7 Homeowner Preparedness Tips for Natural Disasters
Many people think of Florida and the Caribbean islands when discussions of hurricanes come up. However, the New York area has been hit hard with some big storms over the years. Most New Yorkers still have vivid memories of Hurricane Sandy in October 2012, which was unique because it was a late-season hurricane and caused a record storm surge and devastating flooding in many areas. Since then, New York has been impacted with the remnants of Tropical Storm Andrea in 2013, Hurricane Arthur in 2014, Tropical Storm Bill and Hurricane Joaquin in 2015, and Hurricane Hermine and Hurricane Matthew in 2016.
This quick recap should tell you that no year in recent history has been without threats of natural disasters. To help you prepare for whatever comes our way, here are some natural disaster preparedness tips for homeowners in New York.
Radiant Heat Floors Are Energy Efficient
With energy costs constantly on the rise and more homeowners thinking about their energy consumption, heating efficiency is a big concern. Hydronic-style radiant heating systems, in particular, are very energy efficient when compared to forced-air systems. This is because water conducts heat in a more efficient way than air, meaning that not as much energy is needed to maintain a constant temperature.
Install a Backup Generator
Before a storm approaches, familiarize yourself with where the water main and gas main are. You may need to shut them off without much warning during hurricane season. It’s also a smart idea to turn your refrigerator to the coldest setting possible in case the power goes out and you need your food supply to last longer than expected.
Turn Off Gas and Water Mains
Before a storm approaches, familiarize yourself with where the water main and gas main are. You may need to shut them off without much warning during hurricane season. It’s also a smart idea to turn your refrigerator to the coldest setting possible in case the power goes out and you need your food supply to last longer than expected.
Make Necessary Home Repairs
Property damage is a huge concern when a hurricane is on its way, but there are simple repairs that you can do well in advance of a storm to prevent it. Make sure to secure downspouts and rain gutters on your home, and also take reinforcement measures on your roof, windows, doors, and garage doors. Clear clogged areas of debris to prevent water damage. Also, trim back trees that could potentially fall on your home during a strong storm.
Collect Important Documents in One Safe Place
When disaster strikes and you’re in a rush, the last thing you want to be doing is searching for important items in your home. Put together all of your account numbers and contact information for financial accounts so you can keep up with your bills. Other important documents to gather in case of an evacuation include birth certificates, marriage certificates, social security cards, citizenship papers, medical records, investment records, real estate documents, and insurance policies.
Pack an Emergency Kit in Advance
A well-stocked emergency kit is a must for every family in New York. Make sure to stock up on plenty of food and water, as well as a battery powered radio, extra batteries, a first aid kit, flashlights, phone chargers, and anything else you might need.
Save Money for Emergency Situations
Saving money is hard to do, and there’s no way around it. But you’ll be glad you did when a big storm rolls into town and you need quick access to cash. Stash the cash with your important documents so it’s all in one safe place.
Plan an Evacuation Route
To avoid being caught off-guard by a storm, you need to familiarize yourself with multiple potential evacuation route options. Discuss the routes with your family, and make sure everyone knows what the emergency plan is. Also. keep a full tank of gas in your car in case gas stations are backed up or run out of fuel. We certainly hope that storms steer clear of New York for the foreseeable future, but it never hurts to be prepared for the worst.