When hurricane season looms, the air buzzes not just with the high winds but also with the urgency for readiness. Preparing your home for a hurricane is more than a precaution; it’s a necessary step towards ensuring the safety and security of your loved ones and belongings. Have you taken Read more…
Why should homeowners prioritize earthquake-resistant building techniques for new homes? The answer lies in the increasing importance of safety, sustainability, and peace of mind in today’s unpredictable world. Earthquakes are natural disasters that can strike without warning, causing significant damage to structures that are not prepared to withstand the earth’s Read more…
Pets can present a special challenge during disasters, so you must plan ahead for your pets’ safety. Monitor pet behavior: Stress can cause erratic pet behavior, even if your animal is usually calm and trustworthy. If you have multiple pets, keep them separated from one another. Keep tabs on pets: Animals have Read more…
Fires are one of the most common house tragedies. Every year, about 4,000 Americans are killed in fires, many of which are caused by preventable factors such as: Damaged chimneys Faulty electrical wiring Dryers Kitchen oil Combustibles Human carelessness, such as smoking in bed or leaving a candle burning unattended Read more…
A flood is the accumulation of excess water on land that’s normally dry. Floods can occur anywhere: in the mountains, in the desert, on the coast, or inland. Floods are the most common natural disaster in the United States, though many people don’t even realize that they’re at risk—it takes only an Read more…
A tornado is a violent windstorm characterized by a rotating, funnel-shaped column of air that extends to the ground. Tornadoes grow out of extreme thunderstorms, tropical storms, and hurricanes. Tornadoes vary greatly in shape and size, but on average, a tornado is 500 feet across and stays on the ground for five Read more…
Extreme heat is defined as several weeks during which the temperatures are 10°F above average for the region. Heat is especially dangerous to: Young children The elderly People who are ill People who are overweight Heat waves affect the South and West the most, but they can hit all parts of Read more…
Every year, winter storms bring cold temperatures, precipitation, and high winds, causing traffic problems and power outages in cities and towns all over the United States. People in the northern parts of the country expect harsh winters, but almost every state can be hit by a snowstorm. Winter storms can result in: Read more…
The Earth’s outer layer is divided into several major plates that constantly move and shift in imperceptible ways; earthquakes occur when the pressure that builds from plate movement is released. Earthquakes cause major disruption to the Earth’s surface, without warning, and can result in major damage or injury. The states at the Read more…
Having disaster insurance is an important part of being prepared. Without it, you alone are responsible for the costs of replacing your property and repairing your home. What Does Homeowner’s Insurance Cover? Most homeowners, particularly those with mortgages, have homeowner’s insurance, which covers damage from some disasters, but not all. Most policies cover Read more…
A disaster supplies kit should include all of the necessities for surviving for at least 72 hours following a disaster. During a disaster, take your gear with you wherever you go, whether it’s to a safe place in your home or a hotel thousands of miles away. Online at www.redcross.org, Read more…
How prepared is your home for a disaster? This guide dives into essential disaster preparedness steps, ensuring homeowners can safeguard their families and homes against unforeseen events. From building an emergency kit to creating a robust communication plan, we cover all you need to know to stay ahead of the Read more…