How to Keep Your Home and Gadgets Safe in Case of a Calamity

No one can be fully prepared when disaster strikes. It’s an incredibly stressful thing even when everything goes without a glitch. The last thing you want is to find yourself worrying about your stuff and losing important documents, memories, and other valuables on top of going through everything else. There are some things you can do to keep your home and gadgets safe in the case of a calamity that you should know about.

1. Get A Home Warranty

A home warranty is a service that provides home repairs or replacements at a fixed rate. Many people think that their homeowners’ insurance will cover everything, but oftentimes it doesn’t. A home warranty is an extra layer of protection for your home and appliances. As the people from First American explain on their website, a home warranty will typically cover the cost of repairing and replacing your heating, plumbing, as well as different appliances such as ovens, dryers, and refrigerators. This way you’ll know that even if you do end up losing something during a disaster, or if an appliance breaks down, you’ll be covered.

2. Have A Backup Plan For Your Important Files

When it comes to important files, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Make sure you have a backup plan for your most important files in case of a disaster. This could mean keeping an external hard drive with all of your important documents stored safely off-site, or using a cloud service like Google Drive or Dropbox to keep copies of everything in the cloud. While this won’t protect your gadgets as such, it will ensure that you don’t lose any important files or documents – the things that can hardly be replaced. The backup plan you choose will depend on your needs, but the important thing is that you do have one in place.

3. Install Fire And Smoke Alarms

In the event of a fire, smoke alarms and fire extinguishers can be lifesavers. Make sure you have both installed properly in your home and that everyone in your family knows how to use them. You also want to make sure that you test all of these gadgets on a regular basis, so as to ensure they work properly when disaster strikes. Installing a smoke alarm is an incredibly simple process and one that can potentially save your life. All you need is a screwdriver and some batteries, and you’re good to go. Of course, you can also have a professional come and do it for you if you want to make sure everything is installed correctly.

4. Protect Your Gadgets

As the saying goes – plan for the worst and hope for the best. When it comes to your valuables, you want to make sure they’re as protected as possible in case of a disaster. One way to do this is to have a safe place to keep your gadgets, such as a fireproof safe. Make sure you also have reliable insurance for all of your devices, and if possible, keep things like laptops and other important gadgets nearby so you can grab them quickly if you need to evacuate. While you can’t be expected to have your laptop with you at all times, you can always make sure to leave it in the same spot, relatively near the entrance to your home, when you’re not using it. It might also be a good idea to leave the bag or case it normally resides in near the door as well, so you can grab it quickly on your way out.

5. Invest In A Good Home Security System

While most people usually think of a flood or fire when they hear the word “calamity”, it’s important to remember that it can also be man-made. If you live in a high crime area, for example, and don’t have proper security measures to protect your home, it may be a good idea to look into getting a good home security system. That would include things like an alarm system, security cameras, and strong locks. Not only will this help to keep your home safe in the event of a disaster, but it will also give you some peace of mind knowing that your home is well-protected even when you’re not there.

6. Be Prepared For Bad Weather

One of the most common causes of disasters is bad weather. Whether it’s a hurricane, tornado, or even just a severe thunderstorm, you want to make sure you’re prepared. This means having things like non-perishable food and water on hand, as well as flashlights and batteries in case of a power outage. It’s also a good idea to have a plan in place in case you need to evacuate. This could mean having a designated meeting spot for your family, as well as knowing which routes to take to avoid any areas that may be affected by the bad weather. Of course, it’s important that your home is as prepared for a natural disaster as possible, it’s also important to make sure you’re taking preventative measures as well. If you live in an area that sees a lot of bad weather, for example, consider installing storm shutters or hurricane windows to help protect your home from severe damage during extreme storms.

No one can be fully prepared when disaster strikes, but there are some things you can do to help keep your home and gadgets safe. Make sure you have a home warranty for all your appliances, install alarms and fire extinguishers, and have a plan in place in case you need to evacuate. Investing in a good home security system can also go a long way in protecting your home from man-made disasters. By following these tips, you can help to ensure that your home and belongings are as safe as possible in the event of a calamity.