Leasing a home comes with many benefits, but it's essential to be ready for emergencies. In this blog, we’ll cover how to prepare for various disasters, including hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, earthquakes, fires, wildfires and extreme heat. Each type of disaster requires a unique approach, so let’s dive into the details.
1. Preparing for hurricanes
If you live in an area prone to hurricanes, it’s crucial to start preparing before hurricane season begins. Here’s how:
Emergency kit: Have an emergency kit with water, food, flashlights, batteries, and important documents.
Secure your home: Bring outdoor furniture and unsecured items inside to prevent them from becoming projectiles.
Know your news sources: Familiarize yourself with local media and emergency information outlets that provide reliable storm updates with government agencies' suggestions on protecting yourself from approaching storms.
Evacuation Plan: Know your evacuation routes and have a plan for where you’ll go if you need to leave quickly. Keep your car fueled and ready.
Hand radio: Invest in a hand radio or two so you can effectively communicate with the outside world and other members of your household in case cell phone networks fail.
Read this detailed hurricane preparedness checklist .
2. Preparing for tornadoes
Tornadoes can strike with little warning, so quick action is key.
Safe room: Identify a safe place in your home, like a basement or an interior room without windows. Make sure everyone in your household knows where to go.
Emergency kit: Keep an emergency kit in your safe room with essentials like water, food, a whistle and a first aid kit.
Stay informed: Sign up for weather alerts on your phone and download a weather app that can warn you immediately if a tornado watch or warning is issued.
Read more tips to prepare for severe winds .
3. Preparing for floods
Floods can happen quickly, especially during heavy rains or hurricanes.
Protect valuables: Move valuable items to higher ground in your home if you live in a flood-prone area.
Know your flood risk: The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) maps flood plains for residents across the United States. Check their tools to see whether your home is at risk of flooding.
Evacuation plan: Know your evacuation routes and have a plan for a quick exit if needed.
Stay informed: Pay attention to weather alerts and be ready to move to higher ground immediately.
Read more flood safety tips.
4. Preparing for earthquakes
Earthquakes can occur without warning, so it’s important to be prepared at all times.
Secure heavy items: Secure heavy furniture, like bookcases, to the walls to prevent them from tipping over during an earthquake.
Drop, cover, and hold on: Practice earthquake drills with your family so everyone knows to drop to the ground, take cover under a sturdy piece of furniture, and hold on until the shaking stops.
Emergency kit: Keep an emergency kit with food, water, whistle and first aid supplies in a convenient location.
Read more earthquake safety tips.
5. Preparing for house fires
House fires can start suddenly, so being prepared can save lives.
Smoke detectors: Ensure smoke detectors are installed and working properly. Test them monthly. If your smoke detectors need to be serviced, please submit a service request through the Invitation Homes Maintenance app.
Fire extinguishers: Have fire extinguishers in key areas of your home, like the kitchen. Make sure everyone knows how to use them.
Escape plan: Create a fire escape plan with multiple exit routes and a designated meeting spot outside. Practice this plan regularly. Remember, windows may be your best option for a fast exit in an emergency. Make sure you don’t block windows with furniture or other objects.
6. Preparing for wildfires
Wildfires can spread rapidly, especially in dry, wooded areas.
Defensible space: If you live near a wooded area, create a defensible space around your home by clearing away dry leaves, brush, and other flammable materials. Please check your lease agreement for your landscaping requirements.
Emergency kit: Keep an emergency kit ready and know your evacuation routes.
Stay informed: Stay tuned to local news and weather alerts during wildfire season, and be ready to evacuate if necessary.
Read more wildfire safety tips.
7. Preparing for extreme heat
Extreme heat can be dangerous, especially for the elderly, young children, and pets.
Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water and avoid strenuous activities if possible, during the hottest parts of the day.
Keep cool: Use fans or air conditioning to stay cool. If you don’t have air conditioning, consider visiting a public place like a library or shopping mall during peak heat hours. If your HVAC unit needs to be serviced, please submit a service request through the Invitation Homes Maintenance app.
Check on neighbors: Check on elderly or vulnerable neighbors to make sure they’re staying cool and hydrated.
Read more extreme heat safety tips.
We’ve got you covered.
Whether it’s a hurricane, tornado, flood, earthquake, fire, wildfire or extreme heat, being prepared is the best way to stay safe. We hope these tips help you feel more confident and ready for whatever comes your way.
If you notice your home isn’t quite ready for one of these emergencies, submit a service request through the Invitation Homes app. Our maintenance pros can visit your home to help you get ready.
If a disaster strikes your area, the American Red Cross can help with shelters, disaster relief services, recovery, and other community services. If you are in need, contact your local Red Cross , or find a Red Cross shelter .
Renters insurance can give you a lifeline after a disaster. Our residents are required to have $100,000 of personal liability coverage. It will cover accidents and damage to the home but not your stuff. Remember to list Invitation Homes as an Additional Interested Party on your policy.
Stay safe, and remember, preparation is the key to protecting yourself, your loved ones and your home!
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