Is Your Southern New Hampshire Home Prepared for Disaster?

No, I'm not talking about the economic crisis, or any other type of personal disaster. I'm talking about the kind that Mother Nature doles out with predictable uncertainty. Your Southern New Hampshire home can never be prepared to the extent of knowing when disasters will happen, but you can be ready for anytime they do.

Know What Type of Disaster is Most Likely

While some types of natural disasters can happen anywhere such as fires and floods, other types like earthquakes, landslides, tornadoes and hurricanes are less likely in certain regions. For example, tornadoes are unlikely in California and earthquakes are less common in Wisconsin.  While a recent tornado watch for Southern New Hampshire is a reminder that they can happen here too, floods and power outages are the most common disasters in this area.  (Being the state with the second highest percentage of tree coverage at 84% plays a significant role in the frequency of power outages.) 

Different types of disasters require different preparations so knowing what your Southern New Hampshire home is most likely to experience is of great benefit.  For instance, you do not want to be underground in an earthquake, but in a tornado picking the lowest spot in a home such as a basement is wise.

Gather Supplies

 Some things are common to all types of disaster preparations. Having these items on hand should be on every homeowner's "must have" list.

·    Extra blankets
·    Water
·    Several days worth of food (best if prepared or easy to make without electrical appliances)
·    Candles or other forms of emergency lighting
·    Battery operated radio
·    Dust mask
·    Can opener
·    Moist towels
·    Emergency escape plans
·    Shelter listings
·    Pet food (if you have pets)
·    Fire extinguishers (every home should have at least one per floor if not more)
·    Infant supplies (if applicable)

Plan for Fast Action

Have disaster plans worked out for a variety of disaster types:
·     In the event of a fire, have an escape plan prepared for every level of your home.
·    If your Southern New Hampshire home is in a flood zone, have sandbags ready and stored for use at a moment's notice.
·     For tornado safety, know the best place in your home to go for shelter.

Being prepared can save you a lot of grief. Disasters are a nuisance at best and fatal at worst.  By planning for the worst, you’ll get through them in the best manner possible.

 If you need more information on preparing your Southern New Hampshire home for a disaster, I can help. Call me now at 603-821-1134 or email me at Dave@DaveHeeter.com