Preparing For a Natural Disaster

This week, Craig Siminski, of CMS Retirement Income Planning, shares an article discussing some tips to help homeowners protect their properties and evacuate safely in the event of a natural disaster:

Most areas in the United States are susceptible to some form of natural disaster, whether it’s a wildfire, tornado, hurricane, earthquake, or flood. A severe storm or other catastrophic event often strikes with little warning, can result in costly damage to your home, and puts your family’s safety at risk. Being prepared may help you make it through a natural disaster safely.

Protect Your Home

Wherever you live, there are proactive steps you can take to help protect your home from natural disasters:

To help fend off storm damage, inspect and repair roof shingles and flashing, clean your gutters and downspouts so that water can flow freely away from your home, trim overhanging tree limbs, and consider investing in storm windows, doors, and shutters.

If you live in a fire zone, create a defensible perimeter around the outside of your home; keep roof surfaces and gutters free of flammable materials such as pine needles, leaves, and branches; and consider installing fire-resistant roofing and/or siding material.

If you live in an area that could experience a major earthquake, retrofitting an older home (strengthening the foundation with braces and bolts) might reduce the amount of damage caused by severe shaking.

Have an Emergency Plan/Disaster Kit

A natural disaster can sometimes cause power outages that last for days. It can also result in downed power lines, fallen trees, and/or flooding that make roads impassable. Know evacuation routes and have an emergency plan that identifies a safe place to meet in the event that family members become separated.

 Keep important addresses and phone numbers accessible, and identify a place where you can safely stay for an extended period of time if necessary. In addition…

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Craig Siminski is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional, with more than 25 years of experience. His goal is to provide families, business owners, and their employees with assistance in building their financial freedom.

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