10 Ways To Prepare for a Natural Disaster

Disaster can strike without a moment’s notice, disrupting lives and devastating homes. In North Atlanta, where the unexpected can mean severe thunderstorms, floods, or even tornadoes, being prepared can make all the difference in mitigating damage and getting things back to normal after a disaster. 

As a local storm recovery and flood damage cleanup company, our work experiences have taught us the importance of readiness. To help you ensure you and your loved ones remain safe and secure amid disasters, here are 10 ways to prepare for a natural disaster:

1. Understand the Risks in Your Area

As a North Atlanta resident, you might wonder, “How can we prepare for a natural disaster?” Fortunately, the answer is simple: being aware of your area’s past and current hazards is your first line of defense. 

Understanding the common events that affect your area after severe weather can help you create a customized disaster preparedness plan for your home or business. 

2. Review Your Insurance Policy

Ensure you’re covered even before disaster strikes your home. Standard homeowners’ insurance may not cover all the natural disasters that commonly affect North Atlanta, so it’s crucial to review your policy closely to see if you need additional coverage. 

Contact your insurance provider to discuss your needs and make any necessary changes to your policy. Proactively monitoring your coverage can help you return your property to its pre-damaged state as soon as possible, even after severe damage. 

3. Strengthen Your Property

Prevention is better than cure. When it comes to natural disasters and property damage, how well you prepare can prevent or minimize destruction. Here’s a quick checklist to help you secure your property against natural calamities: 

• Ensure your roof has no loose shingles or tiles. Consider installing hurricane straps for extra reinforcement against high winds. 
• Install storm shutters or have plywood on hand to cover windows and glass doors. 
• Trim nearby trees and remove dead branches to prevent damage during storms. 
• Anchor or store outdoor furniture and decorations to prevent them from becoming projectiles in high winds. 

4. Know the Locations of Utility Shut-Offs

Every second counts when you’re in the middle of a disaster. That’s why it’s crucial that you and your family members know the locations of utility shut-offs in your home beforehand. In cases of flooding or if you smell gas, quick access to turn off the water, gas, or electricity can prevent further issues, whether water damage, gas leaks, or even fires. 

5. Prepare an Emergency Supply Kit for Your Home and Car

An emergency supply kit is your lifeline during a natural disaster. It should include at least: 

• A minimum of three days’ worth of non-perishable food and water (one gallon per person per day)
• First aid kit 
• Flashlights with extra batteries 
• Matches in a waterproof container 
• Sanitation and personal hygiene items 
• Emergency blanket 
• Extra cash

Remember to tailor your kit to your household’s specific needs. Consider dietary restrictions, medications, and infant supplies. 

6. Don’t Forget Your Pets

Your emergency kit should also include supplies for your pets. Food, water, medications, and comfort items like toys or blankets can help reduce stress for your animals. 

7. Create an Emergency Plan and Get Everyone Involved

Determine a safe meeting place inside and outside your home and discuss possible evacuation routes. It’s also a good idea to practice your plan at least twice a year to ensure everyone remembers what to do. 

8. Secure Your Important Documents

Documents such as birth certificates, insurance policies, passports, and medical records should be kept in a fire-resistant and waterproof container. Meanwhile, electronic copies should be kept in secure, accessible online storage. 

9. Invest in Alternative Power Sources

Power outages are a common consequence of natural disasters, often leaving homes without electricity for extended periods. Investing in alternative power sources, such as generators, can help keep refrigerators, sump pumps, heaters, and other critical appliances running while waiting for power to return. 

Consider installing solar panels with a battery backup system for a more sustainable option. 

10. Install Emergency Alerts

This may be the last on our list of 10 ways to prepare for a natural disaster, but it’s certainly worth remembering. Emergency alerts can give you critical time to respond to severe weather threats. 

Ensure all smartphones are set up to receive Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEAs). It’s also crucial to tune in to NOAA Weather Radio to stay updated with the latest watches and warnings issued by the National Weather Service, even when cell signals are down. 

Know the Experts To Call After Storm or Flood Damage

As you ask the critical question, “How can we prepare for natural disasters?” It also helps to plan what to do after a disastrous event. Having a reliable partner to restore your property can be invaluable.

As your local experts in storm recovery and flood damage cleanup, Restoration 1 of North Atlanta is ready to help. We’ve seen firsthand the difference that prompt, professional restoration services can make in getting life back to normal, so we’re committed to doing that for property owners like you.  

Save our contact number to have on hand. Hopefully, you’ll never need it, but in case you do, knowing help is just a call away can offer peace of mind during stressful times. Don’t hesitate to call Restoration 1 of North Atlanta for expert restoration and compassionate support.