Weather can change dramatically and often quite suddenly, causing severe destruction, injuries, and even fatalities. In the last few years especially, we have witnessed increasingly violent weather phenomena. Fortunately, today's improved weather alert services are often able to warn us of impending natural disasters well before they occur. This advance warning allows people to prepare themselves and their homes to weather the storm.
In some cases, the best means of defense is to evacuate the area. This is often done when the scale of the disaster seems too tremendous to cope with. However, at other times people may not be able to evacuate, or during lesser emergencies, they may choose to stay at home and wait it out. In the latter situation, being properly prepared is essential. This means that at least some stages of preparation should be done well in advance, even before there is any warning about a natural disaster.
A key part of family safety during a disaster is having a sufficient amount of supplies, as well as an emergency kit. A basic version is usually built to sustain each member of the household for a minimum of three days. The purpose of this is that people can very easily be trapped within a building without any signs of help for quite some time. A disaster kit typically includes a bountiful supply of water for drinking and cleaning, along with non-perishable canned or packaged foods, a can opener, a first aid kit, flashlights and batteries, cell phones and chargers, emergency phone numbers, and a radio. Other useful items to have are prescription medications, supplies for infants and pets, cash, matches, and personal hygiene items.
By creating this kit and packing it ahead of time, emergency preparation becomes much easier and quicker when a natural disaster is announced. It’s equally important to have a predetermined action plan, so that each person in the house knows exactly what to do when a disaster strikes. Without a proper action plan, people often tend to first panic, acting illogically, which may put them directly in the path of danger. Examples of emergency plans include fire drills or deciding on an emergency meeting spot. At least two people in the household should be trained in CPR and know how to deliver first aid in case of medical emergencies. Learn more about home preparedness during natural disasters with some of these helpful resources.
Floods
- Flood Preparation and Insurance Concerns
- How to Cope During a Flood
- Recovery Steps After a Flood
- Post-Flood Food Safety and Preparation Tips
- Ways to Prevent Flood Damage Indoors
- Florida Home Improvement Professionals: For After the Flood
- A Series of Flood Recovery Checklists
Hurricanes
- Safety Before, During, and After a Hurricane
- Planning Before a Hurricane Strikes
- Tips for Surviving a Hurricane
- Preparing Your Home for Hurricane Season
- Minimizing Property Damage During Hurricanes
Tornadoes
Earthquakes
- Pre-Earthquake Safety Preparation Steps
- Precautions Before, During, and After an Earthquake
- How to Manage When an Earthquake Strikes
- Key Earthquake Safety and Preparation Tips
- Earthquake Safety for Homeowners
- Home Improvement Pros in California
- Safety Procedures for Earthquakes
- A Video on Earthquake Preparation and Survival
Heat Waves
- Extreme Heat Preparation and Coping Techniques
- Safety Rules for Surviving a Heat Wave
- Ways to Prepare for a Heat Wave
Fires
- Information for Parents on Eliminating Home Fire Hazards
- Assessing Wildfire Property Damage and More
- Landscaping as a Home Protection Method from Wildfires
Severe Thunderstorms
Winter Storms & Blizzards
- Home and Food Safety During a Winter Storm
- Dealing With Power Outages in Winter Storms
- How to Get Ready for Winter Storms
- Using a Generator Indoors During Winter Storms
- Tips for Coping With Frozen Indoor Pipes
General Disaster Preparedness
- Dangerous Weather Survival Kit for Kids
- FEMA Disaster Preparedness Resources
- Earthquake Safety Lessons and Activities for Students
- How to Build a 72-Hour Emergency Survival Kit
- Be a Sun-Safe Kid
- Fire Safety Games and Activities for Kids
- Emergency and Natural Disaster Organizations
Additional Home Safety & Maintenance Resources
- Home Maintenance Checklist
- Home Inspection Checklist
- House Foundation Issues
- Concrete Calculator
- Roof Pitch Calculator
Conclusion
Knowing what to do in a home emergency can be vital to insuring the safety of your home, yourself and others. Use these resources to prepare if anything were to happen.
