We deal with different forms of threats every day. Although there are threats that we can avoid, there are those that are out of our control. Among these threats are the natural disasters. There are various types of natural disasters. This includes flood, hurricane, wildfire and tornado. In order to prepare for these disasters, we should learn about the potential disaster that will happen in our community.
The most important aspect of storm-proofing your house is your roof. Make sure that your shingles are in good repair and properly glued down. If you have any concerns about them, they can be spot glued for additional strength. This will help keep water damage out of your home.
China cabinets, wardrobes, and bookshelves can be prone to falling into a room in an earthquake because they are often quite tall and heavy; furniture-securing items are available at your local home improvement store. Other items that need securing are appliances like hot water tanks and fridges; products designed for securing these types of appliances are also available at home improvement stores.
Some modern versions of the classic storm cellar can be purchased to install under your garage floor either at the time of building or aftermarket. They are usually steel with a sliding door on top that allows you to continue using your garage for parking in. They tend to be rather close quarters inside.
Although hurricanes are rare in Hawaii, their season is from June to November. They often result in tropical storms which can cause damage, power outages and flooding. Hawaii residents have learned, when a storm warning is in effect it pays to be ready.
To further add to homeowner woes in the state, the high cost of covering home owners in hurricane prone areas of coastal Florida is causing State Farm to cut 125,000 home owner policies over the next year and a half. The company quit writing new insurance policies two years ago due to the high cost of liability in Florida.
None of us want to deal with natural disasters. However, they are things that are beyond our control. The best way to deal with it is to make the necessary preparations so that we endure less damage when these disasters strike. Many think that it will never happen to them until it hits them. What is sad is that no one can reverse its effects and it will take time before anyone can recover from it unless there are ample preparations.
Hang heavy items, pictures, mirrors, etc. away from beds and couches and brace overhead lighting and fans. Make sure all flammable liquids and dangerous chemicals are stored in a secure location. Ensure electrical and gas connections are in good condition and inspect for deep cracks in ceilings and foundations.
This will help to avoid any accidents and injury if it so happens that there is extremely warm or cold weather, if there is a hurricane or a tornado, or excessive rain and flooding. Something else that home owners should consider is having and maintaining emergency supplies like water, flashlights with additional batteries, pre-packaged food, and a well-stocked first aid kit.
Seal the interior of your concrete basement with a concrete sealer to help keep moisture seepage out if the water table raises due to flood waters. Try not to keep appliances in your basement or on the first floor if you live in a flood prone area to avoid damage to your belongings.
While the technology to construct earthquake-resistant buildings has existed for many years, tsunami-proof housing is very much in its infancy. Evacuation to higher, safer, ground is pretty much the best option, but if your home is hit by a significant wave, the amount of damage that it could cause could be astronomical.
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