Preparing your home for severe weather conditions
Do not let disaster find you unprepared. Here is how to ensure your home is protected.
Thinking that there will never be a natural disaster that will destroy your home is one of the biggest mistakes you can make.
Natural disasters can hit at any time and at any place.
It is better to be safe than sorry and ensure that you are well prepared in order to secure your home and belongings.
This is because damage caused by natural disasters such as storms, tornadoes or floods can be severe.
Currently, KwaZulu-Natal is dealing with the aftermath of a storm that destroyed many homes on Tuesday.
VIDEOS: Tshwane floods and the disastrous aftermath
Let's look at ways you can protect your house:
Take out insurance
Home insurance usually covers natural disaster damage. Ensuring that you cover your house and home contents will give you peace of mind knowing that in the case of a natural disaster, you can have your home repaired.
Beware of having trees that are too close to your house
Experts advise that trees should sit about 15 feet away from a house. If a tree is too close to your house, in the case of a natural disaster, it can cause damage to your house if it falls.
Smoke detector
A smoke detector will provide you with a warning when fire or smoke is detected in your house so that you can quickly act to either prevent the fire or get out of the house before the fire causes you harm. Having a smoke detector in your house will lessen the chances of fire deaths or injuries.
Fire extinguisher
Another important tool to have in your home is a fire extinguisher. It will help you extinguish or control small fires. However, remember to learn how to use it safely. It is also important to put the fire extinguisher in a place where other family members are aware of and can reach it. Also, place it in an area that will not be difficult for you to reach in the case of an emergency.
Surge protector
Surge protectors are not expensive and are a great tool to have. They will protect your appliances in the case of unwanted power surges or spikes.
Seal storage with plastic
It's not always a good idea to keep important documents or items in boxes because, in the event of a flood, water may seep through the box and contaminate or destroy your documents. Rather store your items in a plastic bin or case.