Hurricanes can be very destructive, especially if you’re not prepared for it. Aside from boarding up your windows, double-checking if your lot is prone to floods, and preparing an emergency disaster kit, it’s also important to protect the inside of your home for the coming disaster. This will help prevent incidents that can worsen an already perilous situation.
1. Ensure that smoke alarms are functioning
Whether caused by debris hitting nearby power lines or an electrical surge, fires are still known to happen during a hurricane. There are even cases where residents are left unaware until the flames have already grown to an uncontrollable size, forcing them to evacuate and face the wrath of the storm.
To prevent such an accident from happening in your home, it’s important to make sure all smoke alarms are functioning before the storm. These alarms should be present in all floors to make sure even unoccupied rooms that catch fire can be saved before it spreads to other areas.
2. Put towels near doors and windows
Water damage is one of the results of your home being hit by a nasty hurricane. Knowing this, it’s important that preventive measures are applied to minimize damage on your living room floors, furniture, and electronics. Do this by putting down towels and other absorbent materials by the doors and windows to absorb any water that leaks through.
It is also recommended that you relocate any valuables prone to water damage antiques, wooden furniture, and living room rugs to dry areas or higher floors for the time being. This makes sure that your valuables stay safe and dry even if you first floor gets flooded.
3. Unplug electrical items
During a storm, it may be tempting to switch on the TV, have the kids play video games, or use the computer to pass the time. But you have to remember that these activities can endanger your family during a hurricane, as keeping these items plugged in and working can increase the chances of sparking an electrical fire.
To prevent this, use battery operated devices such as the radio to stay tuned to the news. To keep the kids entertained, you can join them in a game of Scrabble, Monopoly, or any other board games or child-friendly activitiesyou can do at home.
These are just some of the things you can do to ensure the safety of everyone inside your home during a hurricane. What other activities can you recommend to help secure and organize your home during such a natural disaster? Feel free to share your ideas – we’d love to hear from you!
Preparing Your Home for Hurricane Season