Many people have been affected by natural disasters, which can occur in any given year. Unpredictable weather conditions and natural disasters can cause damage to your home, rendering it unsafe and uninhabitable. You can avoid this damage or at least lessen the effect of these events by taking preemptive measures to make your home more durable. Whether you want to secure your home from fire, floods, earthquakes, or hurricanes, here are some easy steps that you can take to make sure that your home is more secure.
Stabilize your foundation
Your home’s foundation is what supports the weight of the building. It must be solid and stable so that the structure won’t collapse during an emergency. This means that you should reinforce your foundation with support beams, footings, and blocks.
If you want to ensure that these steps are taken for your home, contact an experienced contractor to help you build a stronger foundation for your home.
Install impact windows and doors
Whether you need new windows or doors or not, now is the time to consider hurricane impact windows and doors. These products offer fire resistance, impact resistance, and high-quality insulation. They can also withstand rainstorms snowstorms, hail storms, and other extreme weather conditions.
Most importantly, these products are easy to install. You will find that they are compatible with a wide range of window and door styles offered by your home builder or contractor.
Install a smoke detector
Statistics show an alarmingly high number of home fires happen in homes without smoke detectors. The National Fire Protection Association estimates that 90 percent of fire deaths occur in homes without a working smoke detector.
A smoke detector is only one step towards achieving a more resilient home, but it’s a necessary one. Check your smoke detector at least once a week and change the batteries immediately if required. A working smoke detector can make all the difference in the event of a fire.
Install a fire extinguisher and a CO2 detector
A fire extinguisher and a CO2 detector are two essential safety items you should keep in your home. These items will help you avoid any potential danger.
The first item, the fire extinguisher, is good to have at home because it helps prevent fires from spreading. You can install it on your side of the door, so if someone walks into your home and a fire has started, you’ll be able to put it out quickly. A CO2 detector will help you know whether there’s a gas leak in your home, which could potentially lead to an explosion. With these two safety tools in place, you’re safe from any potential danger and will always be aware of what’s happening in your home.
Add water-resistive barriers
If you live in a high-risk area, you’ll want to add water-resistive barriers. These barriers can help protect your home from sea level rise and flooding.
Water resistive barriers are typically made of concrete block or stucco, which are made with a mortar with high water resistance. If you choose these materials, you’ll be able to prevent water from seeping through the walls and damaging your property.
Alternatively, you can use sandbags to create a barrier around your home for occasional bouts of flooding or extreme weather.