Texas RV Travel blog

Securing Your Home

This is the last of this five-part series, Preparing for Disaster. I hope this series is helpful to you. I just touched on topics you should consider in detail. Visit the web sites below and download a checklist or make your own.

The best way to survive an emergency
is to prepare before it happens.

As Soon As Possible

• Identify outdoor items that should be brought inside an those which should be secured outdoors.
• Ensure that all dead, diseased or damaged branches are removed from trees. Cut all branches reaching over your house, whether healthy or diseased.
• Purchase 5/8″ plywood, have it cut to size to cover your windows and doors (see step 3). Starting from your front door and counting clockwise, number your windows. Mark each piece of plywood with number. Have some pieces cut to brace your garage door (see step 4) and cover roof vent holes (see page 6).
• Purchase nail gun, nails (for plywood) and enough duct tape for securing plastic (below).
• Purchase 2-4 mil. thick plastic sheeting. Cut plastic to cover windows and doors from the inside (see step 8). Use waterproof marker to mark each piece of plastic with number or room name. See diagram above for proper placement. Save enough plastic for securing your air conditioning unit (see step 7).

When You Know Bad Weather is Coming

1. Secure outdoor items identified above or move them inside.
2. Remove window and door screens and store them inside.
3. Secure windows and doors by closing and locking each one. Cover windows and doors from the outside with 5/8″ plywood. Leave back door uncovered. Cover this door when you leave.
4. Strengthen/brace garage doors from the inside with 5/8″ plywood.
5. Remove outside antennas.
6. Remove roof turbines and install 5/8″ plywood over the hole. Or cover the turbine with plastic and tie down. Leave plumbing vents uncovered.
7. Wrap air conditioning unit in plastic.
8. If you think its necessary, you may want to seal your windows and doors from the inside with plastic (see picture above). This WILL NOT keep water out. It is to be used if you need to keep dust, ash or contamination out.

The Getaway

• Check the radio or TV one more time and ensure evacuation is still necessary.
• Move your cars into your garage unless you are driving out.
• Move furniture out from walls a foot or two.
• Stash non-perishable food you are leaving in suitcases in different areas of your home.
• Fill your bathtubs and sinks with water.
• Hide your waterproof, fireproof lock box in a place of your choosing (see Part 2).

• Empty your fridge, leaving door open. If you are driving, pack snacks, fruit, water and ice into an ice chest and take with you.
• Unplug all electrical appliances.
• Open all interior doors in your home and secure with tape, doorstop, brick, etc.
• Shut off water, gas and electricity at the source.
• Touch base with your neighbors, friends and family. Let them know where you are going and offer them a ride or encouragement if needed.
• Place a small sign saying EVACUATED in a front window of your home so emergency workers will not waste time checking your home or apartment.
• If you decide to leave your animal behind, leave a week’s supply of food and several water sources. Put a sign in the window, DOG/CAT INSIDE-RESCUE ME, where the animal normally stays.
• Take a moment and think about what you need to do and make sure you have everything you need: medicines, maps, money, emergency information, weather radio.
• Remember that you have already secured what is important to you and your family. Relax and remain calm.
• Grab your getaway bags, family, animals and go.
• Lock your back door. Cover back door with plywood as you leave.

Websites to Help You Plan and PrepareBelow are some national websites where you may find more information. Hopefully, there is a community website or a state website with more information in your area. I must say, I was disappointed with the Texas website.

DisabilityPreparedness.gov - Specific information for Americans with disabilities. Know your rights, get the help you need to survive a disaster.

FEMA.gov - There is some useful information on preparedness for all types of emergencies, including nuclear accidents, mudslides, volcano eruptions, extreme heat and cold, among others. There are checklists and teaching materials. Materials in Spanish available. For quick reference, check the Get Disaster Information page.

National Hurricane Center - NOAA site with hurricane specific information. Explanations of accompanying problems of hurricanes, including storm surge, flooding, tornadoes. Information available in Spanish.

Nitro-Pak Preparedness Center - This is your one-stop Internet shop for survival supplies. They have it all: MREs, dehydrated food, family survival packs, water purifiers, earthquake survival kits, radiation evacuation suits, Potassium Iodide tablets, gas masks, solar and hand-crank radios, you name it!

Ready.gov - There is some good information here, especially for people with special needs, kids and senior citizens. There are checklists and brochures that are downloadable (PDF). This site is your tax dollars at work (Department of Homeland Security), so use it.

TheEpiCenter - This is similar to Nitro-Pak, but includes generators, DC-to-AC converters, and some specific information on Earthquake preparedness.

Texas RV Travel blog - how to prepare for disaster series for USA; collection of Weather, River & Lake Levels, Road Conditions for Texas.

Tags: disaster preparation, survive disaster, secure house, getaway, disaster websites