How to Be Prepared When Disaster Strikes

All homeowners should be prepared for an emergency. Making advance preparations can safeguard your home and keep your family safe. Here are some things that you can do to be prepared in the event that a disaster strikes your area.

Get an Alternate Power Source

Some weather events bring down power lines or cause entire stations to lose service. In other instances, a county may proactively turn off power to prevent fires or damages. When your home is without power for an extended period of time, you won’t be able to control the temperature inside, power medical equipment, or preserve perishable food. You also won’t be able to power and charge electronic devices that you may need to communicate or get updates on what’s happening. A solar panel battery can provide emergency power in the event that your home loses electricity.

Fortify Your Home Against the Elements

High winds and heavy rains can make your home vulnerable to serious destruction. Impact windows and doors will protect your home against hurricane-force winds and prevent it from getting battered or flooded. You won’t have to struggle to find supplies to board up doors and windows that may or may not work at the same time that a lot of people are trying to get them. You’ll have peace of mind knowing that your home has the best physical protection possible.

Stock Up on Essential Items

You need to have enough emergency food supplies and water in your home to ensure that you’ll be okay spending more than a week there. Ideally, you should have two weeks of supplies. You’ll also want to be able to bring supplies with you in the event that you have to evacuate. Try to get nonperishable food items. If you get anything canned, be sure that you have something to open it with. Plan on having a gallon of water per day on hand for everyone in your household.

Get an Emergency Radio

In the event that power, internet, and cable service are out in your area, an emergency radio could be the only way that you can get important information. Get a battery powered or hand-crank controlled radio.

Know Your County’s Evacuation Route

If you live in an area that is susceptible to hurricanes or wildfires, your county may already have an evacuation route for residents established. Look at your county’s emergency preparedness plan to familiarize yourself with the best way to access the emergency evacuation route so you won’t be struggling to find your way in inclement conditions.

Fill Your Car’s Gas Tank

When you’re on notice that a big storm is coming your way, you should make it a point to fill your gas tank so you’ll be able to make it through your county’s evacuation route and cover as much distance as possible. When there’s news of an imminent weather disaster, a lot of gas stations tend to run out of gas completely and it can be very difficult to find. Being prepared to leave could be the difference between following and evacuation order or having to ride out a dangerous storm inside of your home.

Make Provisions for Your Pets

When you’re planning on preparing food and water supplies, don’t forget your pet. You’ll want to make sure that you have enough food, water treats, and any prescription medications. If you’re a dog owner, get some pads that your dogs can relieve themselves on in case it won’t be possible to go out in severe weather conditions. If you’re a cat owner, be sure that you have a carrier to transport your cat safely in case you need to evacuate.

As the climate crisis worsens and storms and wildfires become more severe across the globe, it’s particularly important that you make preparations for the possibility of a disaster striking your area. Ultimately, it’s always a good idea to hope for the best but prepare for the worst.