Prepare for Natural Weather Disasters to Increase Your Home Security

Damages caused to properties of homeowners in large part is due to adverse weather conditions. Homes that are damaged by Weather disasters have left many homeowners vulnerable when it comes to their home security. Somehow, devastation and turmoil seem to bring the wolves out to prey on the meek and helpless. This has become profoundly emphasized in light of the global warming and other environmental topics circulating throughout the media.

Some speculation exists that global warming is due more from the warming activity from the sun rather than by increases in carbon dioxide levels. Whatever the reason for the warming of this plant Earth, it is causing grief and loss to many of us. Weather disasters have decreased the security levels of many homeowners throught the world. News stations are predicting worse hurricanes for countries and continents throughout the planet.

The type of weather causing devastation to your part of the country will vary depending on where you are located. Florida is more susceptible to Hurricanes and Floods from Tsunamis, where Michigan may be vulnerable to Ice Storms and Tornadoes. Other disastrous weather conditions capable of destroying the security of your home are avalanches in the mountains, which can lead to floods in the Spring; Drought in the wheat belt states causing food costs to rise. Ten years ago in Winnipeg, the ground was so saturated with rain water during Autumn storms, the city came close to being flooded.

Because some weather conditions will give you ample warning, like possible flooding due to excess rain, you will at least have some time to prepare. Other weather disasters, like Tornadoes, may give you no warning at all. Other weather where little if any warning takes place is "electrical blackouts" and "freak snow storms". In this article I will attempt to talk about several weather disaster topics as they deal with security issues and how you can take precautionary steps to protect yourself and your family during these hazardous times. Also by prepring your home to cope with possible natural disasters prone to your area will help you and still provide shelter for you and your loved ones. Having said this, remember that your life is more important than any of your possessessions. So, when it's time to go - GO!

You must prepare not only to stay in your home to "weather the storm" but also to evacuate

The first step to increase your home security during natural weather disasters was already discussed above. Know where you live, and what types of weather conditions can you expect and the seasons it would apply. With this knowledge, it's easier to prepare in advance when you know what kind of weather is coming your way. Some of these steps should be taken regardless the adverse weather you may get. One example is installing thicker stronger doors with deadbolt locks. Not only will they resist the strong winds of a tornado better but your general security level is also increased because you also just made it harder for a would be burglar to break into your house.

Other measures you can take that would do double duty is reinforcing the glass in your windows - three pane versus two pane, etc. Reinforced glass may be a little more expensive, but like heavy duty doors, they will help to ease any concerns you have about your safety from outside elements, be they burglars or hurricanes. Just think of your reaction when the roar of a category 3 tornado plays with your windows until the glass shatters into sharp life threatening missles. Stronger glass could prevent damage done to the inside of your home.

Some areas in the United States as well as in other countries are more prone to some types of natural disasters. If you live in an area where you expect to be hit with a Hurricane every year, you need to double the amount of protection you would normally have in other parts of the country. Other than installing stronger doors and windows on your house with its related locks, don't forget about securing the gate to your yard as well as the overhead door on your garage.

Assuming you elect to wait out the bad weather, you should make sure you are prepared incase you are stuck inside until help arrives. Do have everything you need? If you do, can you find them easily? Are they located in a place you can reach reach, like a closet, if a disaster were to happen? To make this easier and maybe a little more fun, think of preparing for a natural weather disaster as thoug you were going camping. Here's a checklist of what you'll need for your camping trip......

• Food and Water

  - The food should be eatable right out of the box if possible, like peanut butter, crackers, powdered milk, raisens, cereal, etc. Preparation should be minimal and that doesn't need to be refrigerated. Add hot water to your cereal if you can. Remember that nutrition values count more especially if you are stranded. Also store several gallons of pure clean water. Don't forget about your pet either.

• First Aid Kit

  - and any other medical supplies and drugs you may need. The kit should contain various bandags, medication for cuts, scissors, tape, needle, and thread, as well as iodine. Basic kits are available at your local Red Cross, army surplus stores, camping shops and many department stores. Included in your First Aid Kit should be an extra pair of eyeglasses or contact lenses.

• Flashlights and Batteries

  - Store batteries separate from the flashlights so they stay fresh. To many flashlights and batteries is better than not having enough light when you need it the most. If you have a back up source of power like a generator with enough fuel, so much the better. As most people now carry cell phones, it's also a very good idea to keep a charged cell phone battery just in case the power does go out.

• Basic tools and Ladder

  - Various tools like wrenches, plyers, screwdrivers, screws, nails, crowbar, hammer and saw could be indispensible when it comes to your home security during a natural weather disaster. If you live upstairs, a rope ladder is the one tool that could save your life during a life threatening storm.

Other steps you can take to prepare for bad weather conditions are to keep a full tank of gas in your car. If the weather disaster hits fast and hard, it may be too late to get fuel. Insure someone you know and trust has a copy of your important documentation like insurance policy, lawyers name and number, health issues, etc. Keep fire extinguishers handy and in proper working order. Plan an evacuation route and practice it beforehand. You may also want to check you homeowner's insurance policy. Make sure it covers the replacement value of your home as well as its contents. Check also if your home insurance policy covers living expenses while your destroyed home gets rebuilt.

There are places all around your community that can help you in preparing for any disaster that may come your way. Your local fire or police department can direct you to any specialized programs happening in the city. Some neighborhoods have disaster committees that can help those in distress. Because these committees work in teams, they can save a home faster and more effectively. Many homeowners that also live in prone areas also have specialized skills, like a doctor or carpenter, that can help their neighbors during bad weather.

While you're asking for information from the various sources like the fire and police departments, find out how they warn the public about the various approaching weather conditions. You will be able to prepare faster and better knowing what you can expect.

Whether the weather makes you evacuate or not, the steps you take to secure your home, your family and your possessessions against the ill effects of natural weather disasters can determine how much damage you sustain. Again, advanced preparation is the best medicine when it comes to protecting your home and loved ones from natural weather disasters.

Related Home Security Systems Videos