Home Preparation

For each type of disaster there are things you can do to prepare your home and prevent damage to an extent. For all disasters you will need first aid kit, a Survival Kit (72 hours, 3 days) for each family member and long term food storage.

It is very important that you have smoke detectors in every sleeping area of your home. Many disasters can cause a fire. Know your best escape routes from every room and practice them with your family. For all disasters you will need to know where you utility (gas, water) shut off valves

are and how to shut them off. Have a family communication plan in case your family is separated. Know the safe rooms in your home if you have a tornado or hurricane risk. Make sure you have material to quickly cover your windows if needed. Make sure pictures and tall furniture are secured to walls. Don’t forget to use a strap on your water heater to prevent it from falling over. Have your home inspected for potential hazards specific to the likely natural disaster in your area. Do everything you can think of to get prepared.

• Have smoke detectors in all sleeping areas of your home.
• Know where your utility shut off valves are and how to use them.
• Make sure you have material needed to quickly cover windows.
• Have your home inspected for potential hazards.