Preparing your home for a storm is essential to avoiding any disasters that might befall you, your family, or your house. There are many types of storms, including hurricanes, hail, floods, and tornadoes. Likewise, all of these extreme weather conditions are inevitable in some areas. If you are prepared for when a natural disaster strikes as a homeowner, you will save yourself from so many future headaches.
The Important Information
Knowing the proper response when a storm hits can make or break a situation and significantly reduce the damage to your home. The goal should be to remain safe during a natural disaster. You will need to know how to shut off the gas line. If you smell gas during or after a storm, shut off the lines immediately if there is a leak. You can contact your gas company for advice on the tools to help shut off your gas. To avoid contamination, you may also need to shut off the water. The main shut-off valve is typically in the front yard near the street or sidewalk. Then, you can usually shut it off by turning it clockwise with an adjustable wrench (It may be challenging to turn). You should know about your eclectic circuit box. It is usually in the garage or basement. You can open the box and locate the “main” circuit breaker switch to cut the power off to the entire house. Making sure you are thoroughly familiar with the designated evacuation routes surrounding your neighborhood is another vital step in your emergency plan, as well as where the closest designated shelter is if you cannot evacuate.
The Steps of Damage Prevention
No one can always fully predict the weather with 100% certainty. Thus, preparing your home for a storm is something you must do. Prepare for the worst in hopes of preventing or managing potential damage, such as securing homeowners insurance. With such valuable investments, you will want to ensure you are protected. Here are some tips to help manage the severity of the damage:
Indoor Prep
- Label fuse box switches.
- Store important documents irreplaceable in a waterproof/fireproof safe on the highest level.
- Fire extinguishers are essential, especially in the kitchen and garage.
- Use power strips for electronics, so it’s easier to cut the power.
Outdoor prep
- Install storm shutters on windows.
- Keep tree branches well-trimmed (not hanging over the roof).
- Store outdoor objects securely.
- Keep the gutters clear to allow proper flow.
- Fix grade issues that may lead to flooding.
Regardless of how well you secure your house, evacuation is sometimes best. You should ensure you are stocked up on essential supplies to prepare before a storm strikes adequately. Keep the supplies in a secure bag and handy location so you grab and go at a moment’s notice. The supplies include but are not limited to:
- Bottled waters (One gallon per person per day for at least three days).
- First aid kit
- First aid manual
- Battery-operated radio
- NOAA weather radio
- Extra batteries
- Utility knife
- Whistle
- Cell phone with pre-charged portable charger
- Non-perishable food
- Manual can opener
- Extra prescriptions and medications
- Flashlight
- Change of clothes
- Basic hand tool set
- Copy of insurance
- Copy of medical documents
- Waterproof matches
- Fire extinguisher
- Pet’s essential supplies such as excess water and food as the bare minimum
About Transparity Insurance Services
Transparity Insurance Services was founded for the purpose of helping clients to ensure their property and assets with no hassle. We are committed to providing a simple, easy, efficient, and positive experience to all of our clients, and prioritize open and transparent communication with our clients. Through our excellent customer service and technology, we can help you to find the right insurance program at a competitive price. Contact us today at (855) 889-2037 to learn more about what we can do for you.