Although nobody wants to think of the “worst case scenario,” it is often better to prepare for it. National Preparedness Month was developed in 2004 as a way to encourage Americans to take precautions in preparation for an emergency or disaster.
National Preparedness Month has been recognized each September for the past 16 years, but in the midst of the Coronavirus pandemic, a time of frequent natural disasters, and nationwide disputes – preparation is more prominent this year than ever.
“Disasters don’t wait. Make your plan today” is the theme for this year’s National Preparedness Month.
It is important to spend time prepping your home for unexpected risks, so you can react to a disaster more quickly and efficiently if one happens to strike.
Today, we will be covering a few tips on how you can participate in National Preparedness Month by prepping your home and property for any trouble that may come to your neck of the woods – just in case.
Prepare a Survival Kit
Having a survival kit packed and ready in case of an emergency is never a bad idea. Most survival kits include some sort of canned food, water bottles, a first aid kit, and flashlights. However, you can get as crafty as you want with clothing items, blankets, wireless phone chargers, etc. Make your survival kit more fun by throwing in a deck of cards and a board game.
Keep Insurance Documents Handy
It is important to have your home insurance documents in a safe location that is easily accessible in case of an emergency. Many homeowners keep their insurance documents in a fireproof box. These documents need to be present for proof of claims.
Designate a Safe Room
Designate a safe room in your home where you and your family will head to in the event of a disaster. The main purpose of a safe room is to protect you during an ugly storm or tornado, and is most effective when it is located in the middle of the house with very few or no windows. Safe rooms are also a great storage spot for emergency kits and supplies.
Build Your Home With Storm-Tough Components
Did you know that you can build or remodel your home with strong, storm-tough components? These are stronger, more durable components that will protect you and your home during storms and other natural disasters. This is not only smart for safety, but is very budget friendly. An effective example of this would be upgrading your roof to metal or wind-resistant asphalt shingles.
Keep Vehicles in Secured Location
Not only should your family members be hidden in a safe, secure location during wicked storms or natural disasters, but it is wise to keep your vehicles in one too. Not only do cars that stay in garages overnight experience less break-ins, they are also subject to less damage from bad weather or storms. If you don’t have a garage to park your car in, avoid parking under basketball hoops, trees, and other standing objects when severe storms are a possibility.
Install a Security System
Disasters do not always have to be weather related, and you can truly never be too prepared for unexpected emergencies or events. Installing a security system protects your home, property, valuables, and provides safety to you and your family.
Invest in a Generator
A generator provides backup portable power during a power outage. Cooling, heating, cooking, and other daily activities would still be possible while running off a generator. It will also save you a headache or two during a power outage so you aren’t trying to salvage food in the refrigerator, running your car in the driveway to charge your phone, etc.
Stock the Pantry
Make sure your pantry always has a supply of nonperishable foods in case of an emergency. Depending on the situation, you may not be able to run out to the store for groceries or get takeout from your local restaurants for dinner.
These days, there is just no such thing as ‘too safe.” National Preparedness Month is a great way to spread awareness across America on preparing in advance for life’s hiccups.