Preparing for an emergency is something that everyone knows they’re supposed to do, but how many of us actually do it as well as we should? Many people cut corners on emergency supplies — after all, it’s an easy choice between getting groceries for the week and replenishing slightly expired emergency supplies.
However, with natural disasters like hurricanes and earthquakes costing billions of dollars each year, it’s clear that being prepared for an emergency is crucial so you have a plan if the time ever comes. Keep reading to learn safety preparedness tips for common natural disasters and for a downloadable checklist of disaster supply necessities.
Hurricanes
Hurricanes, or tropical cyclones, are powerful natural disasters that affect much of the United States. With the Eastern Pacific, Central Pacific, and Atlantic all having hurricane seasons, it’s important to be prepared for any category of a hurricane that might come your way. Keep reading for some tips on preparing for a hurricane:
Know where your electricity flip off switch is
Have a crank radio to listen to updates from authorities if landlines are down
Have a set place in your house where your family will meet, away from windows and on a lower level
Clear debris like fallen tree branches from outside your house to prevent it from becoming dangerous during high winds.
Wildfires
Wildfires have become especially prevalent in recent years, with a total of nearly 340,000 structures destroyed in 2019 alone. States like California, North Carolina, Georgia, and Texas are the most likely to be affected by wildfires, but it’s important that your whole family knows what to do just in case. Here are some wildfire preparedness tips for your home:
Consistently clear flammable items near your house like dried leaves and pine needles
Choose non-flammable outside decor like gravel instead of wood chips or tanbark
Create fuel breaks like driveways or gravel paths
Make sure everyone knows how to shut off the gas to your home
Create a family exit plan
Earthquakes
Earthquakes are sudden natural disasters that can come on without warning and are particularly likely on the west coast of the U.S. in areas like Alaska, California, Hawaii, and Washington. Being prepared for an earthquake is especially important since they happen instantaneously so you have no time to prepare or brief your family on what’s going on. Here’s how you can keep your home secure during an earthquake:
Keep heavier items on the ground floor of your home
Have a fire extinguisher in the house
Practice shutting off utilities with your family
Preparing for a natural disaster isn’t fun, but it is important. For an easy way to make sure your home is prepared for an emergency, check out this printable disaster supply checklist by TurboTenant to keep your home and family secure.
