Unexpected events can derail all of your best-laid plans. You can think you have it all together. Then it’s all torn apart by a tornado, hurricane, or — God forbid — a terrorist attack. But there are ways to prepare for the unexpected so that you take as small of a hit as possible. You can protect yourself and your loved ones financially, physically, and emotionally with a little preparation. Read on to uncover various ways to protect your belongings and family in the event of natural or man-made disaster.
1. Protect Your Home
Your home is most likely your biggest financial investment. You want to protect it from the unexpected. However, it’s not like you can wrap your house in bubble wrap and breathe a sigh of relief that it’s safe. There are steps to take to protect your home from the unexpected though. The first one is to get a home insurance quote.
Insurance can cover fire, high winds and tornados, and water damage. Investing in the right kind of insurance will give you peace of mind. Different plans are available to cover different disasters, so read your policy completely before committing. You may need to add additional coverage to ensure you get comprehensive financial security.
You can also make adjustments to your property to protect your home during unexpected events. For instance, keep your trees trimmed, particularly dead branches and those that are growing near your property. Strong winds can knock down branches, slamming them into your home. To prepare for a hurricane or high winds, move lawn furniture indoors. High winds can throw even heavy lawn furniture, causing damage to your home. Protect your windows by covering them with hurricane-proof shutters or plywood cut to size.
If you live near where wildfires are common, create a fire break around your home. Use concrete and stone, rather than wood, as borders or decor. Make use of fire-resistant plants, too. They have open branch patterns with little dry or dead materials. Their leaves are also flat, big, and usually moist. Aloe vera and jade are two of the most common.
2. Prepare for Your Family
When preparing for unexpected events, meet with your family to make sure that everyone is on the same page. Go over each type of disaster that could occur in your area and what to do in each situation. For instance, decide where you should meet outside in case of a fire or earthquake. You should have a location that is away from the structure of your home, such as on the sidewalk out front.
You will need to make plans for contingencies involving specific family dynamics. You may have a family member who is away from home, such as in the military or in college. Decide how you will contact them in case of a disaster. You may not be able to rely on phone lines, so consider other methods of letting loved ones know you’re OK. You’ll also need to make specific plans if a family member has a disability or special needs.
Create a survival kit with supplies you may need well in advance of a disaster. It should be compact enough to carry with you in an evacuation. Your pack should include a wide array of items you may need. Most importantly, it should have a three-day supply of food and water for each person in your family. Bring along a first aid kit, a flashlight, a battery-powered radio, batteries, blankets, a phone charger, and other necessities. Review your kit every three months to make sure it is complete and nothing has expired.
3. Look After Your Pets
Your pets are part of your family, and you want to protect them in the face of unexpected events. When you hear the tornado siren, bring your pets to the basement or an inner room with you. If you have to evacuate for a hurricane or wildfire, include your pets in your plans. Unfortunately, evacuation shelters do not typically accept pets, and hotels are not required to accept your pets during an emergency evacuation. Find a pet-friendly hotel or shelter as soon as an evacuation is ordered to ensure the safety of your furry friends.
If you don’t have an emergency plan for your pets in place, you are putting them in danger. Even if you try to make a safe spot for them in your home, they can get out and get lost. Or they may be injured or killed. Instead, make a plan to include them in your emergency preparation and create a disaster kit for each of your pets.
Your pet disaster kit should include your animal’s carrier and/or leash with their name and your contact information written on it. Bring enough food and water for each pet for two weeks. Prepare for your pet’s waste, too. Pack your cat’s litter box and plenty of litter. For your dog, bring plastic bags. If your pet requires medication, carry enough for two weeks. Bring your pet’s medical records, medical history, and microchip number, if they have one.
Preparation for Unexpected Events
From wildfires and hurricanes to tornadoes and floods, unexpected events are scary. But if you are prepared, you will feel more in control of the situation. This, in turn, will alleviate your stress and anxiety, making the whole unexpected experience easier to handle. Planning ahead includes preparation for your house and belongings, your pets, and your family. Protecting all you care about will give you peace. You will know that you are prepared to properly care for them all — regardless of the circumstances.
