How to Keep Valuables in Your House Safe During a Tornado
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As homeowners, we know in the back of our minds that there is always a potential risk in our natural and unpredictable world that can negatively impact our house. Whether it is water damage or an animal chewing through essential wiring, nature can be brutal to our homes, and the resulting repairs can be costly. One of the most dangerous natural disasters is the tornado, which can destroy everything in its path, including your most prized possessions, in a matter of moments.
If you have many valuable items in your home that you simply cannot lose, then you need to take precautions, especially if you live in a part of the country prone to tornadoes. While the methods we will discuss are not guaranteed to keep all of your valuable possessions in pristine condition after a storm, they will give you a fighting chance. Let’s talk about essential prep, insurance, and how to build a fortified space.
Start Prepping Now
If you have many valuable items in your possession that you want to keep safe, you will need to prepare ahead of time so you aren’t scrambling when you hear the tornado alarm. The first step is creating a computerized inventory of every valuable item you have with a description, information on where it is stored, and a listing of how much it is worth. Remember that it isn’t only about monetary worth but also the history and what the item means to you personally. If you have a long list, you can organize it by putting the highest value items on top so if you have limited time to gather what you need, you know where to go first.
When reviewing your list, if you find some items are just too precious to lose, then it may be a smart idea to keep them out of the home at all times so you know they are in a secure place, and a safety deposit box is a good starting point. Safety deposit boxes are typically stored inside of strong safes within the walls of secure banks, where no one can get to your belongings but you. If you have some particularly valuable possessions, you can get even better security by renting a private vault at your bank.
For those who would rather keep their valuables close, a smart idea is to get a safe where you can store your items 24/7. Even if you do not have firearms, a large gun safe may be a good idea as they are typically too heavy for thieves to take with them. Since tornadoes are incredibly strong, a heavier safe is ideal. For the ultimate protection, reinforce your floor and then have an expert bolt it to the floor to get the best chance of keeping it in place during a violent storm.
Security Underground
If you live in an area prone to tornadoes, then you must have a plan in place that everyone in the family understands and can follow at a moment’s notice. That should include familiarity with tornado warnings and an understanding of where to go for the best chance of safety. Research existing tornado shelters in your town, but if you have a basement, that may be the best place for your family and your prized possessions.
The basement is a good place to store your safe and any larger valuables as well as necessary emergency items you will need, such as extra water, food, flashlights, and first aid supplies.
Those who do decide to keep their valuables in the basement should take the time to ensure that this bottom level is as secure as possible, both for your possessions and the safety of your family. The first thing you should do is reinforce your windows, so they are less likely to break and a tornado doesn’t pull out your valuables. You can do this by adding film that makes the window more resistant to breakage. On top of that, consider adding additional window locks so they can’t fling open as easily.
You can also build a storm shelter within your basement for an extra layer of protection. If you choose to do so, start with doubled-up studs for the frame, surrounded by at least two layers of plywood, and include a steel-sheathed door. You could keep all of your most valuable items in the shelter and know they are as safe as possible, even under the most violent circumstances.
Importance of Insurance
If your valuables are that important to you, then you must get them insured. By getting insured, you will have the peace of mind of knowing that even if your favorite things are damaged, you have a chance to replace what you have lost. Now is the time to check your policy to see what your minimums and maximums may be and if your jewelry, family heirlooms, and other treasures are covered under the policy. If not, go to an insurance professional and get an upgrade.
For valuables that are old and not easily replaced, you may want to consider collectibles insurance, which offers special protection for art and antiques. Not only will you have coverage for priceless items, but the insurance often covers destruction by natural disasters, which is an area that most home or renter’s insurance programs don’t cover. It may be pricey, but almost anything you own can be insured, so ask your insurance agent for the best options.
Of course, when we think about our most valuable possessions, often, we aren’t talking only about inanimate objects. To many, their pet is the most important entity in their home, and if that includes you, be sure to invest in pet insurance for your furry friend. In addition to providing coverage for sickness and bodily harm, pet insurance can also provide holistic care and alternative therapies if your pet is mentally scarred by a storm. On top of insurance, it is also a good idea to have your pets microchipped, so if they run away during the storm or you otherwise lose track of them, you will know immediately where to look.
No one wants to think about going through a tornado, and they certainly don’t want to think about losing everything they hold dear in a matter of seconds. However, by thinking proactively about protecting your possessions, you will feel less stress and apprehension if you do hear that tornado alarm ring.
About Vince Sandri
Vince Sandri is a content writer and blogger with more than 12 years of experience. His expertise is in creating content related to disaster restoration, including information about preventing and reacting to natural disasters like flooding, water damage, fire and smoke damage, mold growth, storm damage and more.
Vince has been the main contributor to RestorationMasterFinder.com since 2014. Over that time, he has written numerous service pages and blogs for disaster restoration providers featured on RestorationMasterFinder.com. Vince has done extensive research and covered a wide range of topics relating to disaster restoration to help homeowners, business owners, and property managers better protect their property. He understands the problems that disasters like flooding, fire, smoke, and mold can cause as well as the best ways to respond to these issues to limit the damage.
Vince completed his Bachelor of Arts degree at Aurora University and his master’s degree at DePaul University. He has been writing SEO website pages, blogs, and press releases since 2012. Vince is also a musician and can be seen playing in the Chicago, IL area.
