Not only is your home probably the largest single investment you will ever make; it is also the place you rest, eat, entertain friends, laugh, and a place of so many memories, good and bad. So you should always do everything you can to protect it. To help prepare for possible disasters, there is a lot of things you can do beforehand. Try these tips to help you rest assured your home is as safe and secure as possible.
1. Roof - If you are in a hurricane or tornado prone area, consider getting your roof reinforced. Experts can add fasteners that will provide more stability. They can also install stronger shingles to increase your safety.
2. Windows - In an area where high winds or hurricanes or tornados are common, you should install wind resistant shutters, to protect your windows as well as the rest of the interior of the home, from damage.
3. Trees- You don't have to cut down every tree in sight to safeguard your home. Some trees can protect your home from the weather are and good for your home. But the trees around your house are one of the biggest threats to any home in a natural disaster. They should have annual inspections and any diseased areas that may be prone to breaking should be removed.
4. Doors- Check all your doors as a safety precaution. Make sure all doors have tight and secure hinges, and a dead bolt lock installed. If your doors are not solid wood or hollow steel, consider replacing them with ones that are.
5. Vehicles - Most people overlook their vehicles when planning against disaster for their home. Always store your vehicles in a garage if you know a disaster is pending. Tornados will effortlessly pick up your car if it is parked on the road, turning it into a danger when it falls back down. This helps to protect your home as well as your safety.
6. Tools ? It's normal for homeowners to leave rakes, shovels, lawnmowers and other tools lying around the yard. To be as safe as possible, at all times homeowners should put their tools in a garage or storage shed. Left out in the yard, they become lethal weapons when picked up by strong winds.
7- Shut Off Valves- clear items away from the areas around your gas, electric, and water shut off valves. You might need to get to them fast during or after a disaster strikes.
