Is Your Home Disaster Ready? Be Prepared to Hunker Down In Your Safe House with Chef 5 Minute Meals.

Is Your Home Disaster Ready?

Be Prepared to Hunker Down in Your Safe House.

The recent hurricanes and wildfires devastating the country make all of us examine ways to make our homes safer for our families. These recommendations are general, not designed to combat the effects of a hurricane or wildfire, simply to make your home safer.

Knowledge is your best weapon: train in First Aid, combatting fires, safe use of emergency equipment, firearms, and best practices for all aspects of disaster response. Have your family train with you—there is no substitute for training. Watch YouTube videos for the subjects mentioned below; there are top-tier experts ready to show you on YouTube, use it.

First Aid & Medical Supplies

Keep a (real) first aid kit in your home where your family knows where it is and train on how to use it. These can be purchased on Amazon for about $50.00.
Make sure your bag has an Emergency Laceration Closures Kit and a pack of (Quick Clot) and learn how to use these products. A tube of super glue can also work wonders with large lacerations.
Learn CPR and Artificial Respiration, again (YouTube).
Keep your meds where you can grab them and go—disasters happen fast.
Stock basic ailment remedies with your first aid kit: aspirin, Benadryl, Pepto-Bismol. You might not be going to the store for a while.
Keep a duplicate of these supplies in a (Bug-out Bag) in case you need to evacuate.

Fire Safety Tips:

Smoke Alarms & Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Ensure you have smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors in all areas of your home. Change the batteries yearly for safety.
Fire Zone Considerations: If you live in a fire zone and have a pool or hot tub, purchase an electric water pump and set up a hose system for use in wildfires. This can help maintain water pressure and protect your home.
Fire Blankets: Keep a fire blanket in the kitchen. These are a simple but effective tool for managing small fires.
Evacuation Plan: If the fire department orders an evacuation, do not attempt to fight the fire. Prioritize your life over property—stuff can be replaced, but you cannot.
Home Evacuation Plan: Have a home evacuation plan, and practice it regularly with your family.
Fire Zone Landscaping: Keep vegetation away from your house, and avoid planting highly flammable trees and shrubs, especially pines.
Exterior Water Hoses: Keep long water hoses hooked up to all exterior water posts with high-pressure spray heads. This can help in case of a wildfire.
Watering Your Property: Water your property regularly during fire season to keep vegetation hydrated and less likely to catch fire.
Fire-Resistant Roofs: Avoid shake roofs in fire-prone areas. Instead, opt for fire-resistant composite or metal roofs.
Storing Flammable Liquids: Store flammable liquids and gases in an outbuilding, away from the main house, if you have one.
Fire Extinguishers: Keep fire extinguishers in living areas. Opt for rechargeable extinguishers if possible, and check their pressure regularly. Educate your family on their proper usage.
Evacuation Route: If you live in a fire zone, have a clear home evacuation route and a designated meeting destination known to all family members.
Fire Evacuation Training: Instruct your family on fire evacuation techniques, including staying low to the ground and knowing all exit points. Multi-level homes should consider emergency rope ladders.
Police Scanner: Purchase a battery-powered police scanner to stay informed of emergency codes and alerts.
Pet Emergency Prep: Keep your pets' medications close, have a 24-hour vet on speed dial, and stock pet food in bulk. If you have to evacuate, pack a bag for your pets with their essentials.

A woman uses a fire extinguisher on an oven with flames. Surrounding images show a red fire extinguisher, a fire blanket, a garden hose, a smoke detector, a carbon monoxide alarm, and a firefighter working.

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), statistics show that homes with working smoke alarms reduce the risk of dying in a fire by nearly 50%, with roughly three out of five fire deaths occurring in homes with no working smoke alarms or no smoke alarms at all; additionally, most non-functioning smoke alarms are due to missing or dead batteries.

According to available data, statistics show that fire extinguishers are highly effective in stopping fires, with around 93-94% of the time a portable fire extinguisher is used, successfully putting out the fire, usually within the first two minutes of use.

Line graph showing reported home structure fires dropping from 734,000 in 1980 to 340,000 in 2022. Bar graph displays death rate per 1,000 fires: 14.4 with no smoke alarm or non-operational alarm, 5.8 with operational alarm, from 2018-2022.

Flood and Hurricane Storm Surge Prevention Tips:

If you live in a floodplain or an area prone to hurricane storm surges, there are many ways to mitigate water damage to your home. There are plenty of affordable prevention methods, with experts on platforms like YouTube offering valuable guidance.

