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Storm-Proofing 101: Boston Home Prep Guide

ADAM UMINA

LICENSE BROKER #9569629Adam grew up in Newton MA, attending Newton South High School before earning a B.S...

LICENSE BROKER #9569629Adam grew up in Newton MA, attending Newton South High School before earning a B.S...

Aug 20 1 minutes read

Nor'easters, blizzards, and the occasional hurricane—welcome to Boston, where the weather keeps you on your toes. Preparing your home for natural disasters in our area isn't just smart; it's essential. This guide isn't just about surviving the next big storm; it's about doing so with your sanity and your home's structure intact. Let’s get your Boston home up to snuff, shall we?

Build Your Emergency Toolkit

First things first, an emergency kit. If you’ve lived in Boston through at least one winter, you know things can go from 0 to 100 real quick. Your kit should be tailored to our local joys: blizzards, strong winds, and the rare but memorable earthquake. Include non-perishable Dunkin' (just kidding, but seriously, have enough food and water), first aid supplies, flashlights, extra batteries, a reliable, cranky old hand-crank radio, and your Red Sox paraphernalia—because morale is important. Oh, and don’t forget important documents in a waterproof container, cash, necessary meds, and personal items.

Master the Art of Evacuation

Having an evacuation plan in Boston is like having a snow shovel. You may not need it often, but when you do, you’re grateful. Map out multiple routes from your home, considering our quirky, winding streets that look like they were designed by a drunk sailor. Identify a meeting spot for your family that’s easy to remember, like Fenway Park (kidding, pick something closer). Keep a list of emergency numbers, including the local Boston services, because let's face it, when it’s go-time, we can’t always rely on Google.

Strengthen Your Home's Defenses

In Boston, securing your home’s structure takes a front seat. Install storm shutters or impact-resistant windows to protect against those fierce Nor'easters. Check your roof for loose shingles, and while you're up there, reminisce about the Great Molasses Flood as you clear those gutters. Trim any trees that look threatening, and secure outdoor items that the wind might fancy for flight. In other words, tie down anything that you wouldn’t want to see flying past your window during a hurricane.

Keep the Flood at Bay

Though Boston isn't exactly Atlantis, certain areas can get pretty soggy. If you live in a flood-prone zone—looking at you, parts of the North End, and the Seaport district—take heed. Install backflow valves, elevate utilities, and make friends with waterproof sealants. Sump pumps with battery backups can be your best friend when the water decides to get a little too close for comfort. Remember the "Big Dig"? That's the spirit we need for keeping our basements dry.

Prep for When the Lights Go Out

Extended power outages in Boston are like snow days: inevitable and sometimes fun, but only if you’re prepared. A portable generator can be a lifesaver, and so can a stash of batteries for all your gadgets. Surge protectors will keep your electronics from frying when the power flickers back on. Consider a whole-house surge protector if you want to protect your tech like you’re guarding the Green Monster.

Insurance: Your Financial Umbrella

Here in Boston, we’re no strangers to the element's surprises, so make sure your homeowner's insurance is up to date. Flood or earthquake insurance might seem like overkill until you remember we’re not immune to Mother Nature’s whims. Take a thorough inventory of your belongings—yes, this means finally acknowledging how many pairs of shoes you own. Keep those documents safe in a place where neither fire nor water can touch them. Think of it like protecting your family’s treasure map.

Be In-The-Know

Staying informed about potential threats is half the battle. Sign up for local Boston emergency alerts—they’re your direct line to what’s happening in our city. Keep an eye on the skies and the local news during those high-risk periods. Familiarize yourself with Boston’s emergency plans and evacuation routes because knowledge is power, and in Boston, we like our power like we like our coffee: strong and readily available.

Implementing these preparedness measures means you’re not just surviving; you’re thriving, no matter what Mother Nature throws our way. In Boston, we’re tough, we’re resilient, and we’re prepared. So, let’s tackle these storms with the same vigor we rally behind our sports teams. Protect your home, safeguard your loved ones, and when the next storm hits, you’ll be ready to face it head-on, Boston strong.

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