Your home is the center of your life, and while you may believe you’re doing a good job keeping it safe, if you don’t take certain preliminary steps, your home may be vulnerable to the consequences of a natural disaster. Pittsburgh is like most of America in that it faces the threat of tornadoes throughout the year. Homeowners must have a comprehensive plan ready so they are up to the task of protecting their home in such a terrible situation.
Before
Tornadoes often occur without warning, so preparing your home and having the precautionary plans ready in advance is the best way to go.
● An emergency kit with food, water, clothes, blankets, medicine, and pet supplies is crucial.
● Creating a plan for family communication is good practice, especially in case some are outside the home when the tornado hits. Involve neighbors to formulate a plan if there are elderly or special needs people in the neighborhood.
● Establish a safe room or wind shelter like a basement or interior room that offers more protection than other places in the home. In the absence of a safe room, keep a check on the nearest sturdy building or structure to take shelter.
During
Always be weather-aware and know the signs of a tornado by taking note of the overnight forecast during severe weather seasons.
● Once the tornado warning goes on, seek shelter immediately in your safe place or by a sturdy building. Crouch as low as possible and cover your head.
● If on the road, find the lowest point in the ground shield yourself from the straight line of winds.
After
Check in with family and friends.
● The damage may be widespread, so be careful when venturing outside.
● If you are not at home, do not return until it is deemed safe to do so.
● Photograph all damage to your home and contact your insurance agent and file a claim. If the property loss is beyond repair and you wish to sell, contact https://www.412houses.com/ – in Pittsburgh we buy houses in their current condition.