Week Two – Disaster Safety & Mitigation

The severe weather that has stretched across much of the United States this Spring has highlighted the dangers and devastation that tornados and thunderstorms can bring to entire communities. Since violent weather cannot always be predicted, homeowners should take the time to prepare for the possibilities of storms and natural disasters.

Plan in advance. Develop a family disaster plan that includes a list of food and water supplies needed for each member of your family; supplies for your pets; important documents and files; maps of local evacuation routes and emergency shelter locations; important contact information for local emergency providers; and a checklist of important things to do before, during and after a disaster.
Create a family disaster kit. Be sure to gather the following items to ensure your family's basic comfort and well being in case of evacuation: Cash; water (at least one gallon per person for three to seven days); food to last three to seven days; a battery-powered radio and NOAA weather radio; blankets, pillows, etc.; clothing for each person; a first aid kit; special items for babies and the elderly, including any necessary medications; toiletries; flashlight and batteries.

Hurricanes, Tornados and High Winds

The Federal Alliance for Safe Homes, Inc.(FLASH) recommends that families consider developing safe rooms within their homes to protect themselves from high winds. Safe rooms are even more critical for families living in the southeast and any areas where basements and other below-ground shelters are not available.

Tornado safe rooms are designed to withstand winds up to 250 miles per hour, and offer lifesaving refuge for families in the path of high-wind events like tornadoes. FLASH urges homeowners to "Give an Ordinary Room an Extraordinary Purpose" by building or retrofitting bathrooms, closets, laundry rooms and other interior spaces to safe-room standards. Details about how to create a safe room can be found at www.highwindsaferooms.org.
Reduce the threat of wind-borne projectiles. Projectiles are a major factor in home damage and destruction during hurricanes, tornadoes and other windstorm events. Homeowners should bring anything inside that may become airborne during a storm, such as patio furniture, potted plants or toys.
To protect wind and water entry points, replace window flashing or touch it up with caulk.
Check the security of garage door rollers and tracks, secure loose roof shingles, and check the throw length of dead bolts and head and foot bolts on exterior doors, especially double doors.
Don’t overlook attics. Shutter soffit vents and gable-end vents with code-approved products. If you are a do-it-yourselfer, measure, cut and pre-drill all shutter plywood and material using 5/8-inch thick exterior grade plywood. Click here for more information...

Wildfire

Prevent wildfire damage by developing a defensible space in your landscaping by clearing at least 30 feet around your home, or 50 feet around your home if you reside in a heavily wooded area.
Plant fire-resistant, native vegetation and remove any dead or dying trees. Properly prune shrubs, and trim tree branches so they don’t extend over a roof or near the chimney. Mow your grass and control the height and spread of ground covering vegetation. Keep plants at least 12 to 18 inches away from the house.
When putting on a new patio deck, build from fire-resistant materials. On new and existing decks, create fire barriers around the deck base and clear vegetation at least 100 to 300 feet downhill from the deck base.
Install only burning-brand, exposure rated (Class A, B or C) roof assemblies using materials such as asphalt shingles, slate or clay tile or metal roof coverings.

Earthquake

Plan and hold earthquake drills for your family.
Identify two ways to escape from every room in the home.
Keep a flashlight and sturdy shoes by each person’s bed.
Select a safe location away from the home where your family can meet after escaping.
Strap water heaters, appliances and TVs to wall studs.
Secure pictures, mirrors and ornaments to the wall with appropriate fasteners.
Know where and how to shut off electricity, gas, and water services.
Consider purchasing and storing escape ladders for rooms above ground level and make sure to learn how to use them.
Make sure your home is securely anchored to its foundation.