Before making that big move to a brand new city, be sure you've conferred with Mother Nature.  Here are some quick tips, broken down by region, on how to safeguard your new home against a natural disaster.

Tornado Belt

If you're considering a move to Texas (north), Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota, or Arkansas,
high wind is a danger in your region. There are steps you can take to protect your home from wind damage. Installing hurricane straps on your home can reduce the risk of the roof blowing off in extreme, hurricane-class winds. Use storm shutters to protect windows and other glass during a severe windstorm—wind can cause some seriously large objects to fly through the air.

The "Quaker" States

The Pacific Coast region consisting of California, Oregon, Washington, Alaska, New Mexico, and the Yellowstone area is particularly vulnerable to earthquakes. Earthquakes can do serious damage to your home, depending on where you live. You can protect the interior of your home from damage by bolting large pieces of furniture to walls and organizing the objects in your rooms in such a way that heavy items won’t crush anything or anyone.

When it comes to exterior measures to protect your home from earthquake damage, consider bolting your home to its foundation—a relatively inexpensive protective strategy. And remember, if you live on a slope and you're thinking about cutting down those trees in your yard, remember that their root systems can protect your home from sliding during an earthquake.

 
Wildfire States

The hot, dry climes of the western region make Idaho, Nevada, Utah, California, Wyoming and Montana particularly susceptible to dangerous, seasonal brush fires. It seems like there are larger and fiercer forest fires ravaging our country every year, especially in the West. To reduce the chances of your home catching fire, reduce the amount of dry brush and yard waste that may accumulate in the yard around your home. You can also use a fire-retardant treatment on the shingles of your roof, reducing the risk of a roof fire that can easily be caused by burning debris blown onto it. And teach your children fire safety techniques around the house to prevent any accidental fires.

Fire can cause damage from within your home or as a result of a fire miles away. Be sure to equip your home, regardless of the region you're in, with functioning smoke detectors. You should have one on every floor of your home, and one either inside or outside every bedroom to ensure that your loved ones and your home are protected. And don't let their batteries expire! These devices save lives every year.

[Editor's Note: We recommend Paul Davis Restoration at www.pdrestoration.com. Their network of contractors has been an innovative leader in the areas of property damage mitigation, reconstruction, and remodeling since 1966.]

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