Just because they contain the word “natural” doesn’t mean natural disasters are anything but devastating to those who go through them.
Despite our advanced technology and how far we’ve come in the area of prediction, these major storms continue to radically transform whole communities in their aftermath. But as human beings we do have a weapon in this fight.
It’s called risk mitigation and those who choose to apply it to their lives are better prepared and able to literally “weather the storm.”
Are you truly ready for what nature may throw at you?
Regardless of your answer, our hope is you’ll be much closer to saying “yes” by the end of this article.
Let’s begin!
Risk Mitigation Definition
FEMA defines this term as decreasing the impact of disasters through capabilities that reduce the potential for loss of property and life. This is achieved through a number of methods.
They are:
- Initiatives aimed at reducing future risks post disaster
- Risk reduction projects that are community-wide
- Improving the resilience of infrastructure and lifelines
- Specific vulnerabilities experience risk reduction
Part of the government’s role is to protect its citizens through wise management and recognition of historical weather events in their town/city/or state.
But what is your personal role as a homeowner in this endeavor, and are there risk mitigation strategies you can take advantage of?
Some Risk Mitigation Examples
Before you can minimize risk to your household, step one is to educate yourself on possible problem areas where you live. If your home is near a fault line, flood plain, or located in a hurricane susceptible region, put in place a risk mitigation plan to use in the event of an emergency.
Having established that, the next step is to address the specific concerns you may face. We’ve put together some tips for the three main natural disasters our country deals with annually.
Flood Mitigation
Rainfall is normally a good thing as it brings life and sustenance to otherwise bare land. Without it, deserts form and living creatures can’t carry on.
But when it doesn’t stop raining and there’s a large rise in the levels of rivers, streams, and other bodies of water there can be serious damage to a community.
Base Flood Elevation (BFE) is a common metric for dwellings in areas that are at risk from flooding. We’ll be using it in our tips to help mitigate risk and prepare your home for this natural phenomenon.
- Prevent sewer backup by installing a backflow valve in your sewer system
- Ensure electrical systems and mechanical units are above the BFE
- Have floor vents installed in any enclosed areas
- For materials below the BFE make sure they are flood-resistant
The ultimate goal is to lessen the fallout from a large deluge of water on your property.
Earthquake Mitigation
The West Coast of the United States is especially prone to earthquakes, and this is no more evident than in California. It’s an extremely dry state that doesn’t typically have to worry about disastrous floods, but the ground shaking beneath people’s feet does cause real anxiety and fear for residents who live there.
Besides damage to property and other structures, they can also trigger landslides and other issues. What are some concrete steps for you to take in the anticipation of a possible seismic event?
- Follow building codes when making additions to your home
- Bolt appliances and heavy furniture to the wall
- Install window film on all windows in your dwelling
- Make sure sewer and water services are made of flexible piping
- Participate in the Great ShakeOut
The tips we’ve mentioned are great, but if you live in these regions earthquake insurance is worth considering as another important precaution.
Hurricane Mitigation
Humid areas such as Florida and the East Coast have had a real struggle historically with devastating hurricanes. When it comes to these storms with extremely high winds and flying debris, how do you mitigate risk?
You accomplish this by:
- Have a roofing inspector determine if you need additional bracing
- Get hurricane or wind insurance
- Think about installing hurricane straps on your roof
- See if impact resistant windows are a feasible option
- Keep trees trimmed and perform other maintenance outside your home
Now, you’re equipped with some solid takeaways that can be implemented right away as your budget allows.
RVInsurances.com and Risk Mitigation for Homeowners
Hopefully none of these events occur to you and your family, but wisdom is in thinking ahead and planning as if they could. Then you’ll be able to say, I am truly ready for what nature may throw at me!
RVInsurances.com founder, Marty Adair, has been a licensed Property and Casualty Broker since 1997. He started his insurance career working in his family’s insurance business where they specialize in Mexico tourist Auto Insurance. While assisting customers with their Mexico Insurance policies he realized there were large groups that travel to Mexico in their high valued RVs to vacation. It soon became apparent that there was a need for specialty RV insurance that would extend coverage across the US and Mexico border that could save his RV clients thousands of dollars per year.
Today RVInsurances.com provides the best possible service to the RVING community. We are a full service insurance agency specializing in full-time and part-time RV enthusiasts. We represent the top rated RV specialty insurance companies in the nation to provide the best possible policy for the right price. We are licensed in many states to help with your RV insurance needs.
The tips we’ve outlined are a great way to sleep more soundly knowing you’ve added extra layers of protection. But if you’re one who still feels that something is missing from your plan we suggest talking with an expert in this area.
Get a quote today and take the first step towards the ultimate mitigation of risk.