Don’t Be a Fool: Prepare for Natural Disasters Ahead of Time
At ServiceMaster of Colorado Springs, we specialize in disaster restoration. As a result, we are familiar with how integral it is to prepare for a flood, fire, snowstorm, or another emergency. Many scenarios, such as city-wide water contamination or rolling blackouts, are less serious than an emergency but can still leave you without essential utilities. Whatever the case, it is critical to be prepared for the worse – whether you end up dealing with an isolated house fire or a natural disaster, such as a blizzard.
Don’t let the unexpected take you and your family by surprise. Be prepared for an emergency by keeping essential supplies on site.
Unsure of what to stuck in your emergency kit? Here’s a quick list of some must-have items:
Your Complete First Aid Kit
Every responsible homeowner should keep an emergency first aid kit readily available. A thorough first-aid kit should include:
- Bandages/band-aids
- Antiseptic wipes
- Basic tools (tweezers, scissors, screwdrivers, hammers)
- Over-the-counter medicines (like acetaminophen, aspirin, or ibuprofen)
- Prescription medication (if necessary)
- Non-latex gloves
These are just a few essentials you should stock in your first aid kit. Don’t hesitate to add any other items as you see fit.
Water, Water, Water
According to the National Safety Council (NSC), every household should have at minimum 3 gallons of drinking water for each resident. This is enough water for each person to enjoy drinking up to 1 gallon a day for 3 days. We also recommend keeping extra water for cooking and washing.
Canned Foods, A Propane Burner, & Utensils
Many natural disasters leave residents without power, working infrastructure, or operational grocery stores for days. Don’t let your family go hungry – store canned beans, tuna fish, chili, soup, veggies, fruit, and other food in your closet. These meals can nourish your family for days while city officials work on restoring power, roads, and other infrastructure.
Many canned foods can be eaten directly from the can. Nonetheless, we recommend purchasing a portable, propane-powered single-burner. Emergencies are already stressful enough. The joy and comfort of a warm meal can be a morale boost for everyone. You should also keep a heavy-duty can opener available – after all, even cans with a pop-top can have the ring accidentally break off.
Non-perishable foods like trail mix, peanut butter, and granola bars are great snacks to complement canned foods. These dependable food items can satisfy cravings and offer nourishment during times of stress and need. Along with snacks, don’t underestimate the power of coffee. Instant coffee packets can be a game-changer if you rely on caffeine to stay alert.
Finally, it will be useful to keep reusable or disposable plates, bowls, cups, napkins, and eating utensils around. You will likely have access to your silverware, but you’ll want to avoid cleaning dishes at all costs if there’s no running water. We also suggest storing a kettle to boil water.
Blankets & Toilet Paper
Your home can get very cold in a hurry when the power goes out during a winter storm. Be prepared for freezing temperatures by having a bundle of all-purpose blankets or heavy-duty sleeping bags to snuggle into during long, frigid nights.
It is not uncommon for plumbing to stop working during severe blizzards, tornadoes, and hailstorms. Make the proactive decision by storing extra toilet paper, garbage bags, and even a bucket in your closet or garage. These items will allow you to create a makeshift porta-potty.
Flashlights, Batteries, & A Battery-Operated Radio
Always keep at least two flashlights in an easily accessible location. At night, flashlights will come in handy for several reasons. It is never a bad idea to store headlamps and camping lanterns. When it comes to battery-operated lighting, we always say the more, the merrier. Don’t forget to keep ample batteries on-site in the event you become stuck without power for an extended duration. Moreover, having a small battery-operated radio nearby can prove pivotal if your cell phone loses its charge or reception. This radio will keep you updated on city mandates and weather updates.
Games, Cards, & Other Diversions
Living without power or utilities can be frightening. Nothing brews anxiety quite like a bored mind and idle hands. Boost your family’s spirits by keeping plenty of board games, playing cards, coloring books, puzzles, and reading materials around your house. These distractions will help pass the time and can make short-term power outages a memorable bonding experience for the whole family.
ServiceMaster Can Help You Restore & Rebuild
If you’ve experienced property damage and need professional assistance, call ServiceMaster of Colorado Springs without delay. We will rush over once weather conditions permit. Our restoration experts utilize cutting-edge tools and long-established techniques to survey, discard, and salvage items quickly and effectively. We can help you file insurance claims, protect your property from further damage, and rebuild what’s damaged and lost. Our goal is to get you and your property up and running again in no time!
Call (719) 356-3189 to book elite damage restoration services today!
