Disaster Proofing Your Home

This week on the blog we’ll be looking at ways you can disaster proof your home or business to keep damage to a minimum during a natural disaster.

First, try to learn about the structural integrity of your home or office. Is it safe and able to withstand
disaster? Next, look for any signs of danger, and remember, in a severe storm, ordinary items
in the home can cause injury and damage. Anything that can move, fall, break,
or cause a fire is a potential hazard. To minimize damage to your home in a
disaster, you’ll want to take the following precautions (list provided by Contractor Connection)

• Repair defective electrical wiring and leaky gas connections.

• Fasten shelves securely and brace overhead light fixtures.

• Avoid placing beds in front of windows. Hang pictures and mirrors away from beds.

• Secure water heater and oil tank to wall studs.

• Store weed killers, pesticides, and flammable products away from heat sources.

• Place oily polishing rags or waste in covered metal cans.

• Clean, repair, and maintain chimneys, flue pipes, vent connectors, and gas vents.

• Repair cracks in ceilings or foundations.

• Anchor heavy appliances, bookcases, and furniture to wall studs or floor.

• Place large, heavy objects on lower shelves.

• Keep hanging plants to a minimum. Use plastic pots instead of ceramic, and close or tie hooks and hangers shut.

• Store dishes, glassware, and pots in closed, latched cabinets instead of hanging or displaying them.

• Check hallways, exits, doors, and windows for hazards and obstructions. Keep the key easily accessible near locked doors or passages. Do not permanently bar, nail or paint windows or doors shut.

Check back next week for more natural disaster prep tips!