5 Foolproof Ways to Make Your Home Calamity-Proof

It’s typhoon season again in the Philippines and each year, millions of Filipinos face challenges brought by this weather disturbances. Heavy rains, strong winds, and flash floods all pose a threat to homes and properties, especially those in disaster-prone areas. In the aftermath of Typhoon Carina and the southwest monsoon or Habagat, about 4.8 million Filipinos were affected, displacing, and forcing them to take shelter in evacuation centers.

As storms and natural calamities become stronger and unpredictable, taking proactive measures to protect your home is the first step in ensuring the safety of the family. Here are five practical and effective ways to make your home calamity-proof during typhoon season.

Your roof and windows are your home’s shield against various weather elements such as the sun’s heat, winds, and of course rain. However, during stormy days, your roof and windows are the most vulnerable parts of your house. It is crucial to strengthen them to minimize significant damage such as roofs ripping off during events of strong winds:

• Reinforcing Roof: Check your roof for any loose or damaged tiles and repair them immediately. Use special fasteners like hurricane straps or metal ties to reinforce the roof structure, which helps keep it secured during strong winds. In case of leaks, a waterproof sealant is helpful to prevent rainwater from entering the house.
• Supporting your Windows: Replace broken windows immediately to prevent leakage inside the house. Use impact-resistant glass to strengthen your windows.

In its simplest form, water does not conduct electricity. But ion particles that usually come with it could start a fire if they come into touch with electricity. Protect it during flooding by:

• Inspecting your Circuit Breaker: Your main electrical source should always be protected against rain. Use waterproof sealant in case your circuit breaker is susceptible to water contact.
• Elevating your Appliances: If you are residing in a flood-prone area, place electrical appliances like TVs, refrigerators, washing machines on your second floor or higher areas of your house to keep them protected against floodwaters.

If your house has a yard with trees or plants, make sure it is well maintained to prepare during typhoons. Tall trees can be uprooted and can either damage your roof or block your way. Trim them regularly and cut off branches hanging over your roof. For hanging plants, properly secure them to avoid additional hazards during strong winds.

With torrential rains come the risk of flooding which can cause property damage and even health threats to the family in the form of leptospirosis and other water-borne diseases. Prepare for flooding by:

• Installing Flood Barriers: To prevent floodwaters from entering your home, consider installing flood barriers such as sandbags around entry points.
• Inspecting Drainage Systems: Clean gutters and ducts to remove debris and inform local authorities right away if clogging is suspected.

In an event of property damage, a calamity insurance loan is crucial to prevent further financial strain and give peace of mind to the family. An example of this is Home Credit’s Home Content Protection. This protection plan covers all eligible products at home, whether they are purchased via Home Credit or not, providing up to P50,000 of coverage to home furniture, clothing, and other related products in case of damage or loss due to natural disasters, and accidents like fire.

For a fixed price of ₱1,188, this protection plan ensures that, in the event of a natural disasters, accidents, or events like robbery, you are financially protected against the cost of replacing or repairing damaged items.

In conclusion, making your home calamity-proof requires a combination of advanced and thorough preparation as well as regular maintenance. Always remember that a well-protected home is the family's best defense against typhoons. So, stay prepared and remain safe against the colossal force that is Mother Nature.