Precious Properties Corp.
Marguerite Holton, Precious Properties Corp.Phone: (917) 816-7125
Email: preciousproperties95@gmail.com

Sheltering at Home: How to Prepare for Extreme Weather

by Marguerite Holton 03/06/2023

Sometimes when severe weather happens, the safest thing to do is remain indoors. However, for certain weather events with strong winds like tornadoes and hurricanes, there are some parts of your home that are safer than others. Here is a basic guide for how to shelter in your home to stay safe from extreme weather:

Where to Shelter In Your House

  • Basement - The basement is usually the safest place to shelter from extreme weather. If your home has a basement, make sure it's stocked with emergency supplies.
  • Bathroom - Bathrooms can be effective places to shelter as long as they don't share any walls with the outside of the home. A good shelter should be as far inside the house as possible and have no windows.
  • Hallway - An interior hallway can make a good shelter, provided you're able to close off access from the outside. This would mean closing all of the doors to put as many barriers between you and the weather as possible.

What About Apartments or Mobile Homes?

In an apartment building, the safest place to shelter is on the ground floor. If you live on an upper floor, head downstairs to a common area or neighbor's home to shelter. If your apartment building has a laundry room or utility room without windows, these are also options for sheltering from extreme weather.

Mobile homes are extremely vulnerable to strong winds and other extreme weather. Experts recommend leaving your mobile home to shelter in a sturdy building to lower your risk. It's crucial to prepare for an emergency so you can find shelter before the worst of the storm arrives.

Sheltering Supplies

Wherever you shelter in your home, you should have basic emergency supplies prepared. The American Red Cross recommends keeping a minimum of 3 days worth of water and non-perishable food items for each member of the household. Some other things to include in your kit:

  • Flashlight
  • Battery Powered Radio
  • First Aid Kit
  • Copies of personal documents
  • Pet supplies

If extreme weather forces you to shelter in your home, it's important to be prepared. Keep these tips in mind when formulating your own household emergency plan.

About the Author
Author

Marguerite Holton

 If you are familiar with the Staten Island real estate market, chances are you’ve heard of Marguerite Holton. She has been a real estate agent for 37 years, and since then she has built an empire while becoming a community pillar. Marge has made many valuable partners, contacts, and lasting friendships along the way.  She prides herself on building and mentoring a team with unique skill sets and pivotal roles in the business. Her expertise spans many facets of real estate including residential and commercial, with an unparalleled experience in helping buyers and builders with new home construction. If you have any doubts just give her a call and see how she goes above and beyond the expectation of a client/ broker relationship, she does not disappoint!