Natural disasters are unavoidable. When it happens, it’s something humans have no control of and, because of this, can cause uncertainty and fear.
Nowadays, it is essential to have a well-structured home that can withstand a multitude of natural disasters. Materials that can handle earthquakes, storms, and hurricanes are ideal for a modern house.
If it is one thing that the Covid-19 pandemic has taught society, it is to always be prepared. Nobody expected that the world would be in a healthcare crisis for the next two years, and the same applies to natural disasters.
It is best to have a residence made with materials that uphold everyone’s safety as well as the property’s. The section below discusses different disasters that pose a threat to a home and how to make houses less prone to them.
Natural Disasters
There are different kinds of natural disasters that can occur at any time. Some areas may be prone to storms, some may be prone to earthquakes, and some may experience hurricanes.
Storms and hurricanes are natural disasters that people can predict and prepare for. Dark clouds, strong winds, and heavy rain are signs of a potential disaster coming, allowing residents to prepare for the onslaught.
For storms, flooding may occur, so people can modify water valves to improve water flow out of the sewer system. Additionally, elevating outdoor items like fuel tanks and furniture can help reduce damage.
However, it is slightly different for hurricanes since mostly strong winds do the damage. The best thing to do is board up the weakest areas with plywood or storm shutters. This is essential for windows and other glass structures. Meanwhile, earthquakes can happen randomly, so it is best to know the nearest exit in the house for a quick escape.
Improving Home Safety
There are different ways to enhance a home’s safety. Depending on the house’s area, size, and structure, there are methods to make it as disaster-proof as possible. Below is a short rundown of what these methods are.
- Reinforce doors and windows
A simple yet straightforward method, reinforcing doors and windows with wind-resistant ones can buff the home more. If the area is susceptible to storms, installing stormproof shutters is a smart move. If there is an expected storm, a temporary solution is to board up all windows and doors.
- Consider fire-rated doors
Fire-rated doors can be literal lifesavers. Its primary function is to contain smoke and fire, allowing people to escape the vicinity and move to a safer place.
Aside from containing smoke and fire, they also hold toxic fumes, which can cause dangerous combustions. Having a fire-rated door installed lowers the risk of injuries and fatalities.
- Understand landscaping
Each house can be situated on a different landscape depending on the area. Knowing the outside features of the house allows advanced preparations for any natural disasters.
Homeowners can designate safe zones, rearrange furniture pieces, and create pathways to get outside from the inside conveniently.
Additionally, an important step here is to remove any loose items outside the homes for hurricanes. These include potted plants, toys, and branches. These can cause serious injuries during a hurricane if not removed.
- Incorporate proper security
Incorporating security practices into a home is an excellent way to increase protection from natural disasters.
One security measure homeowners can take is to include cameras. It can show what is going on outside and how the situation is.
