Protect Your Home Against Weather Disasters

The recent devastation caused by hurricanes Katrina and Rita serves as a reminder of the kind of devastation can cause Mother Nature. Water, wind, fire and earth movement can be dangerous to your home, perhaps your most valuable and largest investment banking firms. But there are measures you can take now to protect your property and prevent major damage should find one of these elements. Depending on the age of your house and the building codes in your area, some of these improvements can alreadyPlace.

Water

Apart from major flooding, most damage occurs when water seeps in through cracks and leaks. Make sure that windows and doors are well sealed. Seal any cracks and holes in the foundation and exterior walls. Repair or replace shingles, an area that water can penetrate the roof coat. Check for holes or leaks in the attic and basement. Your basement windows and doors should be built up barriers or flood shields. Periodically check your sump pumpto ensure that it works properly. Install or make sure that the flashing, a thin metal strip around the doors, windows, thresholds, chimney and roof are intact.

Wind

To minimize the damage by the wind always in your home. Windows and doors are to be equipped with effect Plywood covered with impact-resistant glass or shutters. Consider solid wood or hollow metal doors, which tend to resist wind pressure and flying debris. There areroofing products also available with high wind resistance.

Wildfire

Some improvements that have cost back home, you can also install a spark arrestor on your chimney, brush and remove debris around your property, and amending your attic, sub-floor and basement vents. More expensive improvements include replacing single-pane windows, doors and skylights made of tempered glass, recovering your exterior walls with a refractory material and re-roofing yourHouse with a Class A roof covering.

Earthquakes

California is not the only earthquake zone. Other areas include the New Madrid region, west and east of the Rocky Mountains, the southern Appalachians, New England and Alaska. Steps you can take to protect your property and possessions include anchoring appliances, water heater, cabinets and other heavy objects on the wall. Take your TV, computer and other small desks, tables or countertops. Secure ceiling lights, chandeliersand other hanging items in the permanent structure of your home. Apply safety film windows and glass doors. It is also a good idea to install a main gas shut-off.

Of course there may times when no amount of prepping can protect your home. However, homeowners insurance can help protect you financially if something happens, your property or its contents. Most standard homeowners insurance include structural monitoring and reporting of personal property. Dependingcan click on your location, you also need additional protection against earthquakes, hurricanes and fire.

Note that flood damage is not covered by traditional homeowners insurance policy is covered. Flood Insurance must be purchased separately through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), a federal program. It's for nearly 20,000 municipalities in the United States and its territories participate in the NFIP. Floods triggered by heavy rains, melting snow, inadequateDrainage systems, not protective devices such as levees and dams, as well as by tropical storms and hurricanes. Although you may be in a low to moderate risk area, you may still want to consider this scheme.

Periodically check your homeowner's insurance, make sure you are adequately covered to build your house again and replace your contents.
If ever damage to personal property, a stock may make it easier when filing an insurance case.Start with a sheet of paper for every room in the house. Go through the room and list each item. Do not forget the attic, basement or other storage places. For each item, write the original cost, purchase date, replacement cost, model number, brand name, which purchased the device, and a general description. In addition, drag the photos or videos of each room for visual documentation. It is also a good idea, valuable collections, silver, jewelry, etc. and to arrange for close-ups. Make sure you updateYour home inventory photos and list at least once a year.

For weather-related disasters, what matters most is your security and your family. However, by also taking precautions to protect your home, you may be able to help damage to a minimum, or in case of severe damage, make sure you have the funds for reconstruction.

For more information go to http://www.ibhs.org or http://www.fema.gov.