Staying Safe When Disaster Strikes

Clinton residents are no strangers to natural disasters. Each year, the region experiences damage from flooding, tornadoes, and even hurricanes. As a Clinton local, you should take preemptive steps to protect your home and your belongings before the next catastrophe hits instead of relying on local storm shelters. Here’s some advice to help to keep yourself from getting caught off guard in the wake of a natural disaster.

Tornadoes

The Clinton area has a high risk of tornadoes, causing an average of three fatalities each year. Locals should take special care to protect their homes and their families from the devastating effects of high winds and loose debris from a surprise tornado. Garage doors should be fortified and, roofing should be strapped down. For the best protection, you should install a basement or tornado-proof window shutters to protect yourself from flying objects. Because Clinton sees so many tornadoes throughout the year, it might be a good idea to schedule an annual home inspection and make any necessary repairs.

Floods

Central Mississippi is prone to flooding, which can cost homeowners hundreds to thousands of dollars in property damage. The best way to protect your house from flooding is to seal your basement and outer walls using waterproof components while reinforcing the interior structure. It’s also a good idea to install a sump pump so that you can quickly remove flood water from your property before it can cause any serious damage to your belongings. Electrical appliances such as a furnace or a washer and dryer unit should be elevated above flood levels, as any amount of water can immediately damage the circuitry.

Hurricanes

There isn’t much of a hurricane risk in Clinton, but they aren’t unheard of. A hurricane can rip apart the very structure of a house, so as with tornadoes, it’s important to make sure that you reinforce your home’s exterior. But when hurricanes move across land and lessen in intensity, even a down graded hurricane can bring powerful thunderstorms that can cause wind, rain, and lightning damage.

Earthquakes

Earthquakes are relatively rare around the Clinton region, but locals should still be prepared. Heavy items and furniture should be secured to the wall to prevent them from toppling over and injuring someone, while breakables should be moved to low shelves. You should also make sure to maintain your home’s foundation to prevent any cracks or defective wiring.

Beyond a good insurance plan, the best way that you can protect yourself from natural disasters is by keeping prepared. By taking the time to ready yourself now, you can save yourself from a costly headache in the future.