Owning your own home is certainly one of life’s greatest achievements, so it’s no wonder that many people want to do everything in their power to protect it. However, not all of us have the endless money that some doomsday preppers seem to have. This then has some of us wondering, “Is there anything we really do anything?”.
If this is you, then fear not! There are still many different ways that you can protect your home and its valuables without having to build a million-dollar fortress. In this article, we are going to talk about protecting your dream property from disasters. Interested? Then keep on reading!
Get regular inspections
One of the best ways to protect not only your home but also yourself is to get regular inspections. This way, you can determine if your home is structurally safe and built to survive in certain extreme conditions.
Your home should be built and bolted on some type of support system and be sturdy enough to withstand strong winds. However, it’s not always easy to tell this yourself, which is why you need to hire a professional. Some of the things they will look out for include structural damage, pests, mould, and water leaks. It’s definitely one thing that’s worth the investment.
Learn about potential disasters
Depending on where you live, it can be an extremely wise idea to learn about potential disasters that may strike your home. This is important so that you can determine precisely what you should expect and what the best cause of action may be.
For example, you’ll want to look at water damage restoration if you are in a hurricane-prone area or close to the water. You might also check out how to stop fires from spreading if you live near a heavily wooded area. The more you learn, the more precautions and steps you can take in advance.
Sort out your home insurance
Home insurance is vital if you want to protect your home, so it’s important you do your research and choose the best plan to suit your needs. It’s essential you read the fine print so that you know exactly what you are covered for, especially if you live in a risky area. You’ll also want to find out where to get help with a property damage claim, just in case you need to fight back with your insurance. Sometimes, they might refuse your claim, and it’s always better to be on the safe side with another support system.
Keep the property maintained
In order to minimize the risk of damage to your house, you’ll want to keep your home maintained regularly. This includes all the usual household things, such as mowing the lawn, trimming the trees, and cleaning out your gutters. This way, nothing will be able to fall on your home, and there is less of a fire risk.
If you have quite a large property, it can certainly be worthwhile to hire a professional for this, so that everything is done correctly. Take a look at this year-round home maintenance checklist if you need some assistance keeping track of everything.
Have a safe space for your paperwork
Your house papers are just as important as any of your other valuables, so it’s vital that you protect them. One of the best ways is to purchase a fire-proof sturdy safe that can be hidden somewhere in your home. Your papers may be needed to help push along your insurance claims and can help ensure everything runs smoothly. There are many different sizes available, but you should consider getting something a little bigger that can hold any crucial valuables and cash, such as jewellery or a small firearm.
Fix any weaknesses
While it can be easy to leave things to the last minute, it’s important that you find your weaknesses and fix them as soon as possible. Try taking a walk around your property and see what things need to be repaired. It could be a pump down in the basement, or a window that is cracked. The quicker these things are taken care of; the more protected you are in case a sudden disaster does strike. Some of the most common home repairs include damaged hot water heaters, broken windows, and damaged roof tiles. It can be expensive, so make sure you create a budget for them!
Have an emergency plan in place
Once you’ve done everything in your power to protect your home, you’ll want to start putting together a plan for you and your family. This should include all the steps you need to take as soon as you hear about a disaster. For example, you might start turning off your electricity, gathering your food and water supplies, and lining your house with sandbags. By communicating everything that needs to be done, you are making sure that everyone is on the same page.
Another idea is to go over what to do with your family if they are in immediate danger. For example, what to do if the house is on fire or if they get stuck outside in a storm.
Remember your life is more important
While it’s only natural that you want to protect your home, it’s vital that you remember to put you and your family’s life first. A home can be replaced, but at the end of the day, you only get one life. The famous quote, “Home is where the heart is,” certainly applies here!
Listen to instructions, and if you are told to evacuate the area, do what they say. You should have seen enough action movies to know the risks of staying behind!
And that’s it! By making sure you follow these different strategies above, you will ensure that you have a safe and happy home, regardless of any natural disasters that may come your way. Just make sure you do your research, have a plan in place, and, most importantly, never put your home before your own life.
