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With hurricane season underway in many parts of the world, it's important to know how to handle a storm. Even if you don't live in a place with hurricanes, you should prepare yourself for emergencies—especially if you have a family! Here are the best ways to prepare your home from a storm to keep yourself safe.
1) Buy a Portable Generator
A portable generator is one of the first things you should consider when a storm is on its way. That way, you won't have to worry about losing power. You can charge your devices in the middle of a storm, cook, and even watch television while you wait out the hurricane or tornado.
The experts at generatoradvisor.com have compiled reviews of the best portable generators. Consider the price, wattage, noise, and size of your generator to make the right purchase.
2) Take Stock of Your Possessions
To prepare for a major storm, you should document all the belongings inside and outside your home. An easy way to do this is to take photos or a video recording of your house. Be thorough—pictures should be at every angle and zoom in on valuable items.
Documentation is important because it will help you file a claim if your house sustains storm damage and you need to talk to your insurance. This way, you can receive money to account for the damages to your house. Be sure to send all pictures and videos to your insurance agent. Also, store them in a place where you can't lose them in a hurricane.
3) Secure Your Roof
For particularly strong storms, it's possible that the roof of your home could be in danger. A certified contractor can help efficiently secure your roof. This may involve trusses in a lateral bracing system. These should also be braced to the house. This method is especially effective for gable-ended roofs.
Roofs with skylights can be risky in a storm. Luckily, there are ways to replace your skylight with updated versions that meet current safety standards. Many times, companies have affordable options to help renovate your skylight.
4) Shutter Your Windows
When faced with a storm, always put shutters over your windows. Hurricane shutters are required to pass the 1994 Southern Building Congress codes. This means that the shutters are able to handle debris flying at hundreds of miles per hour.
Many people opt to install their own window shutters. This often means securing plywood to the house. This can be a taxing, stressful job to take on as a hurricane approaches. Opting to hire someone to install shutters for you may be an effective way to spend money when you are protecting your home.
5) Buy Drinking Water
You never know how long you'll be stuck inside during a storm. It's possible that you may not have running water at this time, either. This means you should invest in at least one gallon of water per person per day. Dehydration is no joke.
6) Have an Emergency Contact
You should ensure you have someone out of town who knows where you are staying for the storm. This is in case you need anything after the storm passes, or somewhere to go if your home ends up destroyed. The person should be reliable and willing to lend a hand in the worst-case scenario.
In Conclusion
Living through a hurricane, tornado, or typhoon can be scary, but there are ways to prepare yourself. Making sure your home is protected is one of the most important things to consider before a storm.
