Getting your home ready for a natural disaster is important for keeping your family safe and minimising damage. With natural disasters becoming more common, it’s smart to prepare your home now. This guide will show you simple steps to protect your home from things like floods, earthquakes, or storms. We’ll cover how to secure your house, make emergency plans, and gather necessary supplies. By following these easy tips, you can make your home safer and better protected against unexpected events.
Basic kit for survival without basic services
Put together necessities for a 48-hour period without power or other necessities. Add flashlights, blankets, trash bags, batteries, water for three days, and food for at least two days.
Shelter and comfort
- Blankets: To keep warm.
- Tarp: For temporary shelter or to cover things.
- Sleeping bags: For warmth and comfort.
- Pillows: For better rest.
- Whistles: To signal for help.
- Food and water
- Three-day water supply: At least one gallon per person each day.
- Two days’ worth of food: Non-perishable items like canned goods or energy bars.
- Can opener: To open canned food.
- Utensils: Plates, cups, and cutlery.
- Cooking stove or grill (if possible): To cook food.
Hygiene and first aid
- First aid kit: Includes bandages, antiseptic wipes, and pain relievers.
- Toilet paper: For hygiene.
- Hand sanitizer: For cleaning hands.
- Soap and water: For personal hygiene.
- Garbage bags: For waste disposal.
- Plastic bags: For storing items.
- Flashlights: For light.
- Batteries: For flashlights, radios, and other devices.
- Battery-powered radio: To stay updated with news.
- Emergency contact list: Important phone numbers.
Other essentials
- Cash and coins: For purchases.
- Important documents: Copies of ID, insurance, and medical records in a waterproof container.
- Pet supplies: Food, water, and medications for pets.
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Managing gas usage for your emergency generator
Understanding how much fuel your generator uses helps you prepare better. For example, if you have a 5,500-watt generator that uses five gallons of gasoline to run for about eight hours, it uses around 0.625 gallons per hour. This helps you figure out how long you can run the generator based on your fuel supply. To calculate your fuel needs, first estimate how long the power outage might last and how many hours each day you’ll need the generator. Multiply the total hours by the generator’s fuel usage rate to find out how much fuel you’ll need. Make sure your gas containers are big enough and follow safety rules when handling gasoline. Store the containers in a cool, dry place away from any flames.
Preparing insurance documents
When preparing for a natural disaster, having your insurance papers ready can help speed up the claims process and get you the help you need quickly. Make sure to include these key documents in your emergency kit:
- Home insurance policy: This document shows what your insurance covers and its terms.
- Proof of ownership: Include documents like the deed or title to your property.
- Inventory of possessions: List your belongings and their value to help with loss assessment.
- Receipts and documentation: Keep receipts for valuable items like electronics or jewellery.
- Contact information: Have the contact details for your insurance agent or company and emergency services.
Planning an escape in case of emergencies
To stay safe during a disaster, it’s important to plan your safety spots and keep emergency contact details ready:
Choosing safe spots
Pick a safe place near your home where you can find shelter and protection. Make sure it’s easy to reach, has necessary amenities, and is close to emergency services.
Choose an alternative place in case the primary spot is not accessible or safe. This could be a friend’s or family member’s home, a local shelter, or an evacuation area.
Setting up an out-of-town contact
Pick a trustworthy person who lives outside your area to be your emergency contact. They can help if you can’t reach local friends or family. Give this person your primary and backup safety locations and your own contact details.
Keeping emergency numbers ready
Write down important emergency numbers, including:
- Local emergency services (police, fire, ambulance)
- National disaster relief agencies
- Your insurance company
- Poison control centre
- Healthcare providers
- Utilities (electricity, gas, water)
- Transportation authorities
Keep copies of this list in various places, like your wallet, car, and home.
Learning defence techniques for emergency situations
First aid and CPR
Learn the basics of first aid, such as how to treat cuts, burns, sprains, and fractures. It’s also important to know how to perform CPR, which can help save someone who isn’t breathing. Getting certified in first aid and CPR from a reputable organisation is a good idea.
Self-defence
Be aware of your surroundings and avoid dangerous areas during a disaster. Learn simple self-defence techniques to protect yourself and gain confidence to deter potential threats.
Survival skills
Know how to build temporary shelters with available materials. Learn how to purify water to make sure it’s safe to drink and practice starting a fire for warmth, light, and cooking. Basic navigation skills are also useful to find your way if you’re in an unfamiliar place.
Disaster preparedness
Prepare an emergency kit with essentials like food, water, first aid supplies, a flashlight, a battery-powered radio, and extra clothes. Create an evacuation plan for your home and workplace, including routes and meeting points. Set up a communication plan with family and friends to stay in touch during a disaster.
Home prerequisites for different types of natural disasters
Earthquake
To prepare for an earthquake, make sure heavy furniture and appliances are secured to the walls. Check that your home’s foundation and walls are strong and stable. Keep an emergency kit ready with important items like a first aid kit, flashlight, batteries, and a battery-powered radio.
Hurricane
For hurricanes, protect your windows and doors by installing storm shutters or plywood boards. Trim any weak or dead branches from trees to avoid them causing damage during high winds. Have an emergency kit with essentials like food, water, a first aid kit, and a battery-powered radio.
Flood
In case of flooding, store important documents and valuables on higher floors to keep them safe from water damage. Installing a sump pump can help remove excess water from your basement. Prepare an emergency kit with a first aid kit, flashlight, batteries, and a battery-powered radio.
Tornado
To prepare for a tornado, secure outdoor objects or bring them inside to prevent them from becoming dangerous projectiles. Find a safe room in your home, such as a basement or an interior room without windows. Keep an emergency kit with a first aid kit, flashlight, batteries, and a battery-powered radio.
Wildfire
For wildfires, clear away flammable debris like dry leaves and twigs from around your home. Create a defensible space by removing flammable vegetation and setting up a firebreak around your property. Have an emergency kit with a first aid kit, flashlight, batteries, and a battery-powered radio ready.
FAQs
You can stay informed by monitoring local news, weather reports, and emergency alert systems. Additionally, you can subscribe to emergency alerts from your local government.
Creating a comprehensive emergency plan is crucial. This includes identifying evacuation routes, designating a meeting place, and assembling an emergency kit.
It's recommended to review and update your emergency plan at least once a year or whenever significant changes occur in your household, such as new family members or a change in address.
Aim to have at least a three-day supply of food and water for each person in your household.
Prepare an emergency kit for your pets, including food, water, medications, and a carrier. Make sure you know the location of pet-friendly shelters in your area.
If you're unable to evacuate, seek shelter in a designated safe room within your home, such as a basement or an interior room without windows. Stay informed about the situation and follow the instructions of local authorities.
Unplug electronics from power sources when not in use and consider using surge protectors to protect them from damage. How can I stay informed about potential natural disasters in my area?
What is the most important step in preparing my home for a natural disaster?
How often should I update my emergency plan?
How long should I have supplies stored in my emergency kit?
How can I protect my pets during a natural disaster?
What should I do if I'm unable to evacuate my home during a disaster?
How can I protect my electronics from power surges during a natural disaster?
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