It is important to take precautions to protect your property before an emergency situation arises. There are a few things you may want to consider to ensure that your property survives an emergency in the best condition possible.
Preparing Your Home for an Emergency
- Be informed of potential hazards.
- Do a home hazard hunt with your family to spot any potential hazards or dangers around the house before an emergency situation.
- Make an emergency plan as a family.
- Build a family emergency kit.
- Repair any defective electrical wiring or leaky gas connections.
- Make sure shelves, pictures, and mirrors are securely on the wall and away from beds.
- Place large heavy objects on the bottom shelf.
- Secure the water heater by strapping it to wall studs.
- Repair any cracks in the ceilings or home foundation.
- Store any flammable liquids (pesticides, oil, oily rags, etc.) away from heat sources and possibly in metal cans to prevent fires.
- Make sure your chimneys, flue pipes, vent connectors, and gas vents are clean.
Preparations for Specific Emergencies
- Earthquakes
- Make sure all tall, heavy furniture (e.g., bookcases, dressers) is bolted to wall studs.
- Install stronger latches on your cabinets.
- Fires
- Check smoke alarms monthly and change batteries annually.
- Check smoke alarms monthly and change batteries annually.
- Floods
- Make sure that your fuse box/electric panel is located above average flood level for your area.
- Try to elevate appliances (e.g., furnace, water heater, washer and dryer) above average flood level for your area.
- Hurricanes
- Install hurricane shutters.
- If you do not have hurricane shutters, have enough precut plywood and tape to cover your windows and doors.
- If you live in mobile housing, secure it to a foundation using chains or strong cables.
- Wildfires
- Create a 30-foot safety zone around your home by removing or limiting vegetation.
- Remove all debris in and around your property.
- Use fire-resistant siding on your home.
- Use safety glass for windows and doors if possible.
During an Emergency
- Turn off gas and electricity before you evacuate.
- If a hurricane, flood, thunderstorm, or tornado warning has been issued, bring any outdoor furniture inside to prevent it from being moved by wind or flood waters.
- Once you are in a safe place, muster with your command if you are military or civilian personnel or a member of the selective reserves.
After a Declared Emergency
- After a declared emergency, register your needs with the Navy through the Navy Family Accountability and Assessment System (NFAAS) at https://navyfamily.navy.mil or call 1-877-414-5358 or 1-866-297-1971 (TDD).
