In recent years, the United States has experienced its share of natural disasters, with the results often devastating. Its true that we cannot control where or when the next disaster will strike, but one thing we should do is prepare in advance, as much as we are able, for one.
We are often advised to have an emergency go kit, containing everything we would need to survive for a few days and something we could grab quickly if needed. Its also wise to have an emergency disaster plan that the entire household is familiar with. This way, in a disaster situation, the family knows exactly what they should do and where they should go.
What about the home? How will that benefit from advanced preparation? Well, if areas of the home are in disrepair, they may present more of a problem during an emergency. For example, loose roof shingles could easily fly off during a storm. Gutters and downspouts should be kept clear of debris as this would also be a problem. What about the chimney, if the home has one? Does that need some repair work? Trees can become a problem during a disaster as they can cause a lot of damage to roofs, power lines and could even injure someone. Make sure trees are well trimmed and do not have loose branches.
It’s important that you are familiar with the location of where to switch off the home’s utilities such as gas, electric and water so that you will be able to quickly turn them off during an emergency.
So, while we never want to have to deal with an emergency disaster situation, being prepared in advance may go a long way to staying safe during one.
We are often advised to have an emergency go kit, containing everything we would need to survive for a few days and something we could grab quickly if needed. Its also wise to have an emergency disaster plan that the entire household is familiar with. This way, in a disaster situation, the family knows exactly what they should do and where they should go.
What about the home? How will that benefit from advanced preparation? Well, if areas of the home are in disrepair, they may present more of a problem during an emergency. For example, loose roof shingles could easily fly off during a storm. Gutters and downspouts should be kept clear of debris as this would also be a problem. What about the chimney, if the home has one? Does that need some repair work? Trees can become a problem during a disaster as they can cause a lot of damage to roofs, power lines and could even injure someone. Make sure trees are well trimmed and do not have loose branches.
It’s important that you are familiar with the location of where to switch off the home’s utilities such as gas, electric and water so that you will be able to quickly turn them off during an emergency.
So, while we never want to have to deal with an emergency disaster situation, being prepared in advance may go a long way to staying safe during one.