Diaster Proof Your Home

With hurricane season underway, our brothers and sisters on the East coast are getting prepared for another nasty season ahead. With that in mind would you know how to get your home ready for a disaster?

According to Forbes these are the top ten tips you need to know to disaster proof your home:
1) Make sure your home is properly Insured. Review your homeowner's insurance plan to see what kind of damages would be covered. Make sure your plan includes the proper limit, or the assessed amount it would currently cost to replace your home if need be.

2) Secure Outside Items. Garbage cans, lawn furniture and barbecues can upend from strong winds, threatening to damage your house. Bring them inside or securely store them in the garage, where you car should be stored as well.

3) Prune the Trees. Trimmed trees make the lawn look larger but they also minimize damage to your property in the case of a natural disaster. If your foliage sits on or close to a power line, the local utility company may cut them back free of charge.

4) Clean the Gutters. Clear out blockages from gutters and drain systems.Consider adding additional piping to the bottom of your gutters, pushing drainage out farther from the house's foundation.

5) Board the Windows. Always close and lock the windows. In the case of hurricanes, move the furniture away from windows and cover those glass-filled openings with pre-cut wood or hurricane shutters to minimize window breakage and protect against bodily harm.

6) Reinforce the door. Consider replacing that rickety old door with a solid wood or hollow steel door equipped with secure hinges and a deadbolt: it will pay for itself when you sell and minimize the effects of a disaster.

7) Repair cracks and leaks. Before a disaster can take you off guard, repair cracks in ceilings or the foundation, as they make the home more susceptible to severe damage in earthquakes; repair shoddy wiring and gas leaks as these can cause fires.

8) Check out the roof and foundation. This is a preparatory tip that should be done at least once a year, natural disaster or no. Check the roof and repair loose shingles. Consider updating your roof with gable end braces to thwart against hurricanes.

9) Account for your belongings. Janet Ruiz of Fireman's Fund suggests videotaping or snapping pictures of your home and its contents. These can be used for reference if anything is lost or damaged. She also suggests having your insurance company's numbers programmed into the phone.

10) Valves and thermostats. If you know a disaster is imminent, crank the fridge to the coldest setting. When the storm descends turn off all utilities and gas lines. Don't forget to pack a emergency kit with battery operated gadgets, nonperishable food and water.