A natural disaster can happen anywhere, at any time. In light of deadly spring-like storms that tore through Texas the day after Christmas, ravaging cities and tearing apart neighborhoods, we thought it was time to take a look at some disaster preparations people can make to protect themselves and their properties. Whether you live in earthquake country, tornado alley, or in a hurricane zone, there are important steps you can take.
Get an inspection
Its a given when buying a house, but you can schedule one in your current home, too. An inspection can turn up items that need fixing or replacing, which can save you money and also eliminate dangers from your home that could prove dangerous in a powerful storm.
Hire an engineer
A Texas-based engineer touring tornado damage found "examples of horrific construction in tornado wreckage," said the Dallas Morning News. Timothy Marshall, "a forensic engineer and meteorologist who volunteered as part of a damage survey team created by the Fort Worth office of the National Weather Service" following deadly Texas tornados, "says he saw rampant irresponsibleness in the way many homes and buildings were constructed."
That included "improper attachment of the walls to the foundations, which just made walls fall either in or out," in numerous structures, including Donald T. Shields Elementary in Glenn Heights, shown below. An engineer can help identify structural issues that could affect your home in a powerful storm.
Get prepared
The Texas tornadoes hit in the middle of the night, when vision was compromised. Earthquakes hit with no warning, whatsoever. No matter what type of storm is likely to hit your area, proper preparation is key.
Develop an emergency plan for your family
Bob Vilas tips for creating an emergency plan at home include:
Know your disaster
Its not always easy to predict what kind of storm may hit your area - flooding can happen almost anywhere. But knowing the basics of storms that are common to your city and recommendations for what to do in an emergency can help keep you safe.
In an earthquake:
According to Earthquake Country, "In MOST situations, you will reduce your chance of injury if you:
Experts warn that the most substantial danger to people in an earthquake is from falling objects. This is a great time to secure bookcases or any other items that could fall or be catapulted off of a wall or shelf. "Secure top heavy furniture to walls with flexible straps. Use earthquake putty or Velcro fasteners for objects on tables, shelves, or other furniture," they said. "Install safety latches on cabinets to keep them closed." Get more info here.
In a tornado:
"The best shelter from a tornado is a basement or storm cellar. If neither one is available, go to an inside room without windows on the lowest level of the building," said News 9. "Cover yourself with something, such as pillows, a mattress or blankets. Place as many walls between you and the outside as possible."
Other tips include:
You can get information on safe rooms on the FEMA website and learn about storm shelters in your area on the National Storm Shelter Associations site.
In a hurricane:
In addition to checking your insurance coverage, said MNN, youll want to "protect your property by installing the following items in your home:
An evacuation plan is also key, as is an emergency supply kit with food; water; medications; pet supplies; items like toilet paper, soap, toothbrushes, and toothpaste; a basic first-aid kit; flashlights with extra batteries; and blankets and pillows.
In a flood:
Flood waters can rise quickly. According to FloodSmart.gov, you can stay safe during a flood by:
If youre suffered a flood, learn the steps to take toward recovery here.