When a storm is on the horizon, there's usually a sense of urgency to secure your home and belongings. Being prepared ahead of time can save you stress and help protect your valuables from damage. Whether you're facing a hurricane, thunderstorm, or any other kind of severe weather, a well-thought-out plan for moving and securing your belongings is essential. This guide will walk you through practical steps to prepare for a possible storm and keep your possessions safe.
Step 1: Create a Storm Prep Checklist
Before a storm arrives, take some time to create a checklist of items you need to move, protect, or store. Consider categories such as electronics, important documents, furniture, outdoor equipment, and sentimental items. Planning ahead helps you remember important details and prioritize what needs attention first.
Items to Include in Your Checklist
- Important documents: passports, birth certificates, insurance policies
- Valuables: jewelry, electronics, heirlooms
- Outdoor items: patio furniture, grills, gardening tools
- Appliances and large electronics: televisions, computers, and kitchen appliances
- Emergency supplies: first aid kits, batteries, flashlights, non-perishable food
Step 2: Start with Essential and Irreplaceable Items
Items like legal documents, family photos, and any small valuables should be your first priority. Place them in waterproof and damage-resistant containers or zip-lock bags to keep them safe from water and humidity. If you have a safe that is both fireproof and waterproof, that's the perfect place to store these items.
Considerations for Electronics
Pack small electronics, like laptops, tablets, and smartphones, in their original boxes or cushioned containers. Use plastic covers or bags to protect against water damage. Unplug and elevate larger electronics like TVs or stereo systems; placing them on high shelves or countertops can prevent them from being damaged by water in case of flooding.
Step 3: Protect Your Furniture and Appliances
For furniture, cover items with plastic sheets or tarps to protect them from water and dust. If you live in an area prone to flooding, consider moving furniture to higher floors, away from windows or doors that might be breached by the storm. For heavier items, such as couches or beds, placing blocks under their legs can help elevate them and reduce the risk of water damage.
For appliances like refrigerators, dishwashers, and washing machines, disconnect power and water lines if you anticipate a major storm. It's best to move these items to a secure part of your home if possible, or at the very least, wrap them in waterproof coverings.
Step 4: Secure Outdoor Items
Loose items in your yard can become dangerous projectiles during high winds. It's essential to secure or bring inside anything that could potentially be lifted by strong gusts. This includes:
- Patio furniture
- Grills
- Planters and garden decor
- Bicycles, toys, and tools
- Trash cans
If you're unable to bring these items indoors, consider tying them down with strong rope or bungee cords, or placing them in a secure shed or garage.
Step 5: Move to Higher Ground and Protect Low Areas
If you're in an area prone to flooding, move as many items as possible to the highest part of your home. For items that must stay on the ground floor, consider raising them off the floor on pallets, blocks, or even furniture. This way, if minor flooding does occur, you can reduce the potential damage to your belongings.
Seal Entry Points
Windows, doors, and any other potential points of entry for water should be sealed as best as possible. Using sandbags or storm shutters can help prevent water from seeping inside.
Step 6: Prepare Your Vehicle and Garage
Don't overlook your car when preparing for a storm. Ensure that it’s fueled up, and remove any loose items that might be inside. If you have a garage, move your car inside to protect it from debris, falling branches, and hail. If you don't have a garage, consider covering your car with a fitted car cover for extra protection.
Step 7: Make an Emergency Bag
An emergency bag is essential for quick evacuations or last-minute preparations. This bag should include:
- Cash and credit cards
- Portable chargers and batteries
- Flashlights and a portable radio
- Personal hygiene items
- Medications and a basic first aid kit
- Non-perishable food and bottled water for at least 72 hours
- Extra clothing and blankets
Keep this bag in a readily accessible location, so you can grab it quickly if you need to leave your home or move to a safer location.
Step 8: Document and Photograph Your Belongings
In case you need to make insurance claims after the storm, it’s wise to document your belongings. Take photos or videos of each room in your house and make a list of valuable items, including their make, model, and estimated value. Store this information in a secure cloud storage or in a waterproof bag along with your important documents.
Step 9: Stay Informed and Ready to Act
Once you've moved and secured your belongings, stay informed by monitoring weather reports and updates from local authorities. If evacuation orders are given, be ready to act quickly and safely. Remember, while securing your belongings is important, your safety is always the top priority.
Final Thoughts
Preparation is the key to minimizing the damage and loss caused by a storm. By proactively securing your belongings, moving items to safer locations, and preparing an emergency kit, you can face an incoming storm with greater peace of mind. Remember to start preparing early, prioritize essential items, and follow any advice from weather authorities.
