Protecting Your Home

Proactive Steps Before Evacuation (If You Have Time)

Assuming you have time before evacuating your home in an emergency situation, this chapter proposes proactive steps you can take to protect your home that can minimize damage and facilitate a smoother recovery.

Included are tips for safeguarding your home against floods, fires, severe weather, and other emergencies, as well as reinforcing security and managing utilities. Additionally, it highlights the importance of documenting your home for insurance and recovery purposes.

1. Flood Protection

a. Elevate Valuables:

  • Move valuable items, such as electronics, important documents, and sentimental possessions, to higher levels in your home, away from potential floodwaters.

  • Store important documents and valuables in waterproof containers.

b. Use Sandbags:

  • Place sandbags around doors, windows, and other openings to help prevent floodwater from entering your home.

  • Create barriers around the perimeter of your property if you have enough sandbags.

c. Clear Gutters and Drains:

  • Ensure gutters, downspouts, and storm drains are clear of debris to facilitate proper drainage and reduce the risk of flooding.

2. Fire Protection

a. Remove Flammable Materials:

  • Clear away flammable materials, such as leaves, branches, and other debris, from around your home.

  • Move outdoor furniture, propane tanks, and other combustible items away from the house.

b. Create a Defensible Space:

  • Maintain a defensible space by trimming trees and shrubs and creating a buffer zone between your home and potential fire sources.

  • Use fire-resistant landscaping materials and plants.

c. Install Fire-Resistant Materials:

  • Use fire-resistant roofing, Siding, and windows to help protect your home from fire.

3. Severe Weather Protection

a. Reinforce Windows and Doors:

  • Install storm shutters or board up windows with Plywood to protect against flying debris during severe weather.

  • Reinforce doors, including garage doors, to withstand strong winds.

b. Secure Outdoor Items:

  • Bring outdoor furniture, decorations, and other items inside to prevent them from becoming projectiles in high winds.

  • Anchor larger items, such as sheds, playsets, and garden structures, to the ground to prevent them from being blown away or causing damage.

c. Roof and Structure Maintenance:

  • Regularly inspect and maintain your roof to ensure it is in good condition and can withstand severe weather.

  • Secure any loose shingles and repair any structural weaknesses.

4. Security Measures

a. Install Security Systems:

  • Install a security system that includes alarms, cameras, and motion Sensors to deter intruders and notify you of any security breaches.

  • Ensure your system is battery-backed to function during power outages.

b. Reinforce Entry Points:

  • Install Deadbolt locks on all exterior doors and ensure windows have secure locks.

  • Board up windows and doors with plywood or pre-cut panels.

  • Use door and window reinforcements to make entry points more resistant to forced entry.

c. Secure Outdoor Areas:

  • Ensure gates are locked and fencing is sturdy.

  • Anchor or chain larger items like sheds and playlets to the ground if possible.

5. Utility Management

a. Shut Off Utilities:

  • Know how to safely shut off utilities, including water, gas, and electricity, to prevent further damage during an emergency.

  • Turn off the main Water Supply to prevent water damage if pipes burst or floodwaters rise.

  • Shut off the gas supply to reduce the risk of leaks and explosions.

  • If advised by local authorities, turn off the electricity at the main breaker to prevent electrical fires and damage.

b. Backup Power:

  • Invest in a Generator or portable power bank to provide backup power during extended outages.

  • Ensure you have sufficient fuel and know how to operate your generator safely.

6. Document Your Home

a. Inventory and Photograph:

  • Take an inventory of your possessions and photograph your home’s interior and exterior. This documentation can be invaluable for insurance claims and recovery efforts.

  • Include details such as the make, model, and serial numbers of valuable items.

Loti can help:

We provide a suite of tools to help you document, organize and submit pictures, details and values of your property for insurance purposes.

b. Secure Storage:

  • Store copies of important documents, photographs, and your home inventory in a waterproof and fireproof container.

  • Consider digital backups stored on a secure, password-protected cloud service.

Learn More

Each of the upcoming articles may or may not be relevant to your specific situation but there is so much more to unpack. Let’s explore further…