entire property.

Deck

Dead vegetation loves to collect under decks in your yard. Regularly remove dead vegetation, so that it doesn’t become a pile of kindling. You can also use 1/8 inch mesh screens beneath porches, decks, floor areas, and the home itself if you want to prevent debris from piling up in hard-to-reach places.

Trees & Shrubbery

Plant fire-resistant shrubs and trees. Some fire-resistant shrubs include Redosier Dogwood, Oceanspray, and Azaleas. Hearty, fire-resistant trees include Maple, Willow, and Alder. Highly-flammable plants include Juniper, Evergreen, and Eucalyptus–you want to avoid plants with dry leaves or those that produce lots of debris.

Brick fence

Instead of constructing a wood fence, opt for a fire-resistant wall made out of brick or stucco. Building a sturdy perimeter barrier around your home may help protect it from fire and embers.

How to Prepare for Hailstorms

Hail is frozen drops of rain that circulate in a thunderstorm until they become too heavy and fall. When these chunks of ice fall, the force can dent vehicles or even crash through roofs. Hail often falls in storms where large amounts of hail fall at one time, often accompanying thunderstorms.

There is little that you can do to prepare your home for hail. In areas where hailstorms are frequent, you may consider replacing an old roof with an impact-resistant one. Likewise, because hail can shatter windows, it’s a good idea to install double-pane windows, and keep your shades or blinds drawn during a hailstorm. To protect yourself, it is important to move indoors and away from windows when a hailstorm begins.

Active volcano shooting lava above a town

How to Prepare for Volcanic Eruptions

When a volcano erupts it spews molten lava and ash that will devastate anything that it comes in contact with. In the event of a volcanic eruption there is nothing that can be done to save a home that is in the path of lava. In this case, you should consider your safety and evacuate the home.

If not in the direct path of lava flow, you may not be advised to evacuate. Keep your windows and doors closed to minimize the amount of ash that enters your home. Place moistened towels in front of closed doors and windows to prevent lava or ash from entering on a draft. If lava threatens your home, you should also cover and unplug all electronics. You should also keep emergency food and water for your family for three days, in case it’s needed.

Conclusion

Even if a natural disaster is not immediately threatening your family, it’s a good idea to keep an emergency kit in your home, and make sure the entire family knows exactly where it’s located. That way, if there’s any type of emergency or disaster, your family will know where there are supplies to help. For each natural disaster scenario, consider sitting down with your family and making a plan, so everyone knows where to go and what to do in case a natural disaster occurs.

Additional Resources

Securing Your Home for Natural Disasters