Ways to Prevent Flood Damage and Mitigate Danger:

Elevate Your Home: Raise your home on stilts or piers if you’re in a direct storm surge area. This is an extreme measure but can be effective.
Install Foundation Vents or Sump Pumps: These can help reduce water buildup in your home.
Apply Coatings and Sealants: Seal your foundation, walls, windows, and doorways with waterproof coatings.
Raise Electrical Outlets and Switches: Elevate your electrical outlets and switches to reduce the risk of water damage.
Install Check Valves on Pipes: This will prevent floodwaters from entering your home through the pipes.
Grade Your Lawn: Ensure the lawn slopes away from your home to direct water flow away from the foundation.
Leave Space Between Mulch and Siding: This can help prevent moisture damage to the siding.
Point Downspouts Away from the House: Ensure downspouts direct water away from your home’s foundation.
Seal Exterior Electrical Outlets: Caulk the line where electrical outlets meet the exterior to prevent water entry.
Keep Plywood and Battery-Operated Power Tools Ready: Be prepared to board up windows or perform quick repairs.
Have Sandbags Ready: Keep a supply of sandbags on hand to block water from entering your home.
Never Ignore Evacuation Warnings: Always follow evacuation orders and avoid trying to "ride out" the storm.
Have an Evacuation Plan: Ensure everyone knows the plan, with a final destination in case you lose contact.
Purchase a Wet/Dry Shop Vac: This is essential for fast cleanup after flooding.
Train Your Family on Shutoff Procedures: Ensure everyone knows how to turn off the electricity, water, and gas in an emergency.
Keep a Fire Ax in Key Areas: Place a fire ax in the attic and basement. In case you need to escape, the ax may help you cut through a blocked exit or roof.
For Forested Areas: If you're stranded for an extended period, consider hunting or fishing for food.
Prepare for Limited Connectivity: Be ready for days without TV or internet, especially if you have kids. A stocked bar might help take the edge off, though moderation is key.
Foul Weather Clothing: Ensure you have appropriate clothing for stormy conditions.
Seal Doors with Removable Caulk: Apply caulk to doorways when water levels rise to prevent leakage.

A collage of various home maintenance and DIY images, including tools like saws and drills, a circuit breaker, a wrench on a pipe, a hammer, a pressure gauge, roofing shingles, and liquor bottles. A person in a jacket is shown drinking outdoors.

Prepare for Power and Communication Disruptions:

Power and communications are likely to be affected, so it's essential to be prepared.

Battery-Powered Weather Radio: A weather radio can be a lifesaver, helping you stay informed during power outages.
Flashlights and Extra Batteries: Keep plenty of flashlights on hand, along with a stack of batteries.
Coleman Lamp with Mantels and Fuel: Useful for lighting your home when the power goes out.
Bug-Out Bag: Keep a complete bug-out bag in your car in case you need to evacuate quickly. (This will be covered in an upcoming article.)
Switch to StarLink: Consider dropping your cable provider and switching to StarLink. It offers satellite-based internet, cutting out the need for a wired connection and providing reliable access directly from the sky.
Generator: Having a generator is crucial. You can power these with gas, diesel, or propane. While the high-end hardwired Generac generators are ideal, they can be expensive (starting at $6,000), but Lowe’s and Home Depot offer many affordable options.
Elon Musk's Satellite Phone Service: Elon Musk is developing a satellite-based cell phone service, which could replace traditional cell towers. Keep an eye on this as it develops—it could offer reliable communication in emergencies.
Alternate Power Generation: Consider solar panels, water wheels, or wind turbine kits as alternative power sources. These are affordable, easy to install, and some even come with tax breaks.
Water Filtration System: Invest in a reliable water filtration system. Popular options like the Berkey are affordable and highly recommended by many.
Emergency Information: Keep important emergency contact numbers easily accessible. Not just 911, but also local power, water, and gas departments. Know the number for poison control, as quick access to a poison expert could be lifesaving. The last thing you need in an emergency is to be searching for a phone number.
Medication List: Keep a list of medications you and your family members are on, and make sure it’s easily accessible. Emergency responders will need this information if you're unable to communicate.
Emergency Contacts: Have phone numbers of close relatives, friends, and neighbors you can rely on for help in an emergency.

A collage showing various energy sources: solar panels, wind turbine, batteries, a generator, a lantern, a flashlight, a satellite, a radio tower, and a power unit. A person holds a smartphone in one image.

Essential Needs: Heat, Water, and Cooking

Keep Your Gas Tank Full: Always keep your gas tank full, especially before a storm. This ensures you can travel if necessary.
Charge Everything: Fully charge your phone and other essential devices before the storm. Power outages may last for an extended period.
Heating Options: If the power goes out, consider alternative heating sources such as a wood-burning stove, space heaters, or a fireplace. Ensure proper ventilation and have sufficient fuel.
Cooking Options: Store extra propane for a propane grill. A rocket stove is an affordable alternative, and a backyard fire pit can also be useful for cooking.
Backyard Fire Pit: A fire pit can serve multiple purposes, including cooking and trash disposal. Be mindful of food waste, as it can attract animals, rodents, and insects.
Water Storage: Store large quantities of both drinking and non-drinking water for essential tasks such as flushing toilets, washing dishes, and cleaning. Fill bathtubs, sinks, and large containers before the storm arrives.
Filtration & Purification: Have water filters, purification tablets, or the means to boil water in case your stored supply runs low or becomes contaminated.
Rainwater Collection: If feasible, set up a rainwater collection system to supplement your water supply. Always filter and purify before use.
Alternative Sources: If needed, you can melt snow or use nearby natural water sources, but always purify the water before drinking.

A collage of prepper supplies: fire pit, red fuel cans, water jugs, emergency radio, propane tank, water filter, person filling fireplace, bucket, toilet, grill, and water bottles.

Keep Invaders Out:

There are many affordable ways to secure and defend your home.

Harden Your Outside Doors: Install metal cowlings that secure the deadbolt and knob lock to your door. Reinforced female lock sets with 3-inch wood screws tie the locking system directly into the house frame, making it much harder to kick in.
Manual Snap Locks: Similar to hotel room locks, these can be purchased for under $10 and withstand up to 800 pounds of pressure.
Cross Beam Door Barriers: These barriers reinforce the door system by securing it into the house frame, significantly slowing entry by an intruder.
Security Cameras: Security video systems used to be expensive and hardwired, but not anymore. Many now hook directly into your internet modem, require no hard wiring, and store recordings on the cloud. There are many affordable and reliable systems that install in minutes.
Protect Your Treasures: Gun vaults and fire safes are more affordable than ever. Purchase a heavy, fire-resistant gun safe, bolt it to the wall and floor, and fill it with 300 pounds of free weights to prevent it from being moved. During a disaster, cash is king—keep a few hundred dollars in small bills in your safe in case ATM machines and banks are down.
Signage: Display signs indicating that you are watching. This can deter unwanted visitors, as easy targets are always more desirable.
Security Lighting: Affordable and effective security lighting can send intruders on their way. Motion-activated lighting with photo cells is easy to install and proven to deter invaders.

Collage of various security-related items: a safe, surveillance camera, person handling a lock, motion sensor light, deadbolt installation, cash being counted, security sign, and other security tools and equipment.

Feed Your Family and Be Ready for Trouble:

Emergency Food Supply: Maintain a robust emergency food supply with self-heating MREs, canned food, dry foods, and freeze-dried options for long-term storage. Rotate your semi-perishable food stores and keep a (Food Calendar) to track when to consume and replenish. Self-heating MREs are especially useful when starting a fire isn't safe.
Coolers and Ice: Keep several large coolers and bags of ice in your freezer. An extra freezer is also valuable. When disaster strikes and the power goes out, have your coolers filled with ready-to-eat perishables to get you through the first few days.
Supermarket Preparedness: Make a list before heading to the store. Remember, supermarkets will likely be picked clean before a disaster hits, so plan ahead, know what you need, and go early.
Martial Arts Knowledge: Basic martial arts can serve as a last-ditch protection in emergencies. Focus on practical fighting arts like Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Judo, and kickboxing—these techniques are effective in real combat situations. Avoid wasting time on arts like Tae Kwon Do, Kung Fu, or traditional Karate unless you’re training at a very high level.
Firearm Preparedness: While firearms are a sensitive topic, protecting your family is paramount. At a minimum, purchase three types of firearms: a 12-gauge pump shotgun, an assault weapon, and a high-capacity semi-automatic pistol. Be sure to have a sling that holds extra shells and a bandolier belt with more shells for the shotgun. Remember, most shotguns hold 5-8 rounds, so having extra ammo is crucial. Choose buckshot, not birdshot, and if given the choice, go with 3-inch rounds for maximum stopping power. Invest in at least 10 magazines for both the pistol and the assault weapon, and keep them loaded. Store hundreds of rounds for each weapon and keep your firearms clean. Train yourself and others in proper shooting practices and safety, and ensure firearms are locked away from children or intruders. Firearms can vary in price, but you can find a high-capacity semi-automatic pistol for as low as $400, an AR-15 for around $450, and a pump shotgun for $200. Range time is essential for improving shooting skills, so find a safe gun range and practice.

Gun Facts:

Guns prevent an estimated 2.5 million crimes annually, or about 6,849 crimes every day. Most of the time, the gun is never fired and no blood is shed.
Every year, firearms prevent 400,000 life-threatening violent crimes.
60% of convicted felons admitted that they avoided committing crimes when they knew the victim was armed. Another 40% avoided committing crimes when they thought the victim might be armed.
Felons report that they avoid entering homes where people are present because they fear being shot.
Less than 1% of firearms are used in the commission of a crime.

A collage featuring survival gear and emergency food supplies. Includes images of firearms, martial arts, packaged meals, and a stocked pantry. Central focus is on a variety of backpack meals.

Keep a Paper Library for Off-Grid Reference:

When the power and internet are down, there will be no YouTube or Google to rely on.

Purchase physical books on all aspects of survival, first aid, hunting, fishing, home repair, and any other relevant topics. Keep these materials organized and easily accessible in your home.
Print out this page and add it to your library for quick reference.
Bookmark this page to ensure you can find it when needed.