International Day for Disaster Reduction: Protect Your Assets from Natural Disasters

Natural and weather-related disasters caused by climate change pose a grave threat to the lives and valued possessions of people across the world. Droughts, flash floods, hailstorms, tornadoes, landslides brought by torrential rains, and hurricanes are some of the commonly occurring natural and weather-induced calamities. While it is difficult to prevent these natural phenomena from happening, there are certain safety tips that you can employ to mitigate the effects of a natural calamity.

Home safety tips for hail storms

Hail storms can cause serious damage to you and your property. Here are some of the measures you can take to alleviate damage and keep yourself safe during a hailstorm

• Stay Vigilant -

Awareness is the key, keep a track of weather conditions in your area. Follow the social media handles of local weather agencies and news channels for the latest updates.

• Take shelter -

Unless necessary, do not go outside your home. Keep the children and pets inside as they are susceptible to injuries. Hailstorms usually fall at high speeds so it’s better to keep your vehicles in the garage to avoid any damage.

• Keep protective gear -

If you are travelling during a hailstorm, keep protective gear to save yourself from the high-intensity hailstorm and the lightning. Look for a safe place to take cover.

Home safety tips during a tornado or high winds

Tornadoes are tough to prepare for because they tend to occur with little or no warning. Listed below are the safety measures you can take to save yourself and your property during a tornado.

• Stay updated -

Keep your mobile devices charged and batteries ready. Stay tuned to the radio or TV to keep yourself up to date with the latest weather changes. Use internet-enabled devices to keep track through social media pages of local weather agencies and news channels.

• Keep an emergency kit handy -

Keep your important items such as drinking water, non-perishable food items, and medicines ready in an emergency kit.

• Protect your property -

A tornado can cause serious damage to your property. It is advisable to not stay in a mobile home. Put all the wind-borne objects inside the home. Shield your windows and glass doors with a protective covering to minimize the damage.

• Know where to shelter -

Avoid staying in places near windows and glass doors. Find a place in the basement and try to take cover under heavy furniture keeping yourself covered with a mattress or a blanket.

Safety at home during hurricanes

A high-intensity hurricane is known to demolish whatever falls in its path. The safety measures mentioned below can be of help when in the midst of a hurricane.

• Stay inside -

Unless advised to evacuate by the local authorities, stay inside your home at all times. Stay away from doors or windows even if they are impact-resistant.

• Listen to authorities -

In all probability, a hurricane-impacted area will lose all power supply and cause a cell network outage. In that scenario, a good ol’ battery-powered radio can come to your aid to keep track of the hurricane path by listening to the outside world.

• Gather emergency supplies -

These supplies will keep you and your family members well-fed, safe, and healthy. You might be cut off from the outside world for a few days hence it is advisable to stock up.

• Check and repair the property -

Ensure that your windows and doors are well-shielded and your yard is cleared of anything that can blow around and damage your home.

How to stay safe during a flood

Keep in mind the following safety measures while staying at home during floods.

• Follow evacuation orders -

One of the wisest things you can do is to follow the instructions from local authorities.Flash floods usually come with little or no notice so it’s better to follow the instructions.

• Move to higher ground immediately -

Locate any spot at a higher elevation, and move to it as quickly as possible. The immediate focus should be on keeping yourself as far above the water level as is possible.

• Avoid contact with floodwater -

To keep yourself safe, turn off the main power source and stay away from the floodwater if you have any open cuts or wounds to avoid infections.

Home safety tips for wildfires

A wildfire is one of the most devastating catastrophes and tends to spread rapidly. The safety tips listed below can help you make your home wildfire resistant.

• Keep the water sprinklers at your property

• Install smoke detectors at your home

• Keep your home free of fuel sources

• Remove unwanted vegetation

• Keep fire extinguishers

• Follow the local fire department instructions while creating defensible zones.

Protect home with home insurance against natural disasters

The climate change effect has led to a rise in the occurrence of natural disasters across the world. It is wise to be safe rather than sorry and take preventive measures. One of the most prudent steps you can take is to opt for home insurance. Home insurance for earthquakes and several other natural disasters mitigate the financial impact of the disaster by covering the cost of repair.

Conclusion

Natural disasters are a force of nature that can occur anytime and anywhere. These natural calamities are capable of causing irreparable damage to your home. Home insurance for earthquakes or other natural disasters can help protect your home and valuables for a nominal premium.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purpose only. For more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.