There isn’t a place on earth that is out of reach of the wrath of mother nature. Whether it’s an earthquake, tidal wave, tornado, or storm, everyone and their homes are vulnerable to the deteriorating effects of harsh weather. It is, unfortunately, unavoidable that some sort of natural disaster will be in your area, but thankfully our homes can provide ample mitigation to such effects.
Storms can come from any direction, and while weather prediction has vastly improved with the invent of today’s technologies, nothing is for sure, and storms can develop at anytime. When lightning is an ever present danger, often a metal rod is implanted deep into the ground, and attached to the top of a roof. This metal rod attracts lightning towards it, and away from the rest of the house, the electrical energy from the bolt is safely returned to the ground virtually ensuring no damage is caused by lightning strikes. In Hail and driving wind prone regions, shatter proof glass windows prevents damage to occupants in the event of hard hits to the window. In the event of a tornado, having access to a basement level or cellar can prevent serious harm to any occupants.
Earthquakes are the vibrations of tectonic plates on the earth’s surface grinding against each other as they move and adjust, even the slightest geological movement can have massive impacts. Even in areas not associated with earthquakes, the risk is still present, as there is a widely unknown major fault line that runs through Lake Ontario. If your home is in an earthquake prone region it is important make sure any housing structure could withstand the violent shakes an earthquake can provide. Make sure your home inspector checks a property for structural damage caused by any earthquakes, including damage to the foundation which may lead to other problems, such as leaking.
Floods provide an extra challenge for those who live near rivers, lakes, or on flood plains. A flood can be a slow build up of rain, or an immediate torrent from a ruptured river bank or damn. Almost nothing can be done to prevent damage from a quickly in coming flood, and with a slow build up of water levels, constant maintenance is required in the form of sandbags, and water pumps. Flood waters can be very strong with heavy undercurrents, so its important not to try to swim to higher ground if the water is above 6 inches, unless necessary, but rather wait on the top story or roof of your home and wait for a rescue.
No matter what kind of natural disasters you may face in your area, its always advisable to have a plan in the event your faced with one, and know about any possible damages one may have caused to your home prior to your occupying or buying it.
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