Climate change and rising global temperature have contributed to an increase in global natural disasters, 71% of which were storms and floods. U.N. scientists predict that it’s only going to get worse, with an average of 400 to 560 natural disasters per year by 2030. While there’s no way to prevent these natural disasters, you can prepare for them to keep yourself and your family safe.
Natural disasters can cause significant damage to your property, transportation, and personal valuables. While installing a safe room or storm shelter should be a priority, there are other things you can do to keep yourself and your family safe.
Here’s how you can prepare for the unexpected.
Create an Emergency Plan
The first step to creating an emergency plan is identifying which natural disasters are more likely to occur in your area and learning about them. If you live in Texas, some of the most common natural disasters that are likely to occur include hurricanes, tornados, floods, and thunderstorms.
Let your family know why it is important to prepare. Educate them on the different types of common natural disasters in your area and explain to them the game plan for each situation. Designate an emergency meeting place in the house and practice evacuation. You can also assign responsibilities to each other and plan to work together as a team.
Assemble an Emergency Kit
The next step is to assemble an emergency kit. Make sure you have everything in this kit that you or your family members may need during a disaster. The kit and other supplies should be kept in a waterproof container near exit points. If you have a tornado-safe room or another storm shelter in your house, you can store this kit inside them. Keep some food, water, and medications on hand as well.
Here’s a checklist you can use to prepare an emergency kit.
- Water
- Nonperishable food
- Medicines
- Extra batteries
- First aid kit
- Dry clothing and blankets
Install a Safe Room or Storm Shelter
If you live in Dallas, TX, installing a safe room or tornado shelter in your house is also recommended. A storm shelter can protect you and your family from injuries caused during a natural disaster. Getting on the road to reach a safe room may not be the most suitable option. Therefore, having one installed in your house can keep you safe inside the house.
Stay Informed
To prepare for natural disasters, you must stay informed about weather updates and the difference between weather watches and warnings. Make sure you follow the news regularly, subscribe to weather-related emergency alerts, and have access to a battery-operated radio for updates.
The hurricane season in Texas starts mid-summer through late fall, which makes now the perfect time to get a custom safe room installed in your home in Dallas, TX. We have over 25 years of experience creating safe rooms that protect your and your loved ones. Contact us now to know more about sizes, specifications, and other details.
