When a natural disaster is on the horizon—whether it’s a wildfire, hurricane, or flood—there’s often little time to prepare. While personal safety should always come first, securing your home as much as possible before evacuating can help reduce the risk of property damage and theft. Here are several quick but effective steps homeowners can take to protect their property when time is limited.
1. Shut Off Utilities
If local authorities recommend or if it’s safe to do so:
- Water: Turn off the main water supply to prevent flooding from burst pipes.
- Gas: Shut off the gas valve to avoid potential leaks or explosions.
- Electricity: Power down at the main breaker if flooding or electrical damage is likely.
Doing this can minimize fire risks and prevent further damage after a disaster.
2. Secure Windows and Doors
Lock all doors and windows, including garage and basement entrances. Reinforce weak points:
- Use wooden dowels or metal rods in sliding windows and doors.
- If time allows, board up large windows or use hurricane shutters.
- Close blinds and curtains to obstruct interior views.
Even these simple steps can deter break-ins during mass evacuations.
3. Move Valuables Off the Ground
In flood-prone areas, elevate important belongings:
- Move electronics, documents, and valuables to upper floors or higher shelves.
- Store items in plastic containers to protect from water damage.
- If available, use a safe that’s both water- and fire-resistant.
This can be a critical measure in reducing loss from water intrusion.
4. Clear the Yard
Loose outdoor items can become dangerous projectiles in strong winds:
- Bring in patio furniture, grills, and trash bins.
- Trim dead branches and secure trees, if time permits.
- Tie down anything too large to move indoors.
Reducing airborne debris helps protect not just your home, but your neighbors’ as well.
5. Document the Property
Before leaving, take photos or videos of each room and the exterior:
- Focus on high-value items, structural elements, and serial numbers.
- Store the images in cloud storage or email them to yourself.
This can greatly support any insurance claims made after the event.
6. Leave Lights On (If Safe to Do So)
Leaving a few lights on indoors can give the impression the home is occupied, which may help discourage looting. Motion-sensor lights on the exterior are also a strong deterrent.
Preparing to evacuate is always stressful, but taking these precautions can offer peace of mind. While no home is disaster-proof, small actions taken quickly can make a big difference in safeguarding your property.
Recent Comments