With proper planning, you can minimize the likelihood and impact of a disaster harming you, your family, or your home. Here are some tips to help you prepare ahead of time:
According to the Global Risks Reports 2019 survey, the gravest and most likely threats facing the world over the next decade include extreme weather and natural disasters.
- Establish a disaster plan. Consider special needs, make sure everyone knows his or her responsibilities, and practice your plan regularly. If time permits, turn off electricity, gas and the main water valve before evacuating.
- Create an emergency kit. This should include necessary medications, blankets, bottled water, flashlight with new batteries.
- Prepare for power outage. Consider installing a back-up generator to keep your home’s lighting, hot water, temperature, humidity levels, and security alarms working if the power goes out. If the power goes out, and you don’t have a generator, keep your fridge and freezer doors closed.
- Protect your jewelry and valuables. Use a safe to help protect jewelry and other valuables from damage during a flood, hurricane, or other extreme weather event.
- Don’t forget about your fine art and other collectibles. Make a plan to protect your precious family heirlooms and other valuable items.
- Know how to use your manual garage release. If you have an electric garage door opener, it won’t work in a power outage, so know what to do to get in or out.
- Check with local authorities about water safety. If you doubt your water’s safety, boil a pot of it for a minute or use the bottled variety.
