It is important to take precautions to protect your property before an emergency situation arises. There are a few things you may want to consider to ensure that your property survives an emergency in the best condition possible.
Stay informed of potential hazards.
Do a home hazard hunt with your family to spot any potential hazards or dangers around the house before an emergency situation.
Make an emergency plan as a family.
Build a family emergency kit.
Repair any defective electrical wiring or leaky gas connections.
Make sure shelves, pictures, and mirrors are securely on the wall and away from beds.
Place large heavy objects on the bottom shelf.
Secure the water heater by strapping it to wall studs.
Repair any cracks in the ceilings or home foundation.
Store any flammable liquids (pesticides, oil, oily rags, etc.) away from heat sources and possibly in metal cans to prevent fires.
Make sure your chimneys, flue pipes, vent connectors, and gas vents are clean.
Earthquakes: Make sure all tall, heavy furniture (e.g., bookcases, dressers) is bolted to wall studs, and install stronger latches on your cabinets.
Fires: Check smoke alarms monthly and change batteries annually.
Floods: Make sure that your fuse box/ electric panel is located above average flood level for your area, and try to elevate appliances (e.g., furnace, water heater, washer and dryer) above average flood level for your area.
Hurricanes:
Install hurricane shutters.
If you do not have hurricane shutters, have enough precut plywood and tape to cover your windows and doors.
If you live in mobile housing, secure it to a foundation using chains or strong cables.
Wildfires:
Create a 30-foot safety zone around your home by removing or limiting vegetation.
Remove all debris in and around your property.
Use fire-resistant siding on your home.
Use safety glass for windows and doors if possible.
Turn off gas and electricity before you evacuate.
If a hurricane, flood, thunderstorm, or tornado warning has been issued, bring any outdoor furniture inside to prevent it from being moved by wind or flood waters.
Once you are in a safe place, follow your command’s protocols for personnel accountability and contact your command’s designated Point of Contact to check-in and report your location and situation.
Set your own course through any hazard: stay informed, make a plan, build a kit. Live Ready Marine Corps.