Severe Weather in Unusual Places…More Tips for Preparing Your Home as a Shelter
Tornadoes in January are not unheard of but they are very rare. Tornado season doesn't normally begin until May. Heavy snow storms in Seattle and other parts of Washington are also rare but this year they happened and people were not ready. the cities and counties were not ready either. We must take our family's safety and security into our own hands. Please don't think this can't happen to yo. Try telling that to those in Washington and Alabama today, and what about those in Utah who were without power for more than a week last month? They didn't live in the mountains and there was no snow, just wind and more wind.
Tomorrow on Ready Or Not we will continue the discussion for preparing your home for winter emergencies.
Please join us and share you experiences.
Check each room for water leaks: You may not even notice the small things that are in need of repair in your home. We become so accustomed to living in our homes that we sometimes ignore small things that can make a big difference. Repair any leaky pipes or roof leaks. Even a small leak can create a huge mold problem.
Check each room for wiring problems: Repair frayed wires on lamps and appliances. If you don’t know how to do this check with a handyman or lighting fixture store. Fixes can be made for a nominal cost.
Secure unstable furniture in every room: Many large pieces of furniture such as bookcases and hutches are top-heavy. They could easily kill someone if they fall during a storm or earthquake. Hold the furniture and carefully rock it back and forth. If it moves at all it should be secured to the wall by adding straps, bolts, or braces. In earthquake country all large furniture should be secured to walls.
Look around: Remove or bolt down heavy items from over sofas and beds as they could seriously injure someone if the item were to fall.
Heads up: Are your ceiling fixtures bolted or secured to a wall stud?
Check shelves and ledges: In Mark Twain's “Letters from Hawaii” he wrote about the humorous art of dining on a ship as it tosses in the waves. Your home in an earthquake will be very much like that. Consequently, items displayed or stored on open shelves or ledges should be secured. You may need to add a molding or wood strip to the front of a shelving unit to act as a restraint for shifting items. Items on plant ledges should be very lightweight, or they should be secured making it impossible for them to fall.
Secure propane tanks: If you have small propane tanks stored for emergency cooking on a camp stove or barbecue, make sure they are properly stored. Always store tanks upright in a well ventilated cupboard with a door that closes securely to prevent the tank from falling during a storm or earthquake. The door should be ventilated – chicken wire works well. Tanks should be stored in areas that will not exceed 125º F. This may seem like an extreme temperature but it is possible for garages, sheds and car trunks to reach those temperatures in many areas of the world. Never store tanks inside your home. Always check tanks to make sure the valves are off before storing and never store an extra tank under a barbecue grill. Using soapy water you can check the tank and valve for leaks. The soapy water will bubble if there is a leak.
Check your mobile home tie downs: If you live in a mobile home or have one on your property check the tie-downs often. Even if no one is living in it, a mobile home can become life threatening as it may be torn apart by a storm and generate debris if it is not in good repair.
Check appliances: Install flexible pipe fittings and hoses, as they are less likely to break.
Stock up: Store extra water, food, toiletries, medicines, pet foods, and cleaning supplies now in case you are unable to travel to the store after a storm. In some cases there may not be a store left to travel to.
Take cover: Plan now how you will board up windows and doors if you have warning a hurricane or powerful windstorm is approaching. Store sheets of plywood that are pre-drilled to make installation faster. Store extra duct tape to help prevent glass from breaking and becoming flying debris. Store nails and screws to secure window coverings. At the very least, prepare to cover windows with blankets and sheets to help stop airborne glass from entering your home.
“Home is a shelter from storms – all sorts of storms.” ~William J. Bennett
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Thanks for a great article. As a North Texas resident, I have experienced a lot of unexpected weather events. I have printed out your tips for my reference binder.
I'm missing your great and VERY helpful posts. I have followed you for several years now, and have gathered much good information from you. I hope you and your loved ones are doing well.
I miss your posts too. I hope all is well w/ you and yours.