Bushfires, floods, storms…..these are timely reminders that a force mightier than human beings guides the planet. While we might often feel helpless in the wake of natural disasters, there is no harm (and only gain) in keeping ourselves as well shielded as possible. Within the ambit of this article, let me talk about a few ways you can prepare your home against storm.
Insurance cover
Before I talk about protecting yourself from the onslaught of storm, let me point out the significance of insurance. Storms not only threaten your safety but also propose a caveat to your property.
Property plus Liability insurance
An insurance cover that comprises of both kind of indemnities- property insurance and liability insurance- will hold you good against property damage as well as injuries (if any) you sustain during the course of the storm.
Now that I am done talking about indemnity, let me talk about the preventive measures you should engage in to curb storm damage.
- Trim any tree branch which may act as aerial missile in case of high velocity winds.
- Ensure the removal of trees that are within striking distance of power lines. Uprooted power lines can set trees ablaze and the scene of storm may shift to a scene of abrupt fire.
- Make sure that your roof and rain gutters are in fine shape. While they may not propose you a threat directly, they are extremely vulnerable to storms themselves; especially when they are not in their sturdiest shape. Storms can weaken their structural integrity and bring forth needs of costly renovations.
- Keep the basement area living-worthy. In case of continued stormy conditions, you may have to take shelter in your basement for some time.
- Keep your vehicles in a secure area and preferably covered.
- Make sure that any pets you may have are far away from the line of danger. Being the more rational species, it is your duty to safeguard them during unusual circumstances.
- If you have potentially hazardous objects lined up in your patio area or front acreage, remove them even as the first warning of storm is sounded.
- Strengthen the external structure of your windows. Use a stronger mesh or a sturdier reinforcement screen for the purpose if your home is more susceptible to storms or storm-like conditions.
- On the very first warning from the weather department, shut off all the electric meters and gas supply line.
- Prepare an evacuation plan for the worst case and leave your emergency contact number with close friends and relatives.
- Make sure that you have provisions which lasts the course of storm if a long one is predicted for your area.
The idea can be very well summarised by an old saying “prepare for the worst and hope for the best”.
Can you share an example where your pre-emptive/precautionary measure against storm saved you the day?
Related Posts